Would you like to know how to increase your career growth exponentially?
Network.
A longitudinal study conducted in Germany by Wolff & Moser (2006) found that networking behaviors, such as building and maintaining contacts, were significantly linked to career growth. Like a retirement fund started in your younger years, the success of the investment grows exponentially over time. It’s no wonder Porter Gale titled her book, Unlock the Hidden Power of Connections for Wealth, Success, and Happiness in the Digital Age.
But why is networking so powerful?
Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards – it’s about exchanging ideas. By connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and industries, you gain fresh perspectives on challenges and opportunities. This cross-pollination of ideas can spark innovation, improve your problem-solving abilities, and keep you at the forefront of your field.
Networking is a skill in itself. It requires effective communication, active listening, and relationship building. By practicing these skills in networking settings, you become a more persuasive communicator, a better collaborator, and a stronger leader.
Plus, the more people you know, the more your name and expertise circulate within your industry. This increased visibility can lead to new clients, collaborations, speaking engagements, and other career-boosting opportunities.
Kelli Thomason on our team recently had the opportunity to discuss this topic as a guest presenter at a workshop, Professional Networking for Career Success, with a group of students enrolled in the Clemson University Human Capital and Development program. The information is applicable for all career levels, as networking is like a bridge that connects us with new industries, job opportunities, and expert insights.
Where can you network? LinkedIn® is a great start. A key component of the presentation included creating and optimizing a LinkedIn® profile. Some of her tips included:
- Replace the default background photo assigned by LinkedIn – Canva is great for this
- Ensure your head and shoulders take up about 65-75% of available space in your profile photo and use Photofeeler or Snappr to “test drive” your selection
- Create a targeted and interesting headline – see Clay Hebert’s “The Perfect Intro” or Donna Serdula’s LinkedIn Headline Generator for inspiration
- Complete the About section and take advantage of the 2600 characters available to tell your professional story and explain how you bring value to your role, clients, and customers
Finally, remember to stay connected with your network by giving back. Pass along interesting reads, connect your network with job opportunities, or just check in on their well-being. One of the most valuable things you can do is share how you applied their advice or how something they did impacted you for the better. This will certainly strengthen the connection and set you apart.
Can you identify how networking has advanced your career?
