Networking: Utilising opportunities to grow your business

Nowadays, so-called ‘corporate jargon’ has become commonplace in many of our working lives. Among the long list of buzzwords that are now fixtures of employees’ conversations is the term ‘networking’. While the concept of networking is nothing new, the term has been adopted and applied within business contexts increasingly over the last few years and has cemented itself as part of the lexicon. To some, the skills needed to network come naturally. To others, the idea of networking, particularly in a business capacity, appears a daunting prospect.

In this blog, we will discuss the importance and benefits of networking, as well as offer some tips on how you can network more effectively.

Marketing

Networking also offers a great way of conducting B2B marketing at little to no cost. Businesses that connect with each other can share insights and demonstrate their unique capabilities to potential customers. This can help to elevate the awareness of your brand and create prospects of future business relationships.

Recruitment

Most of us are familiar with the old adage, “it’s who you know, and not what you know”. Whilst people continue to forge new pathways, there remains an element of truth to this phrase. It is difficult to quantify just how important social and business connections are to one’s career, but it is undeniable that word of mouth remains a useful tool when it comes to securing a new job. Securing employment through networking also provides unique benefits that other channels cannot offer. For example, knowing someone on a more informal level allows you to get a better sense of what a job entails and whether the role is the right fit for you. Similarly, knowing someone personally allows the person hiring to have confidence of the skills and qualities you bring to a role.

Health and Wellbeing

Networking can also have a positive impact on your health and wellbeing in the workplace. In recent years, the importance of social connection for positive mental health has been emphasised, with relationships in the workplace helping to boost our sense of belonging and happiness.

Despite the benefits networking can provide, it can be confusing knowing where to start. Below is a list of tips for ways you can maximise your outreach:

1.     Identify your message (this will inform the method)

Whether you are trying to build a list of business contacts or networking with personal aims, the reasons for putting yourself out there will inform how you do it. For example, if you are looking for a new challenge in your career, highlighting your strengths is key. For those who might be slightly more reserved in their social manner, building a social media platform is a great way of highlighting your skills and qualities. However, if your charisma is one of your defining features, attending in-person events that are focused on your sector, or the wider business community, could help you get in touch with people who are looking to work with, or hire, someone with your background.

2.     Utilise online platforms

Regardless of your personal style, well thought-out and intentional social media presence is a useful tool for expanding your network. LinkedIn has famously revealed that someone is hired via their platform every eight minutes. This demonstrates the potential these platforms offer as a tool that allows you to build your own brand and secure unique, bespoke opportunities.

3.     Focus on friendships first

Networking in a business capacity can feel slightly unnatural to some, which is why aiming to build genuine friendships can be just as useful as building business ones. Friendships in the workplace have been proven to be beneficial for your mental health and workplace wellbeing, and can help ensure teams stay engaged in work and reduce employee stress.

4.     Base yourself in a serviced office

Serviced offices can help provide some of the most unique opportunities for their clients to network. Events including ‘lunch and learns’, exercise classes, seasonal parties etc., allow clients to interact with a diverse network of people and companies, as these offices are often home to businesses from a range of sectors. This can be particularly useful as a small business trying to elevate its presence. Not only does it provide opportunities to make new connections, but having a community of different companies that you can engage with on a regular basis allows you to build connections that are more meaningful and long-lasting.

Here at venYou, we offer a range of networking opportunities for our clients, including the hosting of regular events that help bring people together and foster lasting relationships. As a client of a venYou serviced office, you will have unique access to a vast network of connections that can help progress your business, and keep your team engaged.

If you’re looking for an office environment that provides a range of networking opportunities, contact venYou today on +44(0)28 9091 8500 or email dlinehan@venyou.co.uk.