Benefits of Networking with your Colleagues

Written by Karen E. Mosier

Have you ever thought about the benefits of networking with your colleagues or othernetworking professionals? Networking is very beneficial to ones career. Networking is much more than just connecting with your peers when you are looking for a job. It is more than just shaking hands, making introductions, and handing out business cards to strangers. Networking is about making real connections to people.

Here are some benefits to having your own personal network:

  • It allows you to help others with their career goals – which can be very rewarding
  • It can lead to long-lasting personal relationships – some of the strongest and most long-standing friendships are borne from work connections
  • It helps you gain a different perspective – asking for opinions from others can help you see things in a new light and overcome roadblocks that could prevent you from reaching your goals
  • It will make you more visible to the right people – get you the reputation that you are that one person who “knows everyone”
  • It opens doors to new opportunities – you could meet the right person who could change the course of your career
  • It allows you to express opinions and exchange information – discuss ideas that you have been thinking about as well as ask for advice
  • It can lead to personal practical solutions – personal relationships that you develop can be used for identifying practical solutions to every day life e.g., recommend a contractor or plumber
  • It gives you the chance to expand your social networks – draw upon their networking 2experiences e.g., advice & tips for interviews; tips on how a particular individual likes to operate
  • It can get you promoted – connecting with other professionals gives you insight and makes you more effective which are attributes than any boss would value and look to reward
  • It boosts your self esteem – being asked about your opinions and ideas and getting asked to introduce people is quite the social thrill
  • It influences things positively – we all need an influencer who can help things go our way and someone to put in a good word for us and apply pressure when necessary to aid in achieving our career goals
  • It can lead to career opportunities – networking can expose you to jobs that aren’t posted online or in newspapers or help you find a job that you will love

Active networking is vital to career growth. It involves getting to know people who you can assist, and who can potentially help you in return. Start networking today, and expand your contacts and invest your time in building relationships that will last throughout the course of your career.

References:

  1. Career Addict. May 11, 2017. 10 Important Benefits of Networking. https://www.careeraddict.com/benefits-networking
  2. Thriving Small Business. 5 Advantages of Professional Networking. https://thethrivingsmallbusiness.com/what-are-5-advantages-of-professional-networking/
  3. Top Resume. 5 Ways to Network With Your Current Colleagues. https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/5-ways-to-network-with-your-current-colleagues
  4. Michael Page. Top 11 benefits of networking. https://www.michaelpage.com.au/advice/career-advice/career-progression/benefits-networking
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