Networking is a way to create alliances and build group projects. It is about promoting participation and teamwork to achieve common goals.
Networking is no exception to this principle, and is a very important practice in the business world, where alliances and cooperation are key to promoting contact between professionals.
Networking is a term you have probably heard during work meetings, business conferences, webinars, online classes, among other spaces .
In the following article we invite you to learn more about its concept, what it is used for, its impact on the digital world and its importance when doing business.
What is networking?
Networking is the act of creating professional networks of contacts to promote a profile and/or business. It is used through digital platforms and face-to-face events, such as technology conferences, to promote the exchange of knowledge and the acquisition of business opportunities .
Listen and learn from others.
Finding potential collaborators, partners or investors.
Strengthening labor relations.
If we wanted to delve deeper into the specific spaces where networking takes place, we would highlight both social networks for professional purposes (such as LinkedIn , Womenalia or Yammer ), as well as fairs, events, talks or any corporate meeting.
Statistics show that 65% of professionals prefer corporate events for networking . Therefore, those spaces where valuable knowledge is shared, and education is provided rather than selling, are suitable spaces for networking .
It is worth noting that networking is not exclusive to entrepreneurs or people related to business. It can also be beneficial for those who are looking for a job or thinking about changing jobs.
A networking network helps professionals connect with other managers, executives and entrepreneurs to deepen their respective business interests by developing beneficial relationships and business alliances.
Networking in the digital world: the case of LinkedIn
LinkedIn is one of the most important social networks today for finding a job and networking . Its data classification and job application system has enabled millions of users in various countries to receive job offers and find new staff for their companies.
LinkedIn allows others to rate your performance, legitimize your work skills, and learn about your academic achievements on its platform.
It also represents an attractive way to present your curriculum vitae (CV) and interact with new professionals. Like Facebook and Instagram, Linkedin has decided to equip itself with new tools for those companies looking to improve their online presence.
This is why this networking network launched an update for companies called “LinkedIn for brands,” which focuses on professionals with potential in the marketing area whose goal is to give more prominence to their projects and/or businesses on this network.
In this way, LinkedIn has become one of the most prodigious platforms for carrying out networking and relational marketing strategies .
Nowadays, it is extremely important to have a profile within this network of professional contacts , not only so that your employees can indicate that they are part of your team, but also to obtain business opportunities with other organizations that share your same value proposition and wish to create strategic alliances with your brand.
But be careful! Executives of large companies point out that adding someone on LinkedIn without having met them before can be ineffective. However, they say that doing so after having spoken in person can strengthen the relationship and generate greater trust.
What is networking for?
Networking offers you multiple advantages and benefits, among the most notable are:
Strengthening professional relationships
Networking allows you to create 1:1 relationships with your potential clients, suppliers cellphone number philippines , financial institutions and investors .
You will be the one who interacts personally or virtually with these entities, demonstrating your ability to negotiate and generate trust.
Without a doubt, this will help you strengthen your relationships and create contact networks that can serve you in the short or long term.
Promote a product or service efficiently
Within high-impact professional networks, it is much easier to give visibility to your business proposals, mention their benefits and why it is important to buy/invest in them.
This is an environment where negotiations and the presentation of ideas are widely accepted.
Acquire a higher degree of knowledge
When you network , you are an open book looking for new knowledge to boost the development of your company.
In this sense, this action allows you to learn more about the work environment that surrounds you and assess its risks and opportunities with greater perspective.
Keep in mind that your network of contacts is vital for the development of your professional and business career.
Acquire new clients or partners
Whether on digital platforms or in-person events, increasing your network of contacts and allies is an advantage that networking offers you to acquire new clients or partners for your company.
When you present your brand's values to an audience interested in your industry, it is much easier for other people to connect with your values and want to be part of your project, either as allies or as clients.
Why is networking so important?
Networking is of great importance because it establishes professional networks of contacts that help people to make their social skills known, listen and learn from others, connect with potential collaborators, partners or investors, receive advice from people who have achieved a great career in the commercial world, and most importantly, get potential clients interested in buying their products and/or services.
On the other hand, networking allows you to put your emotional intelligence into practice in competitive and highly committed work environments.
This ability, which involves self-control of emotions and establishing empathic relationships with others, makes a big difference between people who get good jobs and professional opportunities, and the rest of the people who do not.
Networking is not just about making contacts but about cultivating lasting relationships with people and organizations that can nurture your professional growth .
In short, networking is a set of actions that takes into consideration the value of negotiation, emotional intelligence and skills development.
At the same time, it is a strategy that provides multiple benefits to entrepreneurs and business leaders who want to increase their opportunities in the market.