What is networking?

The concept of networking comes from the English combination of net – “network” and work – “work”, and implies social activities aimed at effectively solving life problems with the help of a circle of friends and acquaintances. In simple words, it is the creation of useful connections with people who can help with all sorts of (in our case, work) issues.

Any two people on Earth are separated by no more than five mutual acquaintances. The more connections a specialist has, the higher his chances of professional support and career growth.

The theory of six handshakes, developed by social psychologists Stanley Milgram and Jeffrey Travers, proves that we all have connections – it remains only to make them useful and multiply. This is the essence of networking.

Professional networking and how it is useful

In business, networking is an institution of professional acquaintances that may be useful in the future. For example, today you will be recognized personally, and tomorrow you will be invited to work. Or vice versa: you get to know a person and they help you solve a work issue. It is important that this assistance be mutual, and both sides strive to achieve their goal with equal resources.

Here's where networking can help:

1. Employment opportunities

According to Linkedln statistics, 85% of vacancies are closed without even being published. Most employers find specialists through their acquaintances: they already know a professional with a good name personally and offer him a job.

Not to be confused with "nepotism", professional networking is about honest work and its fair assessment.

Or a professional can be recommended. Through the "handshakes" that we wrote about above, useful connections also work: it is enough to show yourself to be a sociable and knowledgeable specialist so that you are known and advised.

Useful connections are also a plus for recruiters. It is much easier to find and accept an already familiar, trusted person into the company.

2. Access to experts

Having masters of your craft and related specialties in your contacts, you can always turn to them for help. They can guide you in the right direction, provide a service, or suggest someone who knows how and knows for sure.

In addition, work and development are much faster among people of the same profession. This implies the following point:

3. Pumping knowledge and skills

You can learn a lot from professionals: being in constant contact with them, you increase your viewing experience, learn about new interesting projects firsthand and keep an eye on the inner kitchen of your field.

4. Professional development in other fields

Roughly speaking, it is an expansion of horizons. Professional networking does not stop at one circle of your colleagues. In the process of working, you most likely interact with people of other specialties, and “this is far from what I do” does not mean “useless".

Such connections will also help you a lot in your work: having an idea of what other people are doing in your office, it will be more convenient for you to give them tasks, make work plans and understand what costs this or that part of the project requires. Of course, you should not write programs or create layouts for your colleagues, but knowing how they are written and created, you will be better guided in what concerns your work in one way or another.

And connections with other specialists can also help with a change of profession. If you suddenly decide to take such an important step, you will already have an idea of other options and people you can ask.

Types of networking

1. Personal networking is any communication in a non–professional environment in order to expand the social network and create personal contacts.

Where it takes place:

• in educational institutions and courses;
• at cultural events;
  
• at the gym or at yoga;
  
• and in any other public places.
  

Personal networking occurs everywhere and is not related to work – these are ordinary acquaintances based on interests or situations (for example, with neighbors), and it is he who makes up a large part of our social life. Although professional benefit is far from the main thing here, over time such acquaintances can help us a lot.

With the help of personal networking, we have been finding friends and acquaintances of various professions all our lives.

2. Professional networking is the same communication aimed at creating new connections, but in a formal setting. It happens where we study and work – at various courses, at the university, in the office and other workplaces.

Considering the importance of professional networking for business and career growth, it will be convenient to divide it into internal and external.

a) Internal networking takes place within one company or department. He brings the work team together: colleagues get to know each other, share knowledge and experience, and the team works more productively.

Where it happens:

• in the process of work;
• at corporate events;
  
• at work trainings and seminars within the company.
  

Team building is the goal of any organization. Colleagues are not required to become friends, but the ability to negotiate and work in a team directly affects the effectiveness of the entire department. When people know each other and are ready to help, work goes much easier and faster, and the working atmosphere motivates for better results.

b) External networking covers all connections outside the company – these are your connections with partners, competitors and customers. This type is aimed at finding new partners and customers and sharing experiences with representatives of other companies.

Where it takes place:

• any business conferences and seminars;
• exhibitions and other events;
  
• in professional courses;
  
• and in the process of work. Especially if you work with people.
  

Both internal and external networking are aimed at expanding connections in the field of your profession. In other words, this is a working communication, from which all the buns we mentioned come out: new experience, connections with professionals and career growth.

Internal networking is enough for comfortable work, but if you want to develop, try yourself in new places and always have someone to turn to for outside help, it will be much more productive to pay attention to the outside.

Networking rules

In addition to everything that ordinary professional communication requires – the ability to listen and hear, politeness and compliance with formalities, networking has its own mandatory points. Remember that networking is aimed at finding and strengthening useful connections for work, and not just expanding the list of acquaintances.

Here are the basic rules by which networking works:

1. Active presence

First of all, create a “work field” for yourself – participate in events, conferences and meetings related to your industry. It is important not only to appear at the event, but also to actively communicate, ask questions and show interest in other participants.

If we are talking about a simple workflow, do not push your colleagues and be active within reason. Not everyone around is interested in networking, but everyone needs comfortable working conditions and a good team. May you be remembered as an understanding conversationalist and a cool colleague who is a pleasure to work with.

2. Establishing a mutually beneficial relationship

In the process of communication, it is important to have a clear goal – to find people or companies with whom cooperation will be possible. Mutual benefit is the foundation of successful networking. Offer your services or help in return for the help of others.

3. Support and development of relations

Do not forget about new contacts after the end of the event. Contact them after the meeting, thank them for their time and let them know that they are ready to continue cooperation. In addition, try to maintain the relationship further through regular meetings, communication via social networks or by e-mail.

Networking Tips

In order for business networking to be successful and effective, we recommend following a few simple tips:

1. Show professionalism

Participate only in those events that correspond to your goals and interests, so that you have something to share and where to show your competence. Be polite, attentive and do not violate the established rules and etiquette of the business environment. Remember that your reputation is the essence of your business.

2. Present yourself properly

At events, overcome the shyness and feel free to talk about your services or products. Prepare an elevator speech (a short and clear description of you, your skills and your company), create your business cards just in case for convenience. Be confident in yourself, because you are an expert with certain skills, knowledge and ambitions.

3. Quid pro quo

Networking is based on mutual assistance: you helped, you help. Share information, offer your services, or say “thank you" in some other way. Better by deed than by word.

Don't be afraid to help first. This may be useful in the future.

But you should not start communication with this – first establish a trusting relationship.

4. Communicate more live

We all know about the proliferation of social networks and messengers, and most of us use them regularly. But the Internet is not a substitute for live communication, and when it comes to networking, it is better to get to know and maintain relationships through personal meetings, as much as possible. 

Networking is a great tool for professional development that requires good communication skills. At CODDY programming school, we not only prepare for a future profession, but also teach confident and competent speech, which will be useful to a specialist in any field.