FEATURE
Career advancement
A study by LinkedIn revealed that 79 % of professionals consider networking an essential part of their career success . Making meaningful connections with other people in your field can lead to mentoring opportunities , peer support and new conversations that can drive professional development . By speaking to people who have forged the path before you , you can get important insight to help you achieve your career goals , and you could support others along the way too .
Professional visibility
Investing time in regular networking keeps you relevant in your space and ensures that you stay visible and part of important conversations or advancements in your field . By attending conferences , seminars , trade shows , or social get-togethers , you can build a reputation as a thought leader within your core field and you ’ ll be front of mind when someone is looking for your specialist skills .
Growth through learning
Burnout can creep in when we get stuck doing the same thing day in , and day out , but making time to learn and develop is the key to thriving . A lot of industries will have to change and
adapt to new landscapes over the next year , and networking can help you stay abreast of the latest trends or technologies in your sector . Talking to peers gives you access to a consistent stream of information and keeps you at the forefront of your sector ’ s developing landscape as you navigate 2024 together .
Building confidence ( for you and others )
Walking into a room full of strangers can be nerve-racking and it often gets pushed to the bottom of the pile if you find it uncomfortable . Being a confident networker doesn ’ t happen overnight , it takes practice and as more and more organisations move to a permanent working from home structure , the next generation of talent is losing the chance to practise those interpersonal skills that make our workforce vibrant and creative . Networking can increase your confidence in group situations , which can help you be more assertive in the workplace , but it also helps to future-proof our workforce by providing opportunities for the next generation to get out of their comfort zone and flourish .
Finding your support systems
Whatever stage you are at in your career , there will be times when things don ’ t go to plan , and if
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