The power of networking

When you hear the word networking, what is the first thing you think of? A room full of people making awkward small talk and handing out business cards? This is one version of networking, and it is a pretty awful one, but the concept itself is so much broader. 

It's who you know

The stereotypical networking event I described is what most people think of when you say the word networking, but I think that really gives it a bad reputation. Networking is so much more than chatting to other businesspeople over bad coffee, it is about leveraging your connections to achieve your goals. If that sounds too corporate, or too calculated, then think of it as paying attention to your professional community and looking for ways you can be an active participant in it.

I looked up the definition of networking to see just how broad it might be and found this…

“the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts.”

It is about being human, interacting with other people to exchange ideas and opportunities, within a professional context. The biggest lesson I have learnt at work, and it also applies to life, is that you can’t do things on your own. Being part of a network allows you to do more than you could by yourself. It opens up opportunities, it gives you access to knowledge and information, and if you utilise it well, your network can support your career. It is also a chance to give back, to share your knowledge, and to support other people. 

Let’s get connected

Whether you are intentional about it or not, you have a professional network. The people you work with, the suppliers you interact with, anyone you have had contact with at work, all make up your network. Some people will not even consider they have a network, let alone use it, whilst other people make connection the basis of what they do.

If you are in sales, business development, or an outward-facing role you will probably have been required to network for your job. For many people it is possibly something that they have never had to do. You might think that it isn’t relevant for you, or you may be thinking that you would like to do it, but don’t know where to start. 

Something I hear a lot in my work is about the opportunities that people get because of their network. That might be recommendations for business owners, hearing about a new role being advertised, or getting access to information and opportunities. If you are a quiet, passive part of someone’s network, all of that will pass you by. If you are actively engaging with your community, you are more likely to find the opportunities that you are looking for.

Networking is often seen as a stand-alone activity, a way to meet new people. But making a connection is only the start, it’s what you do with those connections that counts. 

Peer to peer

Networking isn’t just about meeting new people, it’s about what you do with those connections. Some connections can be transactional, a person has a product or service that is useful to you, but there are opportunities to grow relationships with people which can support you in a whole host of ways. The network of peers I have had over the years has been so valuable and been a key part in my career success. 

I’ve had two different types of peer connections that have been beneficial, the first is colleagues in my organisation who are working at the same level, facing many of the same challenges, but not necessarily in the same department. When you are the manager of a team it can feel very isolating but knowing you can talk to someone who knows what you are dealing with feels good. These relationships have helped me to negotiate organisational change, deal with a shared challenging senior leader, and they have given me the support and encouragement to be the best leader I can be. 

Your peers understand what you are going through and can offer a listening ear or words of encouragement when things get tough. They can also be enjoyable. One group of managers I worked with used to go out for drinks after work once a month and those evenings were always so much fun. 

Networking for support

The other network I have benefited from is made up of people doing the same or a similar role as me but in different organisations. I used to work in charity retail, which is a very niche job within a charity, and it could feel isolating to have no colleagues with relevant experience to help me. I developed a network of other charity retail managers who I could contact when I needed support, and in return help them.

Those connections were so important to me being able to grow my own sales, and it also felt good to be able to offer advice and support in return. Sometimes it was informal, picking up the phone to a contact to ask a specific question, but we also got together to discuss industry trends and share best practice.

You also never know all the ways in which these relationships will be beneficial. After I was made redundant, I got a job through a charity retail connection which allowed me to launch my coaching business at the same time. I doubt I would have been able to find that role, had I not built up such a strong network. 

Making connections is the first step, but building relationships is what great networking is all about. There is so much more to navigating the world of work than just doing your job, and having a strong network of peers to support you will help you to manage all that is thrown your way. Finding the courage to speak up is so much easier when you feel supported by those around you. I know the times I have had to challenge my senior leadership team has been made that little bit more manageable when my peer network has agreed with my stance and supported what I’ve said. Like so many things in life, you are stronger and more capable when you are surrounded by a community of caring supportive people, so make sure you are cultivating those relationships.