Networking – The Key to a Successful Career

Author - Swetha Lakshmi

The saying “it’s not just what you know, but who you know” perfectly describes networking – a powerful tool for career growth and success. Networking is not just about meeting people; it’s about building meaningful relationships that open doors to newer opportunities.

The Impact of Networking

Networking is no longer just connecting on LinkedIn or exchanging business cards during conferences; it’s about building real relationships with current insights and lifelong mentorships. In fact, it is proven that positions are closed due to networking.

• 85% of open job positions are filled through networking (HubSpot, 2019).
• 61% of professionals believe that maintaining regular contact with their network creates new opportunities (Review42, 2021).
• 25% of the recent hires secured their jobs through networking (Clutch, 2019).
• 26% of men and 25% of women landed job opportunities due to their connections (Clutch, 2019).

Networking: A Lifelong Practice

Gone are the days when networking was a one-time thing. Our first experience with networking begins from school - our classmates, teachers, and peers – and from there, it’s a non-stop train of connections. It expands further through conferences, events, and social gatherings. Heard of the saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day”? The same applies to a professional network – it requires patience, effort, and consistency.

With today’s hybrid culture, networking does not always require in-person meetings or discussions. It can be maintained virtually through phone calls, messages, and social media interactions. Staying in touch is the simple but most effective way to nurture our networks. Small gestures like congratulatory message on a promotion, can go a long way in keeping connections alive.

The Five Pillars of Effective Networking:

• Active Listening: Engage in meaningful conversations and show genuine interest in others.
• Authenticity: Build trust by being sincere and transparent.
• Give and Take: Offer value to your network while also seeking support when needed.
• Exchange of Ideas: Share insights and collaborate to foster mutual growth.
• Consistency in Follow-ups: Keep in touch and nurture relationships over time.

Best Practices for Networking:

• Participate in industry events like conferences, workshops, and networking meetups.
• Social media participation by sharing content and connecting with professionals.
• Network within your workplace: Build strong relationships with colleagues and leaders in your organization.
• Demonstrate your expertise and experience in every opportunity available.

My Personal Experience

During my five-year career break, I made it a habit to stay connected with my professional network. Every week, I would log into LinkedIn, wish my colleagues and clients on their milestones, and check in on their progress. This small effort kept my professional relationships intact. Three years ago, when I made my re-entry, my networking helped me pick up from where I had left off. A recent incident got me to see the other side of networking. I got to reconnect with my school friend – one I had only spoken to over the phone. We met almost after a decade and unexpectedly, it led to a new business opportunity. This experience reinforced my belief that networking is about consistency, not just face-to-face interactions.

The Takeaway

Networking plays a crucial role in career and business success. Building authentic relationships across different channels fosters collaboration, innovation, and long-term professional growth. Professionals who actively engage with their networks, seek mentorship, and participate in industry events create a strong support system that propels them forward.

It is essential to view networking not as a one-time activity but as an ongoing journey of learning, sharing, and building genuine connections. The more you invest in your network, the more rewarding it becomes—professionally and personally. After all, your network is your net worth!