Do you know that 84% of companies use employee referral programs to hire their employees, and these referred employees have a higher possibility of retaining their job role after one year than non-referred employees? So, when companies have already recognized the power of referral, why not you?

People nowadays are getting jobs through referrals, increasing their businesses through professional networks, and even getting their brand image built through these contacts. So, the power of these professional networks is certainly greater than one could imagine. 

You may want to advance in your present job, explore other careers, or simply keep up with the latest industry trends. All this calls for forming and nurturing key professional relationships. We are going to discuss further how one can develop and use a professional network that will make it possible for him or her to reach their career goals.

Foundations You Must Understand:

Developing your professional network begins with understanding its foundations. It does not only involve collecting contacts; instead, it involves building meaningful relationships. Spend some time defining what you want and what kind of network would help you achieve that. For example, if you are in marketing, connecting with colleagues in digital marketing or branding might be useful. Understanding the types of networks, such as operational, personal, and strategic, can assist in developing robust professional relationships.

Start by leveraging your existing contacts. Get in touch with former classmates, coworkers, or people who you know already and who are associated with your field in any way. Make your communication significant by discussing common experiences or interests while making progress toward common goals to encourage pure and sustaining professional relationships.

Case Study: Sarah’s Dynamic Approach

In a tech start-up, Sarah was a project manager who wanted to move into product management. Not sure of how to move into a different area, she was scrolling through her contacts one day when she came across the details of an old college mentor who had now become a senior product manager. Guess what! With the guidance of this mentor, Sarah not only gained valuable insights but also earned a referral for the new job. By using a contact network and maintaining it properly, she was able to change directions at work.

Using online platforms:

Networking can be enhanced through powerful platforms such as LinkedIn. Craft an enticing profile highlighting your abilities and goals. Join industry groups, engage in discussions, and proactively reach out to professionals whose work you admire. The use of various digital platforms can greatly boost your professional networking.

Example: Rahul’s LinkedIn strategy

Rahul, a software developer, joined AI and machine learning-focused LinkedIn groups. Through insightful comments and posts about his expertise, he captured recruiters’ attention as well as that of professionals in related domains. Eventually, this visibility began to result in freelancing gigs and collaborating on innovative projects. Rahul's proactive engagement with online platforms not only expanded his professional network but also increased his visibility across the relevant industry.

Using the Power of Digital Tools:

In the current age of digital advancements, the utilization of technological tools can significantly enhance networking endeavors. Beyond the confines of social media platforms such as LinkedIn, various networking applications and tools, such as Shapr, should be explored. These tools are designed to link professionals based on mutual interests, industries, or career aspirations. Typically, they include features like virtual networking events, AI-driven recommendations, and skill-based matchmaking, thus improving the likelihood of establishing connections with valuable contacts on a global scale.

Case Study: Sourav's Networking Approach

Sourav, engaged in marketing consultancy, effectively utilized networking applications to enlarge his client base beyond local boundaries. By engaging in virtual industry gatherings and leveraging AI matchmaking features, he was able to connect with prospective clients and collaborators on a worldwide scale. This digital methodology not only expanded his professional network but also facilitated access to projects that would have otherwise been beyond his reach.

World Outside the Digital World:

We agree that online presence these days is unavoidable, but this, despite holding considerable value in the professional space, can never undermine the value of face-to-face interactions. Participation in various offline events, such as seminars, conferences, meetups, and industry-related events, is equally important to connect with like-minded professionals and build long-lasting relationships with a personalized touch that they will remember for a longer period of time. Building relationships through direct, in-person interactions also makes it easy to understand shared professional interests and objectives.

Nikita’s Conference Story

Nikita, a graphic designer, likes to attend various conferences and industry-related events, which in turn helps her to exchange ideas, showcase her portfolio, get relevant feedback from industry experts, and also build long-lasting relationships that later translate to word-of-mouth referrals and freelancing projects for her. With these meetups, she has now established herself as the go-to designer for various firms looking for outsourced work.

Nurturing Relationships:

Networking is not just about who you know but also about maintaining the relationships that you have built over time. Offering any possible assistance or following up with your network once in a while, even if it's just a quick email or a short “Hi” in the DM, can be a great way to stay connected and enhance your professional relationships. 

Example: Som’s reciprocal networking

Someone who is a financial analyst would often refer potential clients to his association of finance consultants. In turn, this led to the advisors endorsing him for speaking engagements as well as introducing him to influential personalities in the finance business, thus massively increasing his professional scope. This mutual give-and-take approach helped him achieve his professional success with reciprocal networking.

The Power of Mentorship:

When it comes to success in any field, experience is what matters most. So, connecting with experienced mentors in your field can provide you with an invaluable source of guidance and wisdom. These mentors share their perspectives based on their own real-life experiences in the industry and, hence, can offer you an “in” into areas you had never considered. 

Case Study: Ankit’s Journey into an Entrepreneur's World

Ankit, a young businessperson, sought advice from an industry expert within his sector. Ankit was taught how to deal with challenges, leverage trends, and take advantage of emerging markets, which finally made his start-up profitable via frequent meetings and consulting services provided by this great mentor. By following this mentorship program, Ankit received helpful insights as well as direction, which fueled his growth as a person in his career.

Conclusion:

At last, you might now have understood that building a personalized professional network that can actually be useful for progressing in one’s career is not a one-time task but a continuous effort of building the connections and then maintaining those relationships with a give-and-take approach. Just remember, everyone has something for you; it’s just the way you see it and make the most of it. So, embrace the journey of professional networking and watch your career flourish!