Top 5 Benefits of Networking You're Probably Missing Out On

If you do not understand the true value of cultivating your networks, then you will have many missed opportunities.

What most likely comes to mind first when you think of networking is that it’s something that only happens at events where everyone’s passing around business cards. Or that you only need to do it when you’re looking for a new job. But this can’t be further from the truth.

You must make it a point to consistently network and enhance your relationships on a regular basis. It’s not something you do only when you need something! And more importantly, you need to build foundations for meaningful and long-term connections that will have an impact. As Orville Pierson says in Highly Effective Networking: Meet the Right People and Get a Great Job: “All of us use networking all the time as a way of collecting the practical information we need to solve problems and live happier lives.” This is so true.

Taking the time to foster relationships with the right people can empower your success; and if you don’t make it a habit to do so, then here are the top five benefits of networking you’re missing out on:

#1: Networking Increases Your Connections

I’m not just talking about adding a certain number of people to your phone list; it’s about really connecting with individuals, then BUILDING IT into a relationship. For this to work best, you need to find a commonality between you and others and discover ideas or passions you share and shape it from there. Increasing your contacts and connectors helps grow your pool of resources that you can easily tap into when needed.

#2: Networking Enhances Your Career

Because it’s really about WHO you know! Many people find new roles through their connections and the hidden job market (in fact, we’ve developed a course all about it). But it’s not just in terms of ascertaining a new job or the prospect of advancing yourself professionally (which DOES happen); having an expansive network also gives you a place to go when you seek advice from experienced professionals about approaching your boss for a raise, or how to handle a situation with a co-worker, or if you need a mentor as you cruise (and sometimes crash!) along the road to a successful career.

#3: Networking Boosts Your Business

Meeting new people opens you up to professional opportunities and potential clients. Through your interactions, you gain confidence as you build your business, and you find satisfaction as you contribute to the success of others. It’s about creating strong and trusting relationships with those of influence who can provide you with a possible customer, advise you on the next greatest business investment, or refer you a great candidate when YOU’RE looking to hire.

“If people like you they’ll listen to you, but if they trust you they’ll do business with you.”
Zig Ziglar (Motivational Speaker & Performance Trainer)

#4: Networking Improves Your Health

Developing relationships is good for your mental and physical health and impacts your overall well-being. Forming bonds with others helps to combat loneliness and establishes a sense of worthiness. “Social connection…is the greatest predictor of long-term happiness and the greatest long-term predictor of success,” as indicated by author and speaker Shawn Achor. “What we have just found out is that it is also as predictive of how long you will live as obesity, high blood pressure, or smoking.” Having a strong and robust network directly affects your health and can make a huge difference in your life.

“Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”
Dr. Robert Waldinger (American psychiatrist and Professor at Harvard Medical School)

#5: Networking Expands Your Knowledge

Who doesn’t like being around like-minded people? You naturally gravitate toward others who have a common goal and share the same interests as you. But you should also pursue relationships with those who know more than you, and you can learn from—either through their successes or failures. Participating in a mastermind group is a great example of this. What you get out of networking and the opportunities you’re presented with depends on your mindset, and you need to have a positive outlook to gain the most from it.

Successful networking is beneficial in helping you create the right connections with just the right people. And if you’re not doing it then you’re missing out on many potential prospects. You need to make yourself a priority in other people’s thoughts! When you’re actively networking you will be remembered. While your means of relationship-building may seem limited during our current times, there are still plenty of ways to utilize online resources such as Zoom to stay connected and also get reconnected.

It’s essential to have people within your spheres of influence that you find valuable and beneficial, and who feel the same about you. Networking is not about finding an immediate solution to something—it’s about shaping significant relationships with those whom you find a mutual connection—so you know exactly who to call when the time does come.

Become NetWorkWise Certified

Need help bringing your networking skills to the next level? Enroll in our certification course! Through self-paced micro-courses, downloadable resources, quiz questions and action steps, this online training helps you gain an understanding of the right way to cultivate connections and nurture expansive networks. Once complete, you receive credentials validating you as an expert in creating world-class relationships. I encourage you to sign up today and become a NetWorkWise Certified Professional!