Why networking is good for YOUR career

Photo by Jakob Dalbjörn on Unsplash

How do you feel about networking?

Love it or loathe it?

Maybe it just feels like a necessary evil.

The dictionary definition of networking makes it sound transactional, but it’s not when you add the personal touch.

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

However you feel about it, networking is important. There’s a strong possibility that your next career opportunity will come through a personal lead or recommendation.

In this blog, I'll share some of my views on networking, particularly why it's good for your career.

Networking – is like Marmite

The networking lovers out there enjoy talking to strangers (friends they haven’t yet met). Working the room (or Zoom) is their happy place.

The loathers think it’s fake because they don’t like small talk and dread the awkward one-minute sales pitches. In which case, I wonder if you just haven't found your thing (yet).

What if there were no rules – only possibilities?

Networking is good for careers

Some of the most successful career climbers are also consummate networkers. 

I can hear you saying that you don’t have time for all of that. But we know there’s something in it. Otherwise, people wouldn’t say, “I need a new challenge – I better start networking”.

Networking opens doors – how could you switch up your networking game today?

So why don’t you network?

The downside of not networking is that you could end up chasing cold leads and applying for jobs online (then complaining when you don’t hear back).

If you think that asking for help makes you sound weak, needy or desperate it’s time for a serious reframe.

I have career services for that – don’t suffer in silence.

How to get headhunted

Wouldn’t it be great if instead of you going out looking for a job, the opportunities came to you?

Well, that’s precisely how executive search headhunting works.

Those elusive roles, that aren’t in the public domain, are usually handled by executive headhunters. Being poached for another company or given an internal promotion still has kudos and is often the result of being recommended or put forward with a glowing reference from someone influential and respected.

When I worked in search, many of my best candidates and placements came through my network recommendations.

Our networks are supportive and powerful.

Networking opens doors

You might think this is all down to luck or being in the right place at the right time and knowing the right people.

And you're right!

This is an opportunity to make your own luck.

You need to be known for being good at what you do by being visible and 'front of mind'—the first person people think of. Networking is the key to this.

You need a strategy

Don’t let a bit of strategy put you off.

Your network is already huge, but not everyone can assist with your career. For example, if you want to break into a new sector or market, your nearest and dearest might not be your best leads. Who are the people in your network that you need to speak to, and how will you start those conversations?

Networking is not as painful or time-consuming as you think. It’s a fast and effective way to speed up your job search.

Think of it less as selling yourself or having lots of fake and desperate conversations with people you don‘t know and more as an opportunity to investigate all your options and meet people who could help you. Always start with warm leads and connections; cold networking is exactly that… cold.

You’re doing it for yourself. Know what you want to achieve, have a clear strategy for what you want people to know about you, and make it work for you.

I've factored this into my Career Accelerator so you'll have support in developing your professional brand and networking for your career.

Just remember there are no rules – just opportunities!

ABOUT ME

I’m Tracy, a Career Consultant and former Executive Headhunter. Through 1:1 coaching, I help senior executives and leaders land great jobs and be successful at work.

I work with clients around the world from my London-based Zoom office.

If you’re ready for straight talk and career guidance, get in touch – let's start the conversation.

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