10 networking tips for professionals

Having the correct skill set is crucial, and professional networking can help you build on this by providing you with the right foundation to launch a business or build a career as a freelance professional. From preparing an introduction for yourself, to seeking advice and offering support, there are a range of different ways you can network.

Whether online or at in-person events, here at some top tips to help you build up your professional network.

What is networking?

Networking is the process of interacting with others in a professional manner, online or offline, often to gain access to support and advice, or to have access to connections which can enhance job prospects. Harvard Business Review shares how networking can also have a focus on making genuine connections, knowledge sharing, and giving back to others.

Why is networking important?

Networking has a vast range of benefits, including access to job offers, partnerships, and collaborations which may not be openly advertised. Building relationships with peers who can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights into your industry is essential for keeping you up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in your field.

By expanding your network, you increase your visibility and relevancy, making it easier for others to recognise your expertise and recommend you for opportunities.

10 networking tips

Be prepared

Before seeking out professional connections, consider carrying out research to identify people who fall within your industry and who could be a positive addition to your network. If you plan on attending networking events, prepare a small introduction for yourself, including your profession, top skills, achievements, and even a unique-selling-point about yourself. Being ready and prepared ahead of time will help you to present yourself as best as you can.

Set a goal

Set a networking target for yourself to help you evaluate your efforts. The Federation of Small Businesses recommends thinking about what you want to achieve and deciding what a successful attempt at networking looks like to you – it could be receiving a certain amount of business cards or simply having a conversation with a handful of people.

Create a strategy to help you meet your goals, including how you will get in contact with people if you are networking online, or how you would like to approach people at networking events.

Grow your online presence

Online networking provides a wide range of platforms to build connections. Professional networking sites, for example LinkedIn, are extremely powerful when used effectively and can lead to many new professional opportunities. Make sure you continually strengthen your online presence, endorsing contacts and sharing useful articles you come across.

Attend events

Make an effort to get out of your comfort zone and attend any events which may be relevant to your profession. Joining your local Chamber of Commerce will support you in building connections as they are designed to help businesses of all shapes and sizes grow and prosper through events and networking opportunities. They provide local firms with an access point for government services and funds, provide learning opportunities, link businesses together and support those which are looking to grow.

Be engaging

Self-employed professionals love to talk about their business or profession, so it is essential you remember to ask engaging questions and actively listen to their answers. The National Careers Service shares how asking others about themselves is a great way to start a conversation if you are struggling, helping to take the pressure off you and showing your interest in them. You are more likely to be remembered if you are proactive and interested in building relationships.

It can be easy to see networking as a way to pitch your proposition to new customers but try not to go to a networking event with the sole objective of winning new business. Listen to what others have to say; you are just as likely to meet someone that can help you as opposed to you helping them.

Give referrals

Although networking is firstly about helping grow your own career, it is also a great way for you to help others. If you have made a connection with someone who does not fall within your profession, depending on their needs, you may be able to recommend someone else within your network who would appreciate having them as a contact.

Seek advice and offer support

You can use networking interactions as a way to share your expertise and give something back. The People & Organisational Development Team emphasises the importance of offering your knowledge and experience by contributing to relevant discussions on professional networking sites, in addition to offering help and guidance if asked. Build up your connections making sure to always show your gratitude for any advice or support, and consistently thinking about how you can help other people.

Take business cards

You never know when you might meet a great contact, so always keep your business cards with you. Take an extra supply when attending a networking event or conference, and make sure you invest in quality business cards as they will reflect positively on your brand. The King’s Trust, a charity whose aims include employment support, shares how business cards are a simple and effective way of making sure people have your details, however it is important to be selective and not spam everyone you speak to with a card.

Keep networking

Learn from your experiences and continue networking throughout your career. Evaluate which methods of networking you have seen results from and assess whether you need to consider investing your time elsewhere. Attending networking events regularly and keeping up your social interactions will help you to establish your presence in the industry and stay at the front of people’s minds.

Follow up and stay in touch

Follow up with all the people you meet to successfully grow your network. Try to stay in touch with your most important contacts every few weeks/months. Ask them how business is going or send them an article which may be of interest; LinkedIn is an ideal platform for this kind of interaction. At the end of each event or interaction, no matter the length, it is always advised to say thank you to the people you have spoken to. By keeping yourself fresh in their minds, you are more likely to stand out and they are much more likely to contact you when they need someone with your expertise.

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Please note: This article provides guidance for information purposes only. It should not be relied upon wholly when making or taking important business decisions – always seek the services of an appropriately qualified professional. The views expressed by websites referenced to are limited to those of the websites, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Markel Direct.