Networking Isn't Only About Finding Employment

Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too? Especially when it comes to networking. Learn why business networking events are more than just job opportunities - they can help you grow personally and professionally. 

Enhancing the Personal and Professional YOU

Sure, networking can help you connect with someone and help you get your foot in the door at an agency or company. But networking is so much more than that. It doesn’t have to be all about professional growth, all the time. It’s an opportunity for you to empower your personal and professional self so you can take on the world. Okay, that’s a little dramatic – but you get what I mean. Balancing your work and personal life can be challenging, but networking events help you learn how to get better, push, challenge, and cause trouble in your everyday life. Whether that’s in your personal or professional life. The breakout sessions, keynote speakers, and other attendees at business networking events will help you develop both versions of yourself, so you can find a balance. So you can become the best you. It isn't only about finding a job - it's about finding yourself and your "people." 

Using Your New Network

What do you gain from business networking? Where do I even begin? If you hadn't already guessed it, you usually gain access to a new network of people when you do networking right. But how do you hone in on this new network, and make sure you're utilizing it in the right way? When it comes to networking and professional development - I turned to Forbes writer, Glenn Llopis. He says, "networking is a discovery platform and a great way to give your personal brand more exposure.  Always be prepared to unleash your identity so that others will remember you." In order for networking to work in your favor, you have to be memorable and show your personal brand to the right people.

Gaining access to a growing list of contacts, new streams of business and better brand engagement will follow - but only when you've made the right connections. How do you know you that you're in the right network of people? You don't, because there isn't just one network you should belong to. Your professional and personal self have more than one interest or goal - whether it be career or life related. That's the point of networking, to continue connecting and growing within multiple networks. 

Become a Networking Pro

Practice, practice, practice. Networking is like riding a bike. The more you do it, the better you become at it. Attending more networking events will give you the opportunity to practice asking questions, start meaningful conversations, and connect with others. While some events will be strictly for business networking, others might be focused on personal growth opportunities - and some will even combine the two (like our One² event). 

It can be a little intimidating facing industry leaders and people you have never met before. But, if you're feeling nervous about business networking - don’t be - I’ve got you covered. Below are five tips to help you overcome social anxiety and network like a pro. To read the full article and learn more about how to apply each tip to your life, click here. 

To become a networking pro you need to actively seek out networking opportunities, and take on any that are thrown your way. Have the chance to get coffee with a mentor or new business prospect? Take it. See a local event going on that relates to your career or goals? Register and go to it. Have questions about your industry and want to know how you can become a leader in it? Ask them at a networking event! These days, you can even take your first networking step by connecting with people online through LinkedIn, forums, or blog conversations. People have a desire to connect, share, and learn from one another - and networking helps everyone achieve that. It's an opportunity that has endless benefits. Use it to your advantage so you can get the job AND learn about your capabilities.

A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” 
– Winston Churchill