How can you use networking to improve your decision-making skills?
Decision-making is a crucial skill for any job seeker, as it helps you evaluate your options, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the best course of action. However, decision-making can also be challenging, especially when you face uncertainty, ambiguity, or conflicting information. That's why networking can be a valuable tool to improve your decision-making skills and boost your career prospects. Here are some ways you can use networking to make better decisions.
Before you start networking, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and why. This will help you focus your efforts and connect with the right people. For example, if you are looking for a career change, you might want to network with people who work in your desired field, industry, or company. If you are looking for a promotion, you might want to network with people who can mentor you, recommend you, or introduce you to opportunities. Having a specific goal will also help you measure your progress and adjust your strategy if needed.
-
Like all crucial business processes, networking works best when carried out thoughtfully. Therefore, successful networking requires a structured, strategic plan. By developing a plan you are much more likely to reach your business or networking goal. This is because you will have focused your efforts on achieving the specific business results you want, or need, to achieve. Your purpose may change based on the type of network you are tapping into. Be aware that the purpose is not the same as the goal. Your goal is normally an ‘amount’ or a specific level of return on your networking investment. Setting goals without really understanding what you hope to achieve can lead to wasted effort or the wrong approach.
-
Networking can enhance your decision-making skills by exposing you to diverse perspectives and experiences. Engaging with professionals from various backgrounds and industries provides insights into different approaches to problem-solving and decision-making. You can learn from the successes and mistakes of others, gaining valuable knowledge that can inform your decisions. Discussing your challenges with your network can offer new viewpoints and feedback, helping you consider factors you might not have thought of. This broadened understanding and exposure to different strategies can significantly refine your decision-making process.
One of the benefits of networking is that it exposes you to different viewpoints, experiences, and insights that can enrich your decision-making process. By talking to people from various backgrounds, roles, and levels, you can learn more about the realities, challenges, and trends of your field or industry. You can also get feedback, advice, and support from people who have faced similar situations or have relevant expertise. However, be careful not to rely too much on other people's opinions or let them influence you negatively. You should always evaluate the information you receive critically and use your own judgment.
-
While most networks are formed around a shared experience, such as the company we work for or the city we live in, it is important to be cognizant of the networks we are part of and the diversity that is present within them. Given that our networks influence the way we think and the opportunities we give and receive, lack of diversity within these networks can create echo chambers of perspectives. Being cognizant of the networks that we are part of and being intentional about the diversity of those networks, might take a bit of discomfort, as we reflect on ourselves and learn about others. But the benefit of expanding our views, experiences and connections is well worth the effort, both for us as individuals and for our companies.
-
If you are struggling with a decision, challenge or new direction, calling up a trusted former colleague, mentor, teacher or friend to organize a coffee can be beneficial to both of you, as they will in turn think of you when next they have a challenge. Offering helpful ideas in return is an excellent way to build your reputation as an innovative thinker.
Another way networking can improve your decision-making skills is by helping you discover new possibilities and opportunities that you might not have considered otherwise. By building relationships with people who share your interests, values, or goals, you can access information, resources, and referrals that can open new doors for you. For example, you might find out about a job opening, a training program, or a project that matches your skills and aspirations. You might also find potential collaborators, partners, or mentors who can help you advance your career. Networking can also help you identify and overcome any gaps or barriers that might limit your options.
-
Whether you love meeting new people or the thought of a room full of strangers makes you shudder, networking is an essential element of career success. Finding new and exciting ways to expand your professional network can help you create connections with people who can help you along your professional journey. Growing your professional network is not an overnight process. With slow and steady efforts, you’ll soon have a job search contact list that is sure to help you get your foot into the door of a company that you’d like to work for!
Networking can also be a useful way to test your ideas and assumptions before making a final decision. By sharing your thoughts and plans with your network, you can get constructive feedback, suggestions, and validation that can help you refine your ideas and improve your outcomes. For example, if you are thinking of applying for a job, you can ask your network for tips on how to write a compelling resume, prepare for the interview, or negotiate the salary. If you are considering starting a business, you can ask your network for insights on the market, the customers, or the competitors. Networking can also help you avoid costly mistakes or missed opportunities by alerting you to potential risks or challenges.
-
Sometimes it can be really difficult to receive feedback. But being aware of the reasons behind your own reaction to feedback can help you better manage your response, and eventually help you get much more out of the discussion. People often feel uncomfortable giving feedback, because nobody wants to hurt somebody else's feelings. By demonstrating that you are open to hear others’ views and willing to receive feedback, you will be doing a great service to whoever you work with.
Finally, networking can improve your decision-making skills by helping you follow up and follow through on your actions. By keeping in touch with your network, you can update them on your progress, thank them for their help, and ask for further assistance if needed. You can also celebrate your achievements, share your learnings, and seek feedback on your performance. By doing so, you can strengthen your relationships, build trust and credibility, and enhance your reputation. You can also learn from your experiences, evaluate your results, and identify areas for improvement.
-
Following up on the contacts you've made is an essential part of effective networking. Get it right, and you'll be in a great position to build lasting business relationships and enhance your credibility. Get it wrong, and you could miss opportunities to boost your career or to develop new clients. A strong professional network can help you to learn new skills, to develop best practice in your area, to learn more about your industry, and to open up new job opportunities. And the more connections you make, the more valuable you become to others as an aid to building their networks.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Creativity SkillsYou're looking for ways to improve your career development. What are some networking strategies you can use?
-
StatisticsHere's how you can network effectively with senior professionals in your field.
-
Employee EngagementHow do you leverage your network for career development and learning opportunities?
-
Relationship BuildingHere's how you can shape your professional network through decision making.