In the world of work, contacts are at least as important as a resume, if not more. That is why business networking is so important today. But what is it?
Networking consists of developing a network of professional contacts, strengthening long-term relationships. And although this requires time and effort, you will not regret investing it.
What is a network of contacts?
A contact network is understood to be the set of people with whom an individual (user) maintains a professional or personal relationship. In this way, the network can work directly between your friends, partners or clients. Or indirectly, when those who know you connect with other valuable users interested in your services.
The theory of the 6 degrees of separation is the foundation of networking as a contact network. Created in the 1930s by the Hungarian writer Frigyes Karinthy, it establishes that we are connected to anyone in the world by only five different intermediaries.
Hence the importance of contact networks and networking as a strategy to maintain these networks.
Types of contact networks
In general, contact networks can be classified according to the type of people that make up said network:
- Personal: Contacts that contribute to the search for information, support or references. In other words, they are friends or acquaintances who facilitate contact with other professionals in your sector.
- Strategic: They are contact networks related to your sector. Therefore, they can enhance business opportunities, also providing ideas and criteria of interest for your personal and commercial growth.
- Operational: Network of partners, suppliers and customers. These can hire their services as a company, allowing the growth of the relevant business management. To establish such networks, you need the visibility that personal networks bring and the expertise of strategic networks.
What does business networking mean?
Networking for companies consists of creating contact networks related to our market sector and/or profession, which allow generating employment and business opportunities.
The goal is simple: exchange valuable information and contacts to establish productive professional relationships. In this way we improve business management, obtain recommendations and reach possible professional collaborations.
Therefore, it is a tool based on trust relationships. Able to increase sales of companies connected to each other by increasing their organizational value.
Types of business networking
According to the means we take to start our contact networks, networking can be of two types:
- Offline: Face-to-face events to meet professionals in our sector. These events can be conference cycles, workshops or promotions. Soft skills are required to identify opportunities for growth.
- Online: They are all those methods that are used to establish connections through social networks or applications. LinkedIn professional networks are an example of this, as well as webinars and interest groups.
This is the most economical and comfortable method with which we can connect with a wide group of contacts from all over the world, allowing the growth of freelance activities as a means of development.
What is business networking for?
If you are an entrepreneur, creating a network of contacts will help you in two different ways. The first is that other professionals in the sector can give their point of view about your products and services to help you improve.
On the other hand, it is a good way to carry out a marketing strategy. Since some contacts will recommend you to others, generating the so-called word of mouth.
However, this technique is not only useful for entrepreneurs. And it is that contacts are something that you must take care of if you want to find a job. Since many recruiters, by trusting more people who have recommendations, tend to hire them more easily.
Objectives of networking as a business tool
The main objectives of networking are simple:
- Promote products and/or services in a personal way in a specific professional environment. Which will allow greater participation, visibility and reputation.
- Establish business relationships between companies and target audience.
- Identify business opportunities between suppliers, partners and investors.
- Have greater knowledge about the market environment.
- Expand our job options based on the new network of contacts.
- All this is a benefit for all parties in terms of strategic alliances, recruitment and sales.
Ways to prepare for networking
Before developing your network of contacts, you will need to prepare yourself adequately:
- Optimize your personal brand: Improve your profile on professional social networks, share content of interest, participate in discussion forums, etc.
- Go to events in your sector: Attend online or face-to-face events related to your profession and always carry your contact cards with you.
- Follow up on your contacts: Periodically check your private messages and try to respond on time. Get in touch in time with those contacts who have left you their contact card. Always with the intention of strengthening professional relationships.
- Work on your social skills: Share your experiences and points of view. But, also listen carefully to what others have to say. The key is in the feedback.
- Add value: Professional networking depends, as we have already indicated, on feedback and mutual benefit. Therefore, contribute valuable ideas or ask interesting questions that inspire and start interesting discussions.
- Establish collaborations: Initiate solid commercial projects that allow you to create alliances between entrepreneurs and professionals in the sector.