Networking: what it is, benefits and tips on how to create your network

Finding good job opportunities can be quite an arduous task. But, if there is something that usually works, it is the famous IQ or “who recommends”. Indications and references can be decisive in a selection process. However, to achieve them, the candidate must invest in good professional networking .

Creating a network of contacts in your field opens many doors and allows professionals to exchange experiences , further enriching their career. But do you know how to do this? In this post, we bring you some interesting tips to help you create solid and true relationships. Check out everything about the subject in the reading.

What is networking?

The term networking comes from English and in the corporate context it means "creating a network of professional contacts" . The objective is to exchange knowledge and experiences, creating collaborative relationships between professionals from different companies and segments.

Networking is a way to strengthen relationships and can help professionals to close partnerships, strengthen commercial negotiations and even obtain new job opportunities, through referrals and references.

Why is networking important for a professional career?

Networking works as a network of contacts , which can help individuals stand out in the market, improve themselves and build lasting relationships throughout their professional life.

The aim is not only to obtain advantages such as recommendations and partnerships, this type of relationship can also be inspiring , helping you to improve knowledge, exchange experiences and obtain new opportunities for growth.

Today, we can say that building a good network of professional connections is no longer an option. This is essential for anyone who wants to stand out and be successful in their career .

How can networking help you find a job?

Even though we work for companies, it is important to remember that people relate to people . This way, the bond created with other professionals can extend much further than just the time you worked together or shared a course or event.

These connections can even help when finding a new job opportunity. Did you know that 85% of job vacancies are filled through referrals and references? This is what a survey released by consultancy Star5 points out .

In this way, letting other people know your history, experience and professional preferences can be an open door for those looking for good positions and new opportunities in the job market, even strengthening your personal brand.

How to network?

As we have seen, professional contacts can help you with recommendations and opportunities. But how to create and cultivate these relationships? Below, we list some tips for those who want to start networking the right way. Check out.

Look for people with common interests

To ensure lasting relationships, it is interesting that you look for professionals who have common interests with you. This way, the contact will be more natural and sincere.

Therefore, evaluate existing contacts, such as friends, family, study colleagues and former work colleagues and identify those who have some affinity. Additionally, it is worth identifying relevant professional groups and associations in your area of ​​interest.

Finding common interests is a way to keep dialogue alive and be able to stay up to date on issues and participate in discussions about trends and innovations.

Participate in corporate events

The best way to network in person is by participating in events, conferences, fairs and corporate courses. Events focused on your area of ​​activity will bring together several people with common interests, who can become your network of contacts.

A tip for this type of occasion is to exchange business cards, contacts and profiles on social networks . Furthermore, it is worth interacting with whoever sits next to you and taking advantage of coffee break moments to talk to more people.

Activate your contacts

It's not enough to just create contacts at an event and leave with a bunch of business cards. You need to create a real relationship , sending periodic messages and interacting with these people through meetings, meetings or online communications.

Social networks like LinkedIn can be a good option to stay up to date with news and stay close.

But be careful not to overdo it and make the connection forced or invasive. It's important to understand that some of these people may become close to you, while others you will only see at events and meetings.

Be helpful

A good tip for those who want to create networks is to offer help . This is a genuine way to show that you want to strengthen the professional relationship. Have you seen a vacancy or opportunity that you believe your contact could fit into? So how about tagging him in the post or sending the information via inbox?

If you need to ask for help from a contact who is more experienced than you, it is also important to be subtle and cordial . Remember that the person may have a hectic routine, so try to get straight to the point to speed things up and not be annoying.

Have a sincere approach

Being authentic is an important differentiator when networking. Think about how many connections that professional has on LinkedIn, for example. There are probably hundreds of them and you need to differentiate yourself from the rest .

The best way to do this is to be creative and sincere. Instead of sending the same standard birthday message, for example, think of something personalized and interesting.

Approaching people just thinking about what you can gain from it is not a good idea. So, focus on creating real connections, be interested in what people have to say and don't be afraid to be yourself.

Keep your network informed

How do you expect to receive job leads if the people you connect with know nothing about your career? The tip, therefore, is to keep your network informed about projects you have started, courses you are taking and your search for a new position in the market.

You can also offer support and share relevant resources with your contacts, as well as contribute to the professional community through speaking engagements, publications, or panel appearances.

Creating this dialogue allows your connections to provide support and share useful information. Just like you, these people are likely also interested in networking. Therefore, it is essential that this is a relationship of reciprocity and offering mutual help.

How to network online?

Online networking uses digital platforms to create work networks. If you are unable to attend in-person events and courses, this could be a good alternative to avoid being isolated in the job market.

There are several tools that can be used to create networking in the media. The best known is, of course, LinkedIn , but you can also participate in discussion groups on other platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram and even Facebook.

Getting involved in forums and creating content on networks is also a way to attract other professionals with the same interests and create connections. But remember, don't just add people and disappear. It is important to build a dialogue, sharing information and responding to everyone whenever possible.

Also remember to optimize your online profile and update it frequently so that it reflects your current experience and professional goals, attracting other professionals with common interests.

Tips for networking as a shy person

We understand that you don't always have an uninhibited profile and can create friendships and relationships with people you don't know. But shyness cannot be an obstacle to good networking.

In this case, an interesting tip is to get closer to people who have already been part of your professional and academic life, such as college and work colleagues.

You know that old work partner with whom you had a good relationship, but ended up moving away? How about sending a message and getting back in touch . It may be that, today, you still share the same interests.

Another valid tip is to seek training and workshops to develop effective communication skills . This will help you loosen up and know how to actively listen and ask relevant questions.

In conclusion, creating good professional relationships is a way to be remembered and establish connections with people who share your interests. This can especially help those looking for new job opportunities and need recommendations and references.