Some people enjoy networking events.
Emphasis on the 'some'.
But for many - maybe even most - the idea of pressing the flesh and chewing the fat at corporate relationship-building and professional networking functions is work at its absolute worst.
It needn't be this way.
Is it enough to throw a group of people together, give them a name badge, and hope for the best? Research suggests it isn’t.
Forming and maintaining strong professional relationships is a key component of career success. These networks help individuals to access resources, information, and support. But people often hate networking.
🔺 Strong networks provide a range of benefits including learning, sources of information, salary growth, innovation, and a means of getting things done.
🔺 Research shows that people with diverse contacts are able to access information that helps them generate better ideas.
🔺 Building professional relationships improves both quality of work and job satisfaction.
🔺 As the landscape of work changes rapidly, employees are making more frequent career moves, which means that networking is a critical competency.
In Episode 6 of The Floorplan 🎙, I talk with Julia Palmer about RQ (Relational Intelligence), how to create a network in ways that don't feel icky, building relationships for career success, and simple skills to enhance your relationships.
Episode 6 of The Floorplan: Redefining Networking