According to Cornell University, the opening of about 80% of jobs is not advertised to the general public. This means that those positions are filled by someone who probably hears it from someone else. In other words, those jobs are filled by networking.

“I had never had a job where I formally applied and then got a job after an interview process. My jobs have come from meeting people at conferences, introduction established through former colleagues or classmates, people whom I have reached to go out and kept in touch during school, etc., which shows me, which shows me, at least, me, the strength of networking,” Andres LarsCareer expert and managing partner at the Chero talks institute.

Networking is more than using it as a way to share the job opening through the mouth or climb a corporate ladder. Ideally, networking helps you grow individually and professional,

“Networking professional is a deliberate process of building and nutrition that provides mutual value,” Kimberly brownCareer and Leadership Specialists, and Founder Brown -colored leadership“Networking works because careers are fundamentally manufactured on relationships – people rent people, promote, and recommend people they know and trust.”

How to learn a network like a supporter can take you to the next level in your life and career. Read for Practical ways to make and maintain connectionsTo deal with strategies Networking challengesAnd for insight how networking can have a positive effect on your mental health.

Why does networking matters?

When most people think about networking, they think about a large meeting room filled with participants (nothing else-to-agar), who are trying to make connections to help pursue their careers. While this landscape is a part of networking, it does not paint the entire picture. There are different types of networking to help achieve your goals.

Professional networking Do most people of time come to mind. It occurs on conferences and commercial events, but it is also through it One-one conversation with colleagues Or while learning from a mentor. “These connections help us develop our careers, expand our influence and reach new opportunities,” says Brian SmithFounder and Managing Partner of IA Business Advisors.

Personal networking When you meet people through family, friends, yoga classes, mother groups, gym, or other activities. The spirit of the room from these groups provides a rich experience. “These relationships often Support our emotional and mental healthGiving us a feeling of belonging, identity and unconditional support, ”Smith calls.

And meeting others through networking lends for strong interacted support. “Social support is the foundation for effective networking. Construction actual connection creates a community of people who can provide emotional incentives, practical advice and strategic introduction,” Brown tells.

Encourage Mental health benefitsLinkedIn notes that networking helps fight the feelings of isolation, isolation, and loneliness, while promoting the feelings of being understood, valuable and supported. The key to getting the biggest benefit from practice is to cultivate your networking skills.

Strategies for effective networking

Networking is more than just talking. Inserting the right strategies to work, it can not only help you to add and promote meaningful relationships, but also possible the process. Here are some practical networking tips to consider:

• be yourself. Although this may look clear, for many people, it is not. Whether you join a new friend group or try to find potential customers, let people meet authentic.
• Create personal relations“People’s names and some personal remember about them and what they care about. People do not want to feel that they are only contacts to be useful in your files,” Richard E. Boysis, PhDs, Professors recommends in Departments of Organizational Behavior, Psychology and Cognitive Sciences. Case Western Reserve University,
• Show real interest in everyone you get. “Before talking about yourself, apply the ‘Investigation’ principle by asking the thoughtful questions that show real interest in others,” Lars says.
• Be ready If you are going to a conference, do research on speakers and others before you leave. You will feel more confident and will be able to interact in a meaningful way.
• Make quality interactions your goal. “Instead of collecting business cards or linkedIn connections, invest time in low, deep relationships. A strong lawyer is the price of more than 50 casual acquaintances,” says Brown.

You can also benefit Online platform For networking. It seems easy, in some ways, compared to face to face, but it may require more effort to create an authentic connection. And like networking individually, using smart strategies can give you more success.

• When people see your profile, let them know more about you. Your online forum should inform people who you are, your mission and your goals.
• “Not consistently, not consistently: When it adds value, comment, share and message – but avoid scrolling or reactively reacting. Your time and energy is property,” Smith Note.
• Create limits. Valuable time is easy to waste, which is to scroll carefully. Take a break from the screen if needed. Give a fixed amount of time to attach yourself and then disconnect.

Overcoming networking challenges

For many people, Networking with strangers Or even those people know that there is a dreaded work. In fact, more than 70% of Americans say they will remain silent rather than engaged in small things. Just as there are strategies for networking, so are strategies to deal with its challenges.

Deal with networking anxiety

When you are going to your first book club meeting or stepping into your boss dinner party, butterflies in your stomach are not uncommon. It is feared that you will not do the right thing or not. You can help remove Networking anxiety By predetermining the topics of discussion, you can use it as conversation starters, or set a realistic goal for yourself, such as you will have three meaningful discussions.

Strategies for introverted

“Networking affects Introverted people Separately because their energy is reduced rather than extended by widespread social interaction. However, introverts often excel in the ‘investigation’ phase of networking, as they are excellent listeners and ask thoughtful questions. Introverts can focus on quality more than volume in networking, ”Lars says.

“Integravarts can take advantage of their natural strength in a conversation and deep connections instead of trying to work in a room. By preparing adequately for each networking opportunity and setting realistic goals, introvarts cannot effectively take the network without any.”

Rejection and failures handle

Nobody likes rejection. And let’s face it, when you start talking to someone you don’t know well, it can open the door for them what you have to say. And then your follow -up efforts are afraid of completion with silence. But avoid taking rejection individually. “Have you done effectively communicate Connecting value? “Brown also says brown,” Regradition your energy for receptive connections instead of housing on them that were not physical. “

Duplication in place for networking challenges can make you feel more powerful and can be ready to withstand work in hand.

Take care

Networking is a part of life in some form or the other. But whether you thrive as a party’s life, or calm each interaction, employ major strategies and overcome challenges, which transforms a good networking experience into a great.

“Networking is not only about whom you meet – it’s about how you show. When you lead with intentions, stay right for your values, and be open for development, challenges become stones – and your network becomes a source of strength, not tension,” Smith concluded.