Have you ever attended a professional networking event? There are a number of benefits you may realize by regularly attending such events. Investing your time in building professional relationships has the potential to drastically improve not only your career, but the life of your family for generations to come. Here are a few of the benefits you may realize from professional networking.
Industry Changes
First off, by regularly attending professional networking events, you will keep your finger to the pulse of your industry. This can be extremely important depending on your specific industry. For example, the world of technology is ever evolving, which forces people who work in that field to constantly seek the latest information. While other industries may evolve at a much slower pace, it’s always beneficial to remain on the cusp of your industry. This allows you to see the coming changes and position yourself in a way that benefits you.
Continued Education
Continued education is closely aligned with industry changes. Professional networking events generally have a topic of discussion for each event and this provides the opportunity for further education. The more education you have, the more potential you have for monetary gain. Furthering your knowledge makes you more employable and more likely to engage in entrepreneurial opportunities as you learn to recognize them. By regularly attending professional networking events, you’ll increase your knowledge and opportunities over time.
Finding a Mentor
One of the best opportunities professional networking can provide is finding a mentor. It’s a fact that there are people out there who know more than you. By spending enough time at these events, you may find a mentor who will guide you to greater success. Reading books, articles, and videos may help increase your knowledge, but having a mentor guide you through difficult challenges is an excellent way to gain experience and self-confidence.
Employment Opportunities
If you happen to be unemployed or are looking for better opportunities, professional networking events are an excellent way to find employment. Building personal relationships with other professionals in your field will provide you with much greater opportunity. I have been to plenty of events where an attendee announces they are looking to hire. I’ve also been offered employment opportunities by simply talking with other professionals in the field. If you’re looking for employment, I highly suggest attending events regularly and connect with those who are more experienced.
Supportive Community
Professional networking events provide a highly supportive and inspirational environment. You’ll hear from speakers and fellow attendees who have found great success. If you’re eager to build not only a professional network, but a group of friends, networking can provide just that. Jim Rohn, a motivational speaker, once said “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with”. If you regularly attend events and surround yourself with those who are driven, goal oriented, and achieve their desires, you will begin to follow their example and achieve for yourself.
Unlimited Opportunity
By attending networking events and building your professional network, you open yourself up to unlimited opportunity. You never know who you might meet and how it could change your life. By investing your time in building professional relationships there’s no saying what could come of it. Consider the alternative, if you don’t grow your professional network, you’ll never realize what could have been. So, get out there, grow your network, and create your own luck.
Where to Start Professional Networking
Now, if you’re ready to reach out and start growing your professional network, there are a few places you can begin. An easy place to start would be Meetup.com, a place for people to meet about things they enjoy. Anything from book clubs, to coding, to photography, there’s a Meetup out there for you to meet like-minded people. Beyond Meetup.com, there are plenty of professional conferences to attend in almost any field: web design, video, audio, self-improvement, real estate, web development, nutrition, medical, the list goes on. Attend these events and grow your professional network, you never know what may come of it.
Personally, I attend Meetup.com groups for real estate, online marketing, and web design. I also attend paid marketing events, web design conferences, and work on growing my professional network to expand my knowledge and potential for greater opportunity. I’ve learned a lot over the years from professional networking events and am in the process of working with my first real estate investing mentor. I’m excited to see what will come of it and how it will impact my life for the better.
You never know what could be until you get out there and put yourself in a position to benefit yourself. There are additional benefits that may not be listed here, but I consider these a few of the top benefits you may receive by regularly attending professional networking events. What are your thoughts, any benefits you have experienced that aren’t listed? Leave a comment below!
