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Business networking

By Linda, Business Development Customer Specialist

Professional networking, or making connections, is an important part of individual career development as well as running a business.

People in business casual, networking with their devices at a conference

Networking allows you to keep up to date professionally, gather new ideas, talk to clients, grow your customer base or find a new job.

While many prefer to attend these events in person, the development of technology means it is easier to reach out to others online wherever they may be located.

Wooden models representing people, with arms around each other, atop alphabet blocks spelling 'networking'

Wellington Business Networks

Within Wellington there are a number of business networks who meet regularly.

All have a different focus but their main purpose is to support likeminded people across wide business interests.

Some of the networking groups in the Wellington region include:

Prefer online only?

But what if you aren’t a “people person”, are shy, or feel like you don't fit in a crowded room?

Online methods of networking involve social media like Linkedin or connecting via a Facebook page. Here are a few Wellington and New Zealand options:

If you're unsure about how to reach out to someone, here's a Fast Company article that lists some dos and don’ts on connecting with people online.

In WCL’s eBook collection you will also find Devora Zack’s useful Networking for people who hate networking : a field guide for introverts, the overwhelmed, and the underconnected.

A course based on Zack’s writings is the base of a LinkedIn Learning course (free to access with a WCL library card, the online learning platform offshot of the business social network, LinkedIn):

In How to network when you don't like networking on LinkedIn Learning, Devora "highlights three critical differences in how introverts and extroverts socialize, from the way they think to the way they talk. She provides tips to smoothly start, sustain, and end conversations, and some advice for presenting yourself and easing any pre-networking jitters. Plus, get practical advice on re-connecting after an event is over and following up in person or online".

Log in below and get started with LinkedIn Learning through the library:

LinkedIn as a networking tool

LinkedIn is an American-based, international social networking site, utilised by professionals and entrepreneurs.  It can be used to connect and keep in touch with colleagues, peers, or companies.  It is also a form of promotion of oneself or a business.

If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile yet then LinkedIn's Help Pages will get you started.

Here's a useful article as well that provides insight into how to use LinkedIn to market your business.

Further reading

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