Building connections and fostering meaningful professional relationships is an essential skill in today’s world. Harvard Business Review explains that the presence of professional networks can lead to exciting job opportunities, increased collaborations, improved knowledge and possibilities for faster advancement. By nurturing professional relationships, an individual also can improve the quality of work and enhance job satisfaction.
As professionals seeking growth and advancement, we need to understand that networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or gaining LinkedIn connections; rather, it is a conscious and genuine effort to cultivate meaningful relationships that create mutual value and open up avenues to new opportunities.
“In today’s techie world, people inherently crave real, personal connection and this makes networking more important than ever,” says Crosworks CEO Shelly Stotzer. “Plus, it’s THE best way to get your resume pulled out of a pile. A friend recently shared that his resume was rejected by AI at the company he was targeting. Only because he had made a connection with someone there did his resume get reviewed by a human . . . and he got the job!”
Crosworks can help you get started with your networking strategy. We’ll guide you through self-reflection and identifying your best-fit jobs. This way, you know who you need in your network and what to tell your allies in terms of what you seek. Find out more about Crosworks’ offerings by scheduling a brief phone call.
If you’re an individual starting your career, switching industries or seeking advancement, a strong network serves as a powerful anchor. Below, discover the benefits of networking and tips on how to expand your professional network.
Tap Your Existing Circle
It’s easiest to begin by exploring your current network. Consider engaging with people you already know to build or expand your professional relationships. The advantage? You get to skip the introductory part. In these situations, since both sides already know each other, connecting with common interests becomes a lot easier. People in your existing circle can include friends, neighbors, former classmates, present or former colleagues, previous managers and members from a club or volunteer organization.
Take Note of Events and Communities
Begin by researching industry conferences, professional associations, local meetups, and workshops that best fit your interests and align well with your career goals. Many people make new (and lasting) connections at local events aimed at professional development. The key lies in your ability to identify the right events and communities – those that interest you and help create value. A good idea would be to run through their websites and social media profiles to identify upcoming events. Look into the volunteering options at these events to help accelerate networking opportunities. For example, working a registration table is a terrific way to meet many people and determine with whom you wish to connect further.
Follow Thought Leaders
As you work on ways to expand your network, identify people whom you regard as thought leaders in your respective field. This can include people in your industry, business leaders, coaches and influencers who share industry insights and potent information on growth and development. While in most cases, it may be difficult to connect with them directly, you can leverage the information available on their websites and other networking platforms to learn more about their organizations and communities, plus industry trends.
Provide Value First
Be genuine in your effort. Share positivity and give back to your community. Smart networkers are generous with their knowledge, connections, and assistance. Be willing to impart knowledge, share industry insights and make introductions. These simple acts of goodwill can position you as a valuable connection worth maintaining. As a result, if there is ever a time that you need assistance, others will be happy to step in and help.
Leverage Technology Wisely
This era calls for you to keep yourself constantly updated with industry information, key trends and current happenings. Make use of networking platforms, such as LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and industry-specific sites, to connect and research contacts before meetings, find common connections and stay updated on industry and community activities.
Be deliberate in sharing industry-specific details, tips and tricks, and other information that provides value and supports learning and development initiatives. Posting and engaging with others regularly keeps you front-of-mind with your connections.
Long-Term Impact
Success doesn’t come overnight. Building a strong professional network requires commitment, persistence and the desire to foster genuine relationships rather than immediate returns. Remember, networking is ultimately about people helping people. If you approach this with authenticity, generosity and strategic thinking, you’ll build meaningful and lasting relationships that will bolster personal fulfillment and professional success.
Are you ready to get started? Crosworks can help you develop a networking strategy by first taking a look at your interests, strengths and goals and then identifying your best-fit jobs. This way, you know who you need in your network and what to tell your allies in terms of what you seek. Schedule a free, introductory call with Crosworks to learn how we can be there for you.