4 Simple Ways To Better Leverage Your Network In The Next 24 Hours
Networking is an essential part of your career and personal life — but it’s not always easy. In fact, surveys have found that while 80% of business professionals consider networking to be crucial, nearly 40% also say that they find it hard to network.
There are many reasons why you might find it hard to network, such as struggling to find relevant events, working remotely or being a naturally introverted person. But as Dr. Parwiz Daud, CNO at Validus explains, overcoming these obstacles to build up your own professional network delivers several undeniable benefits.
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Networking is an essential part of your career and personal life — but it’s not always easy. In fact, surveys have found that while 80% of business professionals consider networking to be crucial, nearly 40% also say that they find it hard to network.
There are many reasons why you might find it hard to network, such as struggling to find relevant events, working remotely or being a naturally introverted person. But as Dr. Parwiz Daud, CNO at Validus explains, overcoming these obstacles to build up your own professional network delivers several undeniable benefits.
1. Get Exposed to New Ideas
“One of the most valuable aspects of networking is that you’ll get exposed to ideas and perspectives that you might never have considered on your own,” Dr. Daud says. “As you exchange information and ideas with others, their insights can help you discover a new solution to the challenges you are dealing with. Even when you’re not directly asking for help, there are countless opportunities to learn from others in ways that will strengthen your future career plans.”
Indeed, learning the perspectives of others — especially those with opinions that run counter to your own — can be key to developing empathy, avoiding misunderstandings and reducing your own internal biases.
2. Access New Career Opportunities
When the time comes to advance your career, your prior networking efforts can pay big dividends. It is estimated that as many as 80% of all jobs are filled using professional and personal connections — and as a result, 70% of open jobs are never published on job sites.
“Access to new career opportunities come as you share your knowledge and skills with others in your network,” Dr. Daud says. “When you consistently provide value to those you interact with, that is going to stick out to them. When a relevant opportunity at their company opens up, they’re going to remember you and reach out. Without networking, there’s no telling how many of these opportunities could completely pass you by without you ever realizing it.”
3. Find the Answers You Need
Just like how sharing your own knowledge with others can lead to new opportunities (be it through a contracting or consulting role or even a full-time position), your network can be a valuable resource when you need to find answers or access skills to help your own business.
“When you form meaningful connections with others, they can quickly become your most valuable resource for information, support or services,” Dr. Daud explains. “Let’s say your company finds itself in need of an IT technician. Even if you don’t know somebody in your own personal network who can assist with that, chances are, someone in your network can provide the connection to a person who can fulfill that role for you. Getting quality information or support becomes so much easier when you can ask people you trust for help, rather than relying on strangers.”
4. Improve Your Self-Confidence
As the old saying goes, “Practice makes perfect.” And according to Dr. Daud, this can also ring true for your networking efforts.
“It’s perfectly normal to feel uncomfortable when you first start trying to grow your network. Whether you’re networking in-person or online, it’s easy to feel like you’re coming across as forced or unnatural in your conversations with others. It won’t always go perfectly. But each time you try to reach out to someone new, you gain valuable lessons and experience. Over time, you improve your ability to connect with others — and that will ultimately provide a valuable boost of self-confidence that can serve you well in all aspects of your professional life.”
That growing confidence can be a true difference maker. Confidence has been found to improve communication skills, the ability to take feedback, leadership skills and even happiness in the workplace.
5. Strengthen Existing Relationships
One important thing to remember is that networking isn’t just about creating new contacts. It’s also about strengthening relationships with the people who are already a part of your network.
“Successful networking isn’t about instant gratification,” Dr. Daud advises. “Each relationship is something important that should be continually nurtured over time. As you strengthen these existing relationships, you may find yourself reaping the benefits several years down the road. You could be looking for a new job five years from now and find the perfect fit thanks to a connection you maintained during that time. Or you might find yourself equally able to help someone else.”
Indeed, many in the sales world will even use networking tactics to win back former customers, or to maintain strong relationships with existing clients. While the frequency and manner in which you keep in touch with your contacts will likely vary from person to person, keeping these contacts “active” will ensure that your network is truly robust and thriving.
Networking Is Worth the Effort
While networking can often be a challenge, the potential benefits are well worth the effort. As Dr. Daud notes, practice makes perfect. By starting to grow your professional network in meaningful ways — even through small steps — you can put yourself on the path to lasting professional and personal growth.
Source: https://www.digitaljournal.com/business/dr-parwiz-daud-5-ways-a-bigger-more-robust-professional-network-will-improve-your-life
