7 Tips for improving your professional networking

​Career Tip: Don't neglect professional networking just because you have a job you love right now.

We recently posted this career tip on our socials - and it generated a few internal discussions as to why it's so important to network with industry peers.

With this in mind, we have compiled a list of key reasons why you always need to keep up professional networking with new and current industry experts / professional groups.

Professional networking tips

1. Networking enhances your interpersonal skills

Technology is great for communicating, but you still have to interact with people and know how to act professionally to enhance your career.

At any given time, you will need to effectively communicate with your leaders or your peers in your industry. These personal and professional interactions should come naturally to you, and practicing networking can fine tune your communicative skills.

2. Business Leads

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Always communicate professionally when following up on leads - people act differently in social situations compared to their professional working environment. Just remember to be sensitive to timing, and use common courtesy when following up with contacts, ensuring you don't badger - no one likes pushy people.

3. Career Opportunities

Quite often, our recruiters here at Paxus will ask a current contractor or candidate if they know or can recommend someone for a position. Consider making others know who you are, and what qualifications, expertise, and experience you have that could open up doors.

4. Building Confidence

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Self-confidence is based on experience handling situations both in your personal and professional life. The more you interact with people, the more confident you will become in your approach. Success doesn't happen accidentally, you need to continually work at it - if you are willing to try, you are one step closer to being successful.

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Networking can also provide a great personal benefit - professional relationships can help identify practical solutions to everyday problems in your personal life.

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6. Recognising Best Practices

Networking is a great way to identify best practice and industry benchmarks. Learning from what others do is a valuable strategy for all businesses, and ensures you are on top of industry standards.

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7. Support and Guidance

You're likely to be faced with several different tests and tribulations throughout the lifetime of your career.

Calling on your professional contacts in times of need might help you to get your head around some of the challenges you may face. Experience generally is the key in navigating difficult situations, and your network can often reassure you of the decision you are making, or guide you through challenging times. Consider a mentor - people like to help someone progress their career further. They will be there in the trying times, and of course, there to celebrate the good moments. By opening chains of communication within your professional network, you will provide an opportunity for a mutually beneficial relationship that will facilitate the success of your career.

Learn more

Looking for more career advice? Check out our other career tips here.