Before Covid-19 took a heavy toll on every aspect of our lives, social gatherings and meetings were the best part of our working day. Wouldn’t you agree? A big part of our day was reserved especially for networking.
Besides being a fun activity, networking can be essential to business success, career growth and personal progress. As a matter of fact, it is the reason we are here today.
By networking, you gain more than just colleagues and associates, you gain friends and build strong and long-lasting relationships. By expanding your professional network, you get more job offers, knowledge and creative solutions to your problems. In addition, you spend quality time in an influential and exciting environment, with people who think alike.
Unfortunately, lockdowns and restrictions have had a significant impact on relationships and interactions and have changed the way we network. This is why today, networking is more important than ever.
Why it’s important to network
Owning and running a business may take so much of your energy. Creating a network with friends, professionals, business partners, and people who think alike may just be the energy source you need to keep growing. By surrounding yourself with others who are on the same level of passion and ambition, you increase the chance to progress individually and as a group.
We know many of our friends and family who by active networking came upon business opportunities without even searching for them. This happens because there will always be someone in your network, whether it’s your contact or your contacts’ contact that will need your services. So they will naturally recommend you as someone trustworthy.
But no one can guarantee that every opportunity will turn to be successful. While being active in your network, it’s important to be open to such opportunities and recognise them. And there is a myriad of opportunities in every network.
Online networking
Before COVID-19, the most popular places to network were conferences, trade fairs and other business events, seminars and social gatherings. Now Covid has changed everything with big gatherings off the agenda, online networking is the key. That is why it’s is now easier than ever to expand your network.
Moving to online networking breaks down the barriers opening up a worldwide networking arena. Today, online networking is easily done through social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and the latest Clubhouse. If you don’t know what Clubhouse is, read our blog Clubhouse- The New Real-Life Interaction App That’s Got Everyone Talking.
In online networking, your business partners are your friends, followers and contacts. Bigger networking groups are even offering free access to support businesses during Covid-19.
The good thing about online networking is that it’s more appealing to those of us who hated the thought of walking into a room full of strangers. Not only do we think that online networking is doable, but we think it’s even more preferable for some than attending the more formal events.
These are the best reasons why online networking is preferable, including:
- Time – You can do online networking at any time of the day. No more rushing to get to an event you need to find with Google Maps, you can attend the meeting from your comfortable sofa, with a cup of tea.
- Money – Although some small gatherings may be free, most big networking groups are costly. Not to mention the money spent on dressing up smartly and travelling to get there. Some online networking only costs you your monthly internet bill.
- Stress – Some of you may really enjoy being out there and feel no pressure when it comes to social gatherings and events. Still, some people feel nervous and dread the idea of performing and presenting themselves in networking groups.
Overall, online networking has a lot more advantages than in person networking. And in the age of many social media platforms, it is easier than ever.
Things you can do to build your network
There are different types of networking groups available to suit most personalities, from the very formal right through to the very laid back coffee morning chats.
Whether you want to build a formal or more casual network, these are important steps to follow:
- Identify the type of people and businesses you want to connect with
- Use social media to grow your network
- Expand your network by inviting contacts
- Share knowledge and ideas before asking anything in return
- Sound confident, professional and friendly
- Remain active in your network
If you need advice on decisions or new directions, we are always here to help. We care about you and your business, so feel free to contact us.