We explain what networking in business is, what it is for and what types exist. In addition, we tell you how to network.
What is networking?
In the professional world and business, is understood by Anglicism networking to the practice of making contacts, that is, of meeting other professionals Y businessmen with a view to future and possible opportunities for investment and of worked. The use of other terms for this same activity is also common, such as: marketing relational, business networks or work networks.
The idea of networking consists of expanding labor networks (hence its name in English: net, “network”, and work, “work”), to add acquaintances and potential strategic allies. For that, the entrepreneurs or professionals usually coincide in meetings of networking, whose purpose is to allow and facilitate social relations between the interested parties, and promote the exchange of contact information, advice and mentoring.
Currently, it is possible to networking digitally, thanks to Applications Y social networks dedicated to the professional field, such as LinkedIn and even Twitter.
What is the use of networking?
Most professionals and entrepreneurs agree on the importance of networking as a source of potential allies, employees either employers, and potential partners. This is because having a vast work network translates into greater strategic opportunities, greater presence in the professional circuit and a channel of communication more direct between professionals.
As for specific purposes, the networking can be used for:
- Get partners, investors or employees for the business itself.
- Meet other professionals in the area and receive advice, news and stay up to date in the field of interest.
- Learn about potential employers or mentorships from professionals with more experience.
- Establish links with eventual competitors that lead to strategic alliances.
Types networking
There are three types of networking:
- networking staff. He is the one who makes a person by herself, outside of her current job, and who relies on her social relationships and interpersonal. For an individual with a vast personal network, it will be easier to change jobs, start on her own or get advice.
- networking strategic. It is the one carried out by the professionals of a business or organization, either with equivalents in other companies (networking horizontal) or with professionals in positions of authority (networking vertical), who are committed to professional development opportunities in the future.
- networking operational. It is the one carried out by the employees of a company to exchange knowledge Y experience, increase its value for the company and face its challenges from new and more efficient perspectives.
How to do networking?
Being present at events linked to the work area enhances the personal brand.
There are many different ways to get a job done. networking. Among the main ones are:
- Strengthen your own personal brand. To develop a more visible presence in the professional circuit and project your own work beyond the office, you can print business cards, open and update profiles on work social networks or be present at events related to the work area.
- Develop social talents. To expand contacts it is essential to meet new people and for that you must socialize: go to meetings of after office, participate in forums and presentations. Knowing how to listen, knowing how to communicate and a good dose of leadership are key in this regard.
- Always go prepared. Opportunities must always be seized, and for this certain work of one's own is essential: to reflect on the goals in the short and medium term, prepare a “elevator pitch” (a brief personal introduction) beforehand and always be clear about what you are looking for at an event. Clear ideas allow concordant actions.
- Continuously update contact networks. Whether it is a digital portal or an analog agenda, it is important to be up to date in terms of contacts. This means updating phone numbers, knowing where our contacts are and being aware of their achievements, movements and initiatives.
- Be generous when it suits. Human beings tend to be reciprocal in affection and in social relationships, which is why we generally respond with gratitude to the generosity alien Having a grateful contact can be the difference to discover an opportunity in time. That is why generosity with the information that is handled is important.
- Subscribe to clubs networking. There are many organizations dedicated to networking between professionals and entrepreneurs. A quick investigation can bring us up to date with respect to which are the best known in our locality and which are more convenient for our professional profile.