The Importance of Networking as a Web Developer
Networking can be a valuable tool for web developers looking to have a rewarding and profitable career within the industry.
What is Networking?
Networking is the process of connecting and engaging with other professionals within the industry to share knowledge, information and develop professional connections.
It may sound corporate and formal, but it doesn’t always have to be.
There are many ways networking can be done as web developers:
- Exchanging business cards
- Striking up a conversation with someone
- Meet-ups
- Corporate events
- Hackathons
- Coding groups
- Connecting with someone on Linkedin
Why Should I be Networking?
There’s a great adage that relates to networking and when searching for job opportunities
“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”
Having a wider network of people within your industry affords you a broader range of sources to tap into and the connections you make can potentially lead to greater opportunities.
People feel more secure hiring someone they know to be dependable and who gets the job done. Compared to posting a listing online and having to sift through hundreds of potential candidates, this is a much more preferable option.
Getting your name out there can be a big step to meeting the right people who can guide you and offer advice and tips to help kick-start your career.
How do I Network?
Networking may seem uncomfortable at first, especially if you’re not used to it or you are a naturally introverted person.
Here are some tips to aid you in networking and creating meaningful connections.
Be Approachable
When attending a networking event it’s essential to make sure you present yourself as an approachable person.
No one wants to approach someone who is giving off bad vibes or looks uncomfortable.
Looking approachable all has to do with body language and the way you present yourself.
You can’t be slumped over and pretending to be looking at your phone in the corner of the room — you have to be proactive, put yourself out there and smile.
When others approach you it makes a significant impact on them if you appear genuinely interested; actively listening to what they have to say and continuing the conversation by asking follow-up questions.
Keep it positive and professional. The aim is to leave people feeling good about themselves and the chat they had with you.
An essential guide for introverts:
Have a Goal
Don’t enter a conversation with others without a goal a mind.
Having a specific goal can help the conversation flow much more smoothly and drive the conversation to where you want it to go.
Common goals include learning about the person you are conversing with, who they are, what they do, and what they can bring to the table.
Personal goals can include letting others know you are available for work and exchanging business contacts with others within your industry.
Keep in Touch
Once you’ve exchanged details with others in your industry, it doesn’t end there.
It’s just as essential to make sure to keep in contact with the people you made connections with so you are in their mind, and are not quickly forgotten about.
If you’re fresh in someone’s mind and an opportunity arises, you may be the first person the opportunity is offered to before they begin searching elsewhere.
Or if a company is hiring and you’re interested, having someone in that company who knows who you are is such a huge advantage as your foot is already in the door.
Simple and easy ways of staying in contact with your connections include sending emails and engaging with their posts on Linkedin.
Regularly posting your successes, thoughts, and relevant discussions on Linkedin can also help keep you fresh in others minds.
More tips on using Linkedin to your advantage:
Conclusion
As you can see there are many reasons why we should all be networking.
Taking the time to make connections within your industry can not only lead to greater opportunities professionally, it could also possibly lead to life-long friendships.
How has networking benefited you? Let me know.
