You are here: Looking > Networking Skills Networking Skills What is Networking? The term "networking" is used in business, career development, socializing, and more.  Definitions of networking can be lengthy and complicated, but put most simply networking is making connections with others.  So, having networking skills means having the ability to make positive and lasting connections with others in both your professional and personal lives. The definition of networking may be fairly straight forward, but actually doing the activity can be a challenge.  It is highly beneficial to work on developing your networking skills, as this can lead to gainful employment, career success & satisfaction, lasting friendships, etc.

Networking Benefits

	Increase Access - "It's not WHAT you know, it's WHO you know".  This is a common saying when it comes to employment.  Becoming an expert at networking dramatically increases your chances of getting access to the jobs you want.
	Get Help - Having many people to connect with, who have different views, strengths, and experiences is highly valuable when you have a question, need ideas, or need to some advice.
	Increase Efficiency - You don't have to "reinvent the wheel".  When faced with a new challenge or project, chances are there is someone out there who has done it or something like it before.  Having access to different professional people allows you to gain insight from their experiences, and helps you get your work done more quickly and efficiently.
	Have Fun - It isn't much fun working, or living, in complete isolation.  When you have a strong professional network of people, both in your workplace and outside of your workplace, you can have fun sharing ideas, opinions, and even some laughs!
	Get Perspective - Just like when you are writing an essay or working on your resume, it is sometimes hard to see your mistakes.  You are so familiar with the content, you don't even see the errors on the page.  Having a network of people who can edit and give feedback on your work helps you produce higher quality work, which helps you immensely in your career.
	Give & Take - Networking is not all about taking from, or "using" people in your network.  True networking benefits ALL the people involved.  When you are in a network (formally or informally), you help others (by giving advice, passing on job leads, brainstorming ideas, etc.) just as much as they help you.  At times you will need others more than they need you (such as when you are looking for work), and it is a great feeling when you are in a position to return the favour.

Developing your Network

Formal vs. Informal Networking - Sometimes networking is simply being friendly to someone, making friends at a party, or working effectively on a project with someone new.  Informal networking happens everyday, whenever you are in contact with others.  If you are a "people person", and are comfortable meeting people, keep up the good work!  You are networking and you don't even know it.  For those who find it more difficult to connect with others, read some of the following tips on developing a network more purposefully.

	Be Yourself - Part of networking is letting people know who you are, what your interests are, and what is currently going on in your life.  Letting people in is the first step in building a relationship.  And, networking is all about relationship building.
	Ask Questions - Letting others know you is only half of relationship building.  The other part is all about getting to know others.  Show your interest in what is going on with others by asking them questions.  Start out with a simple, "How's your day going?"; you'll be amazed at the conversation that can flow out of you asking this seemingly simple question.
	Make a Plan - Take time to brainstorm what you want to get out of each networking situation that arises.  Befor going to a conference, for example, set goals regarding what information, contacts, or resources you want to find there.
	Get Organized - When you start attending numerous networking events (e.g. conferences, social events, sporting events, school alumni events, meet & greets, formal network group meetings, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, etc.), you will inevitably be meeting may people.  In order to  keep their names and business cards accessible for future encounters and communication, have a system in place to orgnanize the information.  There are many business card holders at office supply stores, and often low cost options are available.
	*Tip: when you finish talking with someone, and they give you a business card, take a moment to write on the back of the card brief notes to yourself to help you remember the person and your conversation better
	Get Involved - There are many ways to network, both formally and informally.  Some examples of things you can get involved in as a means of meeting more people and increasing your network include:
	Joining professional associations Volunteering Taking on new projects or joining special committees at work Coaching Mentoring Joining sports teams or clubs Taking courses (fun or academic) Traveling The options are truly endless!
	Map your Networks - Try this insightful exercise.  On a piece of paper (or on the computer for those who prefer to do things electroncially) draw a bubble web.  In the center bubble, write your name.  Draw some "branches" and connect them to new "bubbles" that represent various clubs, organizations, churches, groups, teams, committees, etc. that you belong to.  Then connected to these bubbles, write all the different people that you know through these different groups.  Soon you will see just how many people you know, and how large YOUR network really is.
	Web Map Example