The ability to build and maintain business relationships, known as networking, has become an indispensable part of the pursuit of success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or corporate employee, effective networking can open the door to new opportunities for you.
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Networking – what is it? We explain
Networking is a strategic and purposeful process of building, maintaining and developing a network of industry contacts that can bring mutual benefits in various aspects of professional life. It is an activity that requires conscious involvement in relationships, exchange of experiences, knowledge, information and support. Networking is not limited to one-time interactions, but assumes long-term, authentic relationships that can evolve along with the professional and personal development of the participants. It helps in sharing knowledge and establishing cooperation.
Networking in Polish
In English, the term net means network, and work means work.
Networking, on the other hand, refers to the development of a network of professional contacts.
If you are wondering what spelling to use, net working or networking, according to the Dictionary of the Polish Language, the combined spelling is correct.
Networking is all about mutual benefits
Networking assumes that each website has something valuable to offer. This can take many forms – from sharing expertise, through recommendations, to support in difficult moments of your career. Modern online tools, such as social media platforms such as LinkedIn or GoldenLine, play a key role in the networking process, enabling you to quickly establish and maintain long-distance relationships.
Practical application of networking
All parties – employers, people who build their company and employees – benefit from creating a group of industry acquaintances.
Employers can notice people with potential and, if necessary, approach them with an offer of employment.
People who build a business under their own name and are associated directly with their company have a chance to promote it.
Networking helps them gain new customers.
Employees from specific sectors also gain a lot by engaging in active networking.
Contacts with representatives of competing companies allow for the exchange of experiences and allow you to create the image of a professional.
Networking – examples of effective operation
Learn about practical examples of networking activities!
- Participation in conferences and trainings in a given industry is a great opportunity to interact with people in your field, exchange ideas and market trends. At the same time, you take advantage of the advice and share it.
- Networking events are specially organized events, such as business breakfasts or after-hours meetings. They can be a great way to meet new people in a less formal setting.
- Being active on the Internet on platforms such as LinkedIn, GoldenLine, Facebook, or even Instagram allows you to expand your network of professional contacts online. Sharing content that highlights your competence and commitment makes your business visible to others.
What should business relationships be like? Effective networking
Learn a few golden rules for business relations!
- Lasting – temporary acquaintances do not bring much to our private or professional life. If we want networking to have a positive impact on our careers, we should focus on strong relationships based on mutual trust.
- Qualitative – quality over quantity – this principle should be followed. Many people will not bring real value to our lives. Small talk will not always be enough, but it is a good start to establishing a valuable relationship.
- Properly used – in business, the key is to achieve goals. If you build an extensive network of good contacts, but do not use the knowledge and advice of people in the industry, you will lose the opportunity to learn about their way of operating. Some conversations can give you interesting ideas that are ready to be implemented in your work or company.
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Build your network successfully
In the context of networking, the quality of contacts is important, not their quantity. Building authentic relationships with fewer people is much more valuable than having superficial connections with hundreds of friends. Here are some ways to focus on quality:
- Be professional, but also authentic. People value naturalness. Stay yourself and don’t try to pretend just to impress others.
- Try to bring real value to other people’s lives. Think about what you can offer instead of thinking only about what you can gain.
- Listen with commitment. Show that you are interested in the conversation, ask questions, and focus on what others have to say. Active listening will make you remember more valuable information and gain sympathy at the same time. Most people feel good when someone remembers their name or some detail that was discussed in the last conversation.
A simple path to development without investment
Networking is one of the cheapest ways to grow professionally. You promote yourself as an expert without investing in marketing campaigns. If you are known as a professional in your industry, you will have a chance to get a recommendation. Networking is a simple professional development tool that does not require traditional financial investments, but offers access to knowledge, experience, new opportunities and support. By building and nurturing relationships, it opens the door to valuable collaborations, while enabling the development of soft skills, crucial in any industry.
Networking – a guide to industry contacts
Networking should be comfortable for all parties. There is no need to do anything against yourself or exert unnecessary pressure. Only positive relationships are valuable. The most important thing is to remember all the rules of good behavior in order to present yourself as a cultured and tactful person. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best!
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Nika Walęcka
Copywriter, author of articles with practical advice that will help you look for satisfying employment. It provides a lot of information that is useful in preparing applications, conducting job interviews and building a professional image.
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