Networking for staff development

Advantages of business networking

Guide

Networking can provide a number of benefits to businesses. Networking involves meeting, getting to know, and interacting with people who share similar interests, who can assist you, and whom you can help in return. Networking becomes really effective when strong long-term relationships are built through trust and mutual respect.

For a start-up or small business at any stage, networking can provide a lifeline of support, and solutions to problems and lead to new business opportunities.

Benefits of networking

The advantages that effective networking brings to businesses include:

Build relationships

Networking allows you to connect with other businesses, helping you to establish effective relationships with key people across various industries, that you can call on if needed.

Solutions to business problems

If you are experiencing a business problem networking may give you access to other people who have experienced similar issues in the past and can offer valuable advice and potential solutions to help you move forward. You may also find best practice guidance is promoted through business networks that can help streamline how you operate.

Business opportunities

Networking gives you an opening to other people and organisations that could lead to new business opportunities being identified or new partnerships established in the pursuit of new business ventures.

Develop social skills

Regular networking can help build your confidence when dealing with people and this can have a positive impact on future interactions you have with staff, customers, and suppliers.

Helping others

Just as networking can provide you with helpful business advice and solutions, you in turn can be a source of help to others, giving you a great sense of pride and satisfaction. It will also help enhance your professional reputation.

Access new talent

If you are struggling to recruit for job vacancies or are looking for a particular skill set to bring to your business networking could introduce you to the talent you need.

Benchmarking

Networking allows your business to measure how your business is performing against other similar organisations, giving an indication of your strengths and areas where improvement may be required.

Raise your business profile

Networking gets you and your business noticed by others and by establishing more connections and regularly contributing to networks your business will become more reputable.

New customers or suppliers

Networking can help you identify new customers or suppliers either amongst the network members or based on recommendations from others in the group.

Latest information

Business networks can be a rich source of new industry developments, perhaps highlighting upcoming legal requirements or technological advancements in your sector.

The extent to which you benefit from business networking will depend on the events and services the network offers and how actively you become involved. Some businesses are reluctant to seek advice or get help for fear of being embarrassed or allowing a competitor to take advantage.

However, for most businesses, the benefits of taking an active role in a network usually outweigh any potential concerns or reasons not to get involved in business networking.

Find and get involved in Northern Ireland business networks.