Networking Within Your Company: Why Not?

Many people think of networking as seeking a new job at a new company. They don't know that networking can help you in many other ways.

Networking is formally defined as "The exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business."

Basically, one could say that networking is:

• A transaction in which information or services are exchanged, and

• The development of fruitful connections.

Networking can be done anywhere and for any reason, not just to find potential employers.

Why you should network within your organisation

Why should you spend your time building relationships at work? Here's why:

1. To establish trust

When you network within your organisation, you create mutual trust and respect and build relationships. This leads to increased productivity and a better overall work experience.

2. You will have access to mentors

Networking can connect you with possible mentors who can help you advance your career in various ways. On the other hand, mentees may recognise you as someone they would like to mentor them.

3. You gain a better understanding of your organisation

You can leverage your internal network to learn more about other aspects of the organisation, such as potential career routes and employment. You can also discover how to enter those professions and possibly find an advocate to assist you with your career move.

4. You have the option of levelling up within your organisation

Internal networking can lead to project teams, stretch assignments, or committee appointments that you might not otherwise be aware of or considered for. This can be beneficial in terms of setting yourself up for promotion.

5. You'll gain insider information

Internal networking gives you access to insider information on career prospects before it becomes public. Similarly, you will have an inside network that will advocate for you in those jobs.

6. You're planning for the future

People leave to work for other companies. A thriving internal network implies that you are also establishing a future exterior network.

Who should you network with within your organisation?

Let's move on to people you should network with:

1. Colleagues

These are the folks in your department or team who are at your level.

2. Stakeholders

These individuals within the organisation have a vested interest in the product or service you produce or deliver, or those whose work you have a vested interest in.

3. Employees from other departments

What other departments, such as sales, marketing, finance, and human resources, do you wish to interact with?

4. Your boss's colleagues

You should discuss this one with your boss. Who would they recommend you connect with, and why? You don't want your boss to be taken aback when they discover you've been meeting with their peers.

5. Movers and shakers

Who else in your organisation has a high profile, is well-regarded, is known as a high potential, or is undertaking work that piques your interest?

How should you network within your organisation?

Let's talk about how you should network with these people. Here are five options, depending on the individual and your aim for meeting with them:

• Invite them to the cafeteria or a nearby coffee shop for a cup of coffee.

• Request a 15-minute visit to their workplace.

• It would be best if you invited them to lunch.

• As your guest, invite them to a luncheon meeting.

• Accept other people's invitations to attend luncheons.

What should you say?

Getting the other person to talk about themselves is an excellent method to start these conversations. You want to keep things upbeat. Here are five excellent opening questions:

• What are you working on right now?

• How did you land the job?

• What is the most enjoyable aspect of working in your department?

• Who in the company have you had the most fun working with, and why?

• What is your most proud achievement at this company?

Networking is the finest approach to becoming an excellent networker. Be prepared to put yourself out there and build contacts. You'll make mistakes and make mistakes, and that's fine.