You may think that networking is only important if you are in a sales function or looking for a job. However, no matter what your position or employment status, you will benefit from networking with people inside and outside your company.

Networking makes you smarter
You should network for many reasons but an excellent one is networking will provide you with new ideas. The best way to keep moving up in an organization is to stay on a steep learning curve and networking can help you accomplish this. Most networking events offer a reason for people to get together, usually a presentation on a business issue. You will hear from experts on the subject and be able to bring this information back to your job and discuss it with your colleagues. Even if the subject is not directly relevant to your current position, it will show management that you are thinking outside your narrow job description. Also, the people you meet before and after the presentation provide different points of view on the subject, which is always useful. When networking outside the company, especially at industry organizations, you can compare notes with other professionals on how they are tackling the hot topics of the day. This does not mean you should divulge sensitive corporate information, but you can get a general idea of what others are doing. If the event is within your own company, the attendees may be in departments you do not ordinarily interact with, and just by talking with them you will learn more about the business. Don’t network solely within your company because when you leave, you will lose your entire network.

Use your time well
When you attend a networking event, be sure to use some of the time to meet new people. While this sounds obvious, it is easy to talk only to individuals you know or sit down and read the brochure. Try to remember that almost everyone is uncomfortable and you are doing them a favor by striking up a conversation. Even if you are not outgoing by nature, you can turn to the people closest to you and ask “What brings you to this event?” or “Is your company dealing with some of these issues?” If nothing else, walk around your table and introduce yourself with your name and company and provide business cards. If you are at an event where people are milling around, an easy place to meet people is at the bar. Talk to the people in line and find out where they are from and what they do. Keep conversations short so you can move on to meet more people. If someone gets you involved in a long discussion and you want to break away, just wait for a pause and say, “It was so nice to meet you, but I don’t want to monopolize your time. I think we should try to meet some other people.” Collect business cards from the people you talk with so you walk out with their names and contact information.

Find groups you like
Networking comes out of your personal time, even when there is a training component to the meeting, so you need motivation to attend when you are tired and have other demands. One incentive is you learn something new. Another reason to be there is you like the people at the event. The best networks are where you can find both: good content and interesting people you want to see again. I belong to two groups that have different approaches to events and networking. One group holds all of its programs at night, has a very long cocktail hour, and has speakers with no pre-announced topic. I have two problems with this group: since the subject is a mystery I don’t know if it is worth my time to attend, and the evening crowd treats this as primarily a social event with no time pressure. The other group holds early morning meetings and announces its topics and panel speakers months in advance. Over time I have gravitated to the organization with morning meetings since I can judge in advance whether I want to be there. I have enjoyed the breakfast crowd and know before I walk in the door they are interested in the subject matter and are as time-sensitive as I am.

Networks are everywhere
Most people think of networking in a strictly business environment, but that is limiting. It is true that the easiest place to start networking is a professional organization since it is likely to attract people who have similar job experience. However, other places where you spend your free time can provide even stronger networks since there is a basis for a personal relationship. Some of the best networking takes place along the sidelines of school sporting events, after religious services, or even at wedding receptions. Every time people get together in a relaxed environment there is an opportunity to make connections that can be tapped later for career purposes. If you still find it hard to meet people, consider taking a business course at a local college. Better yet get some golf lessons and invite people to play golf or go to the range, which is an excellent way to spend time with someone you want to know better.

Offer more than you ask
The hardest part about networking is maintaining the contacts. Stay in touch with people with an occasional email. Send them an interesting article or just let them know what you are doing. If you hear of an attractive job opportunity, pass it on with the introduction “In case you know anyone who would be interested in this…” If one of your contacts is out of a job, answer the person’s call or email and be willing to see him or her. This is the time people most need your assistance and they will remember how you treated them. Eventually the network you create will be your own network, made up of all the people you have met over time. One day you will need advice or be looking for a job and will need to tap those contacts. If you wait to start networking until after you have a job crisis or are unemployed, it will be too late.

Networking is good for your career and can provide support when you most need it. Start today to attend networking events and grow your list of contacts.

Takeaways:

• Networking is part of your career development so take it seriously.
• Find groups where you like the members since you will make an effort to go to meetings even when busy.
• Renew contacts at events, but also meet some new people.
• Stay in touch with people and you will build your own network.