We’ve all heard the saying “it’s not what you know but who you know”. Within some industries, this is certainly more important than in others. However, for project managers, the benefits of networking are often critical to delivering great project outcomes.
The benefits of networking can take on many different forms and networking does not have to be as daunting as perhaps it once was.
“The time to build a network is always before you need one”
Business Leader, Douglas Conant.
The traditional form of networking for project managers has typically been in person. Post pandemic we hope to see more face-to-face events, providing the opportunity for connecting with other professionals.
In the meantime, attending online events is a good way to continue networking and stay up to date.
If there is an area you’re particularly interested in, there are groups that you can join. These may provide you with opportunities to connect with other project managers that you have a shared interest in and can also help you build on your knowledge in this area.
These are great tools for keeping connected and communicating, especially when communicating in person isn’t an option or proves to be difficult. Ask the person you want to speak with if it’s ok to use video.
According to Bill Gates, “The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow”.
Social networking on platforms such as LinkedIn can facilitate an introduction that may otherwise be hard to come by.
Whether you are attending a physical or online event the same principles apply.
Connecting with people or indeed businesses is not a simple process (but it’s not as hard as we think either) – it requires time and patience but can prove extremely beneficial in both the short and long term.
While networking can initially be uncomfortable, remember those that make it look natural were probably just like you once and persisted to get to the place they’re in now.