Networking is a valuable tool in growing your career and skill set. It’s about more than making connections; it’s about establishing relationships that have value for both sides. Though many people view networking as something you do only when you need a job, strategic networking should be embedded when you’re starting, growing, or advancing your career. Below are a few networking methods that aid career and professional development.

Clarify Your Networking Objectives

Before you network, it is important to set specific goals for what you want to accomplish. Do you need your mind to grow in a particular field? Would you like to seek mentors or sponsors who can help you along? Or are you job hunting? By knowing why you are networking, it will be easier for you to prioritize the people and events that will help you move closer to your career goals.

Networking is not meeting as many people as you can to see who can help you. Instead, it needs to be directed to whatever career and professional development goals you have. Knowing what you want out of networking can help you decipher who to network with and how to network effectively.

Leverage Online Platforms

In the digital era, online networking has become an integral facet of career and professional advancement. LinkedIn, Twitter, or other industry-specific social media is a great way to network with professionals all over the world. Use these platforms to connect virtually with potential mentors, your peers, and even mental health industry leaders right from the comfort of your own home.

But online networking is about far more than just quickly clicking ‘connect’ or ‘like’. To get the most bang for your buck, personalize your messages, get into good old-fashioned discussions, and be sure to share some of your expertise. Be part of your field’s groups and engage in talks. Creating an online presence can also give you the chance to establish your expertise and open doors to opportunities.

Take Part in Industry Events and Conferences

While online networking is valuable, attending live events, such as industry conferences, seminars, and workshops, provides unique opportunities to build deeper relationships. By going to these types of events, you can network in person with people in your industry, and that sometimes lends itself to better and longer-lasting relationships.

When you go to these conferences, do a few deeper conversations, instead of seeing how many business cards you can stockpile. Talk about things in your area of career interest, and be yourself. Follow up with the people you met after the event to continue the conversation and discover possibilities for partnership or mentorship.

Seek Mentorship and Sponsorship

Networking is not just about accumulating wide circles of contacts — it’s about forming relationships to help you grow. One of the most potent connections is made with a mentor or sponsor. A coach will support you and give you advice and guidance, assisting you to overcome your career development challenges. A sponsor, however, is boldly pushing for you and could advise others along their journey to create new opportunities in their networks.

When you’re seeking a mentor or sponsor, find someone who has the experience you want and whose career goals and values it will pay to emulate. Nurturing these connections is a process – they don’t happen overnight – and it’s important to be patient and also to offer value to the relationship.

Give Back to Your Network

Networking is reciprocal. It’s also a question not only of what you can get, but what you can give. As you progress in your career and your network, remember that your network, too, will be in search of help. Give of your time, knowledge, and resources. When applicable, share articles that might interest others, make introductions, or offer advice if someone has requested it.

Through being and adding value, you create goodwill and deepen the relationships within your network. When they see you’re out, they’re trying to help people, they’re more willing to help you back. This two-way relationship fosters stronger, ongoing relationships – a win-win for all involved.

Stay Consistent and Follow Up

Networking is all about consistency. Continue to interact with your network over the long haul—even while you’re not looking for a new job. Follow up with people occasionally, give them an update on what you’re doing (can be professional but can also be personal), and ask them how you might help them as well.

When you network, it is critical to follow up to maintain that relationship. Whether it’s sending a brief thank-you note or making a connection on social media, following up shows professionalism and gratitude. It’s the tiny gestures that lead to the most worthwhile professional connections.

Conclusion

Networking is a very important factor in success at work and in career development. Through intention, online and offline strategies, mentorship, and by paying it forward, you can create a network that will truly get meaningful results. Keep in mind that networking isn’t just something to do once; it’s an ongoing commitment to your career. When approached thoughtfully and strategically, networking can unlock doors to a wealth of opportunities, ideas, and connections that can push your career forward.