1. Advancement
Career advancement is without a doubt one of the biggest benefits of networking. Whether you’re happy and fulfilled in your current position or looking for a new opportunity, networking can help you strengthen or take the next step in your career. Getting yourself out there and known within your field makes you more likely to be considered when there’s an open position. By networking, you are putting yourself directly in contact with people who are “in-the-know” and can make that next step in your career possible. Networking can establish personal relationships that will make you memorable and give you an edge over competition.
2. Business Leads
Using the contacts you make when networking can open doors for new business opportunities, that otherwise would not have existed. Networking is one of the best ways to grow your business contacts and can generate quality referrals better than most other techniques. Following up with these referrals can turn them into clients, directly increasing business. Establishing a new business lead improves your credibility and can start a mutually beneficial relationship.
3. Connections
Networking creates connections and opportunities that otherwise would not have existed. Whether that connection can benefit you and your business now, in the future, or maybe never, it is better to have more than not enough. You never know when a certain connection could be of benefit to you, so there’s really no such thing as having too many connections. Essentially, more connections lead to more opportunities. Having a large source of relevant connections in your network that you can call on when you need them is important in any successful business. Not only are you networking with the people in that room, but with each of their networks as well, so the possibilities are really endless.
4. Advice
Everyone you meet knows something that you don’t. Exchanging information and advice between people in your field can be rewarding and extremely beneficial to your business or your career. Getting advice from a like-minded business professional can be much more helpful than any answer you get on Google. You can also learn the dos and don’ts of your business best from those in the field. Find out what works and what doesn’t work from people who have been there. The more you network, the more knowledge you can tap into and absorb, making you a more valuable part of any business.
5. Increased Confidence
The only way to get better at something is by doing it. By regularly networking, and pushing yourself to talk to people you don’t know, your confidence will steadily increase each time. Not everyone naturally possesses the qualities of being great at networking. But the more you do it, the easier it becomes and the more naturally it comes to you. Most businesses are reliant on talking to people and making connections, so having confidence when networking is an essential skill to have. The more successfully you can network, the more benefit it will have for you and your business.
Networking isn’t always easy, and it will take some effort. But networking works! And the benefits you will receive from networking will pay off in the long run. Sandler’s professional networking training program, Networking Works! can help you and your team learn the secrets of effective networking to get the most out of any networking experience. Our program provides the framework for building an on-going stream of qualified referrals and strengthens the confidence of you and your team while networking. Contact Sandler Training today to learn more about our professional networking training program. If you’re building relationships, you’re building business!
