Myth Debunking 101 – Networking happens only at events

The moment we hear the word ‘networking’, we imagine attending large-scale formal events at conference halls. However, that’s just one of the many ways to establish a network. While events play an extremely important role in gaining access to incredible industry insights, networking is a continuous process that is not limited to any one-time or once-in-a-while event.

You can connect with people every single day around you, in-person and virtually. Hence, for freshers still trying to ace their networking game, it’s important to debunk the myth that networking is only limited to events and gatherings.

According to Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services, professional networking has greatly evolved over the years. The process of networking involves interpersonal communication which often takes place in social settings like events and conferences. Hence, he agrees that many people associate networking exclusively with formal events.

While online networking did exist before, the pandemic significantly accelerated this process. According to research conducted by LinkedIn, he says, 35% of participants reported that casual communications on LinkedIn helped them land new professional opportunities. The pandemic also boosted social media networking through online platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet, to facilitate interpersonal contact.

Explaining the context, Ankit Aggarwal, founder and CEO, Unstop says that in earlier eras, networking primarily occurred in structured settings because of cultural norms that emphasised face-to-face interactions. Also, without modern tools and social media, there were never any alternatives. Nowadays, digital platforms, courses, and webinars allow more people to connect with each other at a peer level.

Workplace interactions and social media serve as opportunities for networking
Elaborating on this, Alug says workplace interactions offer several benefits including exploring new opportunities, receiving professional advice, finding new clients, and increasing the probability of long-term retention. Employees who engage in workplace networking feel greatly connected to the team and are more likely to be associated with the company than those who do not engage in workplace interactions.

In Aggarwal’s opinion, workplace interactions are a huge opportunity for youngsters to network, not just with their own peers but also with senior leaders in the company. Especially, he says that it is easier in the startup ecosystem where leaders also connect with the younger folks in the team to guide them and understand their ideas. Companies also conduct fun activities for teams to have more cross collaboration and know each other better, which further opens up room for growing your network.

Coming to the space of social media, again he says it is a great platform to network and interact with new people through different communities online, by building personal brands, and by reaching out to leaders or creators that are an inspiration for others.

Barriers to networking outside of events, and ways to overcome them
While listing common barriers that professionals often encounter when networking outside of events, Alug mentions poor communication due to underconfidence and fear of embarrassment, limited references, restricted networks, and absence of planning. Nonetheless, he says, these barriers can be dealt with by improving communication skills, staying abreast with job and industry trends, strategic planning and goal-setting as well as diversification of networks that would enable one to have greater access to opportunities.

Aggarwal also expresses a similar opinion. One of the barriers, according to him, is a lack of confidence and nervousness to connect with people one doesn’t know. The remedy he suggests is using digital platforms and mentorship space to connect online with people and grow your self-confidence bit by bit. He recommends taking out one hour in your day to connect with professionals and people you look upto for the sheer learning you take away from it.

Combine formal and informal networking strategies to establish a strong network
Though establishing a professional network can be a long-term process, it can be effectively achieved through strategic planning and by effectively combining formal and informal networking strategies, says Alug. While formal networking strategies could comprise workplace interactions, attending conferences, and professional events like job fairs, informal networking strategies would include establishing networks on various social media platforms and joining industry groups and associations.

Adding to this, Aggarwal says using formal networking as a foundation and slowly transitioning into informal networking wherein you have more opportunities to connect with relevant people one-on-one through sessions online or offline can undoubtedly help build a strong network.