💡 Key takeaway: Networking can sometimes feel like a buzzword, but at its heart, it’s simply about building relationships. It’s the conversations you have that open doors, spark ideas, and create opportunities. These can make an impact  both personally and professionally.

Good networking isn’t about collecting business cards or adding names on LinkedIn. It’s about making genuine connections with people, learning from their experiences, and finding common ground. Whether you’re looking for career advice, exploring new industries, or just wanting to expand your circle, networking can help you grow in ways you might not expect.

In this blog, we will cover:

• What professional networking is and why it matters for your career
• How to network effectively in your industry
• Questions to ask when you are networking
• Ways networking can help you find a new job or promotion
• Where to discover networking opportunities, both in-person and online
• How to network remotely and build meaningful connections

What is professional networking and why is it important?

ChatGPT said:

Professional networking is about building and maintaining meaningful relationships with colleagues, peers, and industry contacts who can support your personal and professional growth. It’s not just about collecting LinkedIn connections, it’s about creating genuine, two-way relationships where you can exchange ideas, learn from others, and open doors to new opportunities.

What are the benefits of networking?

• Opens doors to new jobs, projects, and opportunities
• Builds relationships that can support you throughout your career
• Expands your knowledge by learning from other people’s experiences
• Boosts your confidence in starting conversations and sharing your story
• Creates visibility so others know who you are and what you do

The good news? You don’t need to be a natural extrovert to network well. With a few simple questions up your sleeve, you can turn introductions into meaningful conversations.

Curious about how to break the ice or keep the conversation flowing? We’ve got your back with ten simple networking questions that work perfectly in both face-to-face and virtual settings.

Questions for in-person networking

1. What brings you to this event?
   A friendly way to get someone talking about their goals or interests for attending.
2. What kind of work do you do?
   A simple opener that gives people space to share their role and responsibilities.
3. How did you get started in your career?
   Encourages storytelling and often reveals shared experiences or common ground.
4. What’s the most interesting project you’re working on right now?
   Lets people showcase their passions and achievements in a natural way.
5. What do you enjoy most about your job?
   Shifts the focus to positives, helping you learn what excites or motivates them.

Questions for remote networking

1. What do you enjoy most about working remotely?
   Focuses on positives and helps uncover common ground around flexibility or lifestyle.
2. How do you usually like to connect with people virtually?
   Encourages them to share their preferred ways of building relationships online (e.g. video calls, LinkedIn, online communities).
3. What’s a tip that’s helped you stay connected while working remotely?
   A practical question that can lead to useful insights and shared strategies.
4. What’s been the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself while working remotely?
   A reflective question that often sparks interesting, personal conversations.
5. What’s a recent win (big or small) you’ve had at work?
   Shifts focus to achievements, giving them a chance to share something they’re proud of.

Building lasting connections

Networking isn't just about making initial contact. It's about building relationships that can grow and benefit both parties over time.

• Be curious: Ask questions and really listen to the answers.
• Follow up: Send a short note after meeting someone, mentioning something you talked about.
• Offer value: Share resources, advice, or connections when you can.

Overcoming networking challenges

Networking can sometimes feel awkward or intimidating, but with the right mindset, you can overcome those nerves.

• Prepare a few questions in advance.
• Reframe networking as an opportunity to learn, not a chore.
• Don’t get discouraged if not every conversation leads somewhere.

The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

Boost your networking confidence

Every interaction is a chance to grow. Celebrate small wins, like having an engaging chat or making one new connection. Over time, these add up and build confidence.

And remember - most people are flattered when someone shows interest in their work. So don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions, and start a conversation.