Over the last few years, I have come to realize the importance and impact of building professional relationships through networking.

What does it mean to network with people?

Many people have the wrong understanding of networking when they think it’s about exchange of information. Networking is much more than that; it’s about gradually establishing long term mutually beneficial relationship with the people that you cross paths with. Whether the relationship is with the guy who makes your coffee every morning or a person you meet at a work conference, establishing a dynamic is crucial!

Does it play a role in your success?

Absolutely! Many experts have stated that the most successful people are often the most connected people. Connecting with people helps to broaden your perspectives, improve your skill sets, stay on top of trends, unlock access to resources and even meet mentors who can guide you in your professional journey.

How to network effectively?

Now that we’ve established the need for networking, let’s uncover some strategies. Everyone is different and this is why you need to know which networking style fits you the most. If you are an introvert, you might prefer to have one-on-one conversations over coffee or drinks. Find out your networking style here and decide the strategy which suits you the most. Once you unlock the style, you can start to connect with relevant people who can help you in your endeavors.

Create concrete goals

It’s essential to have a game plan in place. Have weekly or monthly goals of connecting with 5-6 relevant people who can share some meaningful insights with you.

Attend relevant industry events happening in your city. If you’re looking for new opportunities, you might want to check out Eventbrite Australia or Meetup and look for events related to your industry or interests.

Always follow up

Previously, I have attended several events where I shared my professional card with people with the hope that they would reach out but believe me, this rarely happens! Busy people lead busy lives and you should take it upon yourself to take names and numbers. You’ve invested time and effort in talking to them; you might as well make it count!

Make sure to send the LinkedIn connection requests with short messages reminding them that you met them at the event. It’s always a good idea to do this sooner rather than later.

Before asking for help, see where you can provide help and offer your assistance. Understand the need of the people you network with and know where you can play your role!

On a final note, remember that it is never too late to start networking. Start today!