This is a question i’m frequently asked.
The short answer is now. And here’s why:
The Compound Effect of Networking
Regardless of your current job situation or career stage, the best advice that I can give is to get started today, even if it’s to send a whatsapp message to invite someone for coffee or to reach out to your colleagues on Linkedin. Everything will add up as building your network has a compound effect.
Reasons to Start Networking Now
Here are several key reasons and insights on why immediate action is beneficial:
Proactive Relationship Building:
Networking should begin before you need it. Strong professional relationships take time to develop, and starting early can prepare you for future opportunities, whether you’re seeking a job or not. There is no point in wanting to change career or being made redundant and then thinking about networking. This approach is disingenuous and will smack of desperation.
That may sound harsh, but I’ve been there. It was a realisation that I had when the department I ran in a company was closed down and I was made redundant. My a-ha moment was that I was siloed and didn’t know anyone outside of my industry.
I didn’t know any better, so I encourage you to network, build your contacts, nurture those relationships and widen your pool of contacts.
Mentorship Opportunities:
Early in your career, you are more likely to benefit from mentorship. Establishing connections with experienced professionals can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate your career path
But don’t forget to review a few things:
- What do you need to be mentored in?
- Don’t simply go gender to gender – be analytical about who you seek guidance from
- Mentorship can also come from afar, be it internationally on a Zoom call or via podcasts and books. Perhaps it will be all of the above for you?
Career Flexibility:
A robust network opens up various career options. Life is unpredictable, and having a diverse set of contacts can provide you with opportunities when you least expect them
Most of us will have a variety of careers throughout our lives, so our network should reflect our interests. Make sure to network in different pools.
Don’t make assumptions as to what people do, who they work for, their title etc.
Until you get to know the person, you won’t know how they can help you or indeed who they know that could make an amazing introduction for you when you need it!
Access to Information and Support:
Networking allows you to gain insights into industry trends and best practices. Connections can offer advice that helps advance your career, making it essential to engage with industry professionals regularly.
This is really important for conversations too, be it with internal stakeholders or indeed with clients. Staying on top of your game is part of how career growth will occur.
Professional Growth:
Your network can be instrumental in your professional development, offering resources and recommendations for training and skill enhancement.
This is something you can also link in with your mentor or coach on. Where do you aspire to go with your career? Find people who have carved that path and arrange to have a coffee with them to chat on their training and continuous professional development.
Building Reputation:
Networking contributes to your professional reputation. Positive word-of-mouth from your connections can enhance your credibility in the industry.
Networking is all about three pillars: Know. Like. Trust.
By getting out of your comfort zone to expand your network, you allow others to get to know you, to learn about you, your reliability, your professional acumen and it gives others the opportunity to understand your reputation. Only when trust is built will referrals and introductions start to happen.
Ideal Conditions for Networking
While starting now is crucial, the effectiveness of networking can also depend on your current mindset:
Positive Attitude:
Engaging in networking while you are happy at work can lead to more meaningful connections. When you’re not in a desperate situation (like job searching), you’re more likely to approach networking with an open mind and genuine interest in others.
Continuous Process:
Networking is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Regularly reaching out and maintaining relationships will yield better results over time.
Check out my blog on Why Consistency Matters With Networking.
Conclusion
Whether you’re just entering the job market or are established in your career, building and nurturing professional relationships is vital for long-term success.
Networking is not about today. It’s always about tomorrow.
And one thing is certain, we all need a tribe and community around us. Life will happen to you whether you want it to or not. The question is wherher you’ll be ready and have the network built up around you to help you along your path in life.
Here’s a lovely little quote that I got at a recent networking event that I was at:
Start Where You Are
Use What You Have
Do What You Can
Arthur Ashe
1-2-1 Coaching in Networking
If you feel that you need a little push up and support to get going, I offer a 90 minute clinic (fee based) so that you can pick my brain on all areas of networking.
Remember, if it was all easy and everyone could do it, we’d all be great at it!
You can book in here for the 1-2-1 clinic or keep an eye out on my socials for my next bootcamp!
If we aren’t already connected on Linkedin, reach out to me (NetworkingJean) today!
Jean Evans is an expert on all things networking. It is her passion; one that is borne out of experience and plenty of trial and error, mistakes and mishaps. Through her blogs, podcasts and social media channels, Jean shares tips, techniques and ideas on how to become a confident networker in business and professionally.