5.4.5 Networking
Networking is a long-established management practice. It involves the maintenance of informal contacts in order to exchange information and ideas with other people within or outside the organisation.
There are various ways in which people can develop networks:
- by belonging to the professional association covering your area of work and attending its meetings and functions
- by attending conferences, seminars, luncheons etc
- by making contact with other people in the same profession who work in similar industries and localities.
Effective networking can offer a wide range of benefits:
- increased knowledge by studying successful individuals and organisations and learning from them
- information and advice on how another organisation has successfully handled an issue which is confronting your own organisation
- providing referrals to other people, organisations and resources who may be able to assist with resolving issues
- a possible source of new business leads
- access to resources and advice which might otherwise be hard to find, for example impartial feedback on the use of certain products and services
- a means of verifying or dispelling rumours
- a means of obtaining information on current practices and policies
- a source of emotional support and friendship
- a source of career advice and assistance, for example gaining access to career opportunities
- publicity for your own organisation's products and services.
Networking involves more than simply exchanging business cards or turning up at meetings: it requires spending considerable time developing new contacts and maintaining old ones, as well as actively participating in organisations and activities. It also involves being willing to learn from the experience of others by asking questions and listening to others, and by not becoming defensive about what you don't know. It is also important to remember the 'information sharing' nature of networking. There is little point attempting to 'milk' people for information and ideas if you are not able or willing to provide them with similar assistance or support. (CCH Legal Editors 1991)
Activity 5m
How can you develop your own network in your area of interest?
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