Maximize Your Career Growth by Networking Beyond Your 9-to-5

April 17, 2023

Thank you so much for all the Powerful Responses. 

The last few editions of “Exceptional Engineers Digest” which were about Job Protection and Highlighting Success have done reasonably well.

I think it resonated with a lot of you. 

If you haven't checked them out, then go check them out here.

But today's topic is even more mind-blowing. And this topic actually is in need of an hour. “Does Networking Help?” or “How Do I Network?”. We are always limited by these questions and never able to find solutions.

As a career coach, I often find that networking is one of the most powerful tools for career advancement. However, many of you limit your networking efforts to within your own organizations, missing out on valuable opportunities to connect with individuals outside your immediate circle. In this article, I will explore why networking outside your organization is important and provide some tips on how to do it effectively.

A quick look at the measurable results related to NETWORKING:

These statistics demonstrate the measurable impact that networking can have on an individual's career success. They also show the value of personal connections and referrals, which can lead to a higher rate of job opportunities and conversions. By understanding and utilizing these numbers, individuals can take steps to build and maintain a strong professional network, which can ultimately lead to greater career success and advancement.

If you watch these statistics, it becomes clear that your comfort zone will make you vulnerable. You need to network with people. Your NETWORK is your NET-WORTH. By investing time and effort in building a strong professional network, you can increase your chances of finding new job opportunities, being exposed to different industries and perspectives, and developing new skills.

When two candidates with relatively similar skills and qualifications are competing for a job, the one with a connection to the company will always have the advantage. 

As such, networking with important people in your field will always give your career a hand, whether it's for new job opportunities or promotions. 

Your power lies not just in what you know, but in who you know. Your network amplifies your influence and helps you achieve great things.

Imagine this - You're a recent college graduate, fresh out of college, and excited to take on the IT sector. You land job after job, building your resume and expanding your skills. However, every time you go for an interview, you realize that your potential employer has connections with your previous employers - even the VPs! It's both unnerving and exciting at the same time. 

You can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction and pride in your networking abilities.

As it turns out, that sector was a lot smaller back then, and you were in a professional niche. But that didn't matter, because you had built up a network of contacts that were eager to vouch for you and your abilities. It was a testament to the power of networking and the value of building connections outside of your current workplace.

Looking back, you realize that your ability to network and build relationships was crucial to your success in the IT sector. It gave you access to new job opportunities, expanded your knowledge and skills, and helped you achieve your goals.

And that feeling of excitement and satisfaction? 

It's a reminder that networking is not just important for your career - it's essential. So go out there, build your network, and watch your career take off!

Don’t worry, I am here to share specific things to do for networking. If you follow even 10% of these, you are opening gates of opportunity. 

If your network has become too narrow,  you limit your options in case of a career change or a downturn in your company or industry.

Why network outside of your organization?

There are a ton of people out there who believe networking should remain strictly within their field or industry. 

Why would anyone else benefit from them? 

What could they do to help those outside their industry?

Unfortunately, this close-minded approach isn’t the smartest networking strategy. In fact, it’s extremely beneficial to network with professionals who aren’t in your specific industry. 

Access to new opportunities: 

When you network with people outside of your organization, you have the chance to learn about job opportunities that you might not have known about otherwise. This could include roles at other companies, industry events, or networking groups.

Build a diverse network: 

By networking with people from different organizations and industries, you can expand your network and build relationships with individuals who have different backgrounds and experiences than your own. This can provide you with new perspectives, ideas, and opportunities for collaboration.

Gain industry insights: 

When you connect with people outside of your organization, you have the opportunity to learn about trends and developments in your industry that you might not have been aware of. This knowledge can be valuable in advancing your own career and staying ahead of the curve.

Building a network of professional acquaintances can lead to unexpected and exciting opportunities that you might not have found otherwise. It's not just about exchanging business cards or LinkedIn connections; it's about building meaningful relationships with people who share your interests and passions. 

When you surround yourself with people who genuinely care about your success, you feel supported and loved. And in turn, you have the opportunity to offer that same support and love to others. It's a beautiful cycle of connection and community that can bring so much joy and fulfilment to your career and life. So don't be afraid to reach out and connect with new people—you never know where it might lead.

How Can Email Help You?

Email is still the number one way to connect with people. Email is so personal to people that they can switch their phone numbers but will never change their mail ID. Personalized emails can be incredibly helpful in networking because they allow you to establish a genuine connection with someone. 

Here are a few ways that personalized emails can help you with networking:

Stand out from the crowd: In today's digital age, people are inundated with generic, impersonal emails. By taking the time to craft a personalized message, you can immediately set yourself apart from the crowd.

Show that you've done your research: When you personalize your email, you can reference specific details about the person or their business. This shows that you've done your research and that you're genuinely interested in connecting with them.

Establish a connection: By including personal details about yourself or finding common ground, you can establish a connection with the recipient. This can help you build a relationship that goes beyond just a business connection.

Increase response rates: Personalized emails tend to have higher response rates than generic ones. This is because people are more likely to engage with a message that feels like it was written specifically for them.

Strengthen relationships: Personalized emails can help you stay in touch with your network and strengthen your relationships over time. By regularly sending personalized messages, you can continue to build rapport and show that you value the connection.

Tips for networking outside of your organization:

Attend industry events: 

One of the best ways to connect with individuals outside of your organization is to attend industry events such as conferences, workshops, or networking groups. These events provide a great opportunity to meet new people and learn about industry trends and developments.

Use social media: 

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking outside of your organization. Use it to connect with people in your industry, join groups related to your field, and share your own insights and experiences. 

Volunteer: 

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and build relationships with individuals outside of your organization. Look for volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and skills.

Follow up: 

Once you have connected with someone outside of your organization, be sure to follow up with them. Send a personalized email or message to let them know that you enjoyed meeting them and would like to stay in touch.

It's not just about making close friends in your network, but also connecting with acquaintances. Even if you only met someone briefly and don't remember much about them, adding them on social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn can expand your network. These acquaintances may be the ones who have the connections you need to further your career or help you make a career move. Joining relevant groups and posting updates about what you're looking for can also help you tap into more groups of acquaintances.

Value Addition: 

When attending a networking event, it's important to add value to whomever you're speaking with. Instead of just trying to gain something for yourself, ask them questions and see if there's anything you can do to help them out. Whether it's recommending a doctor, offering a referral for a mover, or connecting them with someone in their desired industry, providing value will create a positive impression and set the stage for future beneficial relationships.

Evaluate your current connections: 

Check your current network. Who are the 5-10 people you hang out with? And who are the 50 people who matter the most in your professional life? If a majority of your professional contacts (more than 70%) are from the same profession or company (e.g., if 85% of your closest contacts are fellow marketers), it's important to actively consider ways to diversify your network.

Identify any imbalances and reach out to past colleagues or friends in different fields to broaden your network. They’ll often welcome the invitation.

Networking is something that you'll have to do consistently as a discipline, and over a period of time, you begin to reap the benefits of the network that you've built and the tasks and actions that you've taken. 

But you've got to start.

Networking is not just about attending events and collecting business cards. It is about building meaningful relationships and adding value to those you connect with. 

I can help you develop your networking skills, from identifying potential contacts to developing an effective strategy for maintaining those relationships.

With my guidance, you can learn how to add value to your professional connections and build a strong network that will benefit you throughout your career. By focusing on adding value to others, you can create a network of people who are invested in your success and who are more likely to recommend you for opportunities in the future.

Whether you are just starting your career or looking to take the next step, networking can help you achieve your goals.

I can help you develop the skills and strategies you need to build a strong network and advance your career.  Contact me today to learn more about how I can help you achieve your professional goals through networking.

So, take the initiative and start networking outside of your organization today!

That's all I have for today. I will see you in my next post.