Networking may feel uncomfortable and stressful for some people, especially for introverts.
The conversation may run out of topics, leaving two individuals staring at each other in awkward silence. There are instances where a person dominates the conversation, and the other is subjected to their endless boasts.
Past unsuccessful networking events may cause a distance in networking, but there are many advantages for your personal and social growth when you have a strong network.
Read on to find out how a strong network is beneficial for you, personally and socially.
Why Having A Positive Network Is Important?
1. Boosts Self-Confidence
Meeting new people, socializing with friends, and being asked for your opinions may sound intimidating, especially for introverted people, but this is exactly what and when you need to boost your self-confidence.
It is normal to be afraid of meeting new people if you are not a people person, but one counter intuitive way to boost your self-confidence is to do the things you are afraid of. This way, you can prove to yourself that you are more capable than you think, eventually raising your self-confidence.
- Open the Door to Opportunities
Growing your contacts can open doors to new opportunities for career, business, personal development, or simply new knowledge. Networking helps to keep you at the top of your contacts’ minds when opportunities arise, such as job openings, insider news, scholarship applications, and so on. This gives you a huge advantage in different aspects of life.
With a strong network, you can keep a pulse on the job market, stay on top of the latest trends, and gain access to people who can inspire you to grow.
- An Avenue to Exchange Ideas
Your network of friends is the perfect place to bounce and improve ideas. Whether you have an idea to start a new business or a movement, you can get authentic, immediate feedback and new perspectives from your network.
You can also learn from others and offer your feedback to help them advance in their career or business. Networking with the right circle of people will allow you to brainstorm each other’s business blueprint with constructive and honest comments.
Conclusion
Having a strong and healthy network is imperative to your personal growth. It boosts your self-confidence, offers you doors to new opportunities, and it is an avenue to exchange your ideas.