Why Some IT Pros Are Terrible at Networking
A significant number of survey respondents said they’ve lost a job opportunity because they failed to use networking as a business tool.
89% of professionals and job seekers believe networking is beneficial.
Creating new job opportunities: 32%, Earning support from people with higher standings: 23%, Gaining new customers: 18%, Getting a raise: 14%
53% of professionals and job seekers admit they do “very little” or no networking, despite the widespread awareness of the benefits.
27% of those who feel they don’t do enough networking have lost out on a job opportunity as a result.
27% said they do not network more because the opportunities aren’t there.
25% said they do not network more because they don’t know the best way to go about it.
23% don’t network more because they’re already in a good place in their career.
16% said they can’t coordinate networking into their schedule, and the same percentage feels that it takes too much time.
Social media: 50%, Work training: 33%, Business lunches: 23%, Community events: 20%, Conventions/trade shows: 19%
Always think about what you can offer to those within your networks to elevate your perceived value.
When networking enables people to know each other on a personal level, it makes the process more rewarding than daunting.
Deliver upon any promises you make within your network. Keeping your word speaks volumes about your integrity and professional worth.