Networking has become a popular business word in our millennium.This term means the use of contacts established in business for purposes beyond the first form of contact. Networking is a personal activity - face-to-face contact. Old-fashioned networking simply meant handing out business cards at every opportunity, hoping to build a group of interesting contacts.
But true networking is about creating a relationship of trust, building your network recognition, and also about professional development. It looks like this activity is a great way to continue career.
Here are some tips on how we can use it in this field.
Matrix structures
Do you think that when you work in a pharmaceutical company with matrix structures and multi-functional teams, you do not need networking? Nothing could be more wrong. By expanding your network to people outside of your team, you can use their skills, knowledge and contacts to achieve team and personal goals on a much larger scale. Moreover, it is a source of additional knowledge and business opportunities.
Introduce yourself
Networking is based on constructive conversations with interesting people. And there are so many of them - the trick is to just talk to them. If possible, try to find out a little about them in advance so that you have basic information about them that can help you initiate contact. Then say “hello” and ask for your opinion on something important, usually sufficient to start a conversation. Ask about their job function and remember it. This person can be an important contact in the future that you can use. First impressions are important. So dress appropriately, make eye contact, and be cheerful and confident!
Listening
Many people make the mistake of believing networking is talking to people. It is not so. The real secret is listening. After all, you won't learn anything new if you spend your time talking. You already know what you have to say! Everyone has something useful to say and something interesting to say. As long as you are prepared to listen and ask questions. Spend time and energy with them, get to know them, and you may be positively surprised by what you learn.
How can you help?
Another misconception is that networking is asking others to do something for you. It is not so. The fastest way for people to help you is to see if there is anything you can do to help them. If people believe you are the person who can help them in return, they will also want to help you right away.
How can they help you?
The number of acquisitions and mergers taking place on the market in recent years means that workplaces and teams are subject to organizational dynamics. It is worth being open to contact with people at various levels in the organization. You never know if someone you meet on your career path will change the professional position, which can also significantly affect your professional achievements
Matchmaking
Often, the best service you can provide to someone is not your direct help, but to put them in touch with someone who can help. People are always grateful for a kind introduction to a new contact group. Bringing together unfamiliar people will result in you building a reputation for being helpful, even if you are not helping directly.
Remember names quickly
You can't really claim to know someone if you don't remember their name. Get in the habit of remembering names. Best at the first meeting.
Invite people to lunch
Lunch is the perfect opportunity to get to know someone in an informal way. You can talk about anything you like. However, do not choose an overly elegant, chic place, as it may discourage them or take on an ulterior motive.
Let's be in touch
There is no point in getting to know someone if you are not in personal contact. All you need is a quick phone call or an occasional lunch meeting. Calling someone is usually best as it takes little excuse to do so, and there is a lot to learn from a short update conversation.
Networking is personal, and email or voicemail is no substitute for face-to-face contact. Time spent on making contacts can often build strategic alliances that help avoid or even solve future problems, so it is worth considering using it in many aspects of our lives, including in the professional sphere.