The 6 Benefits of Networking Calls

What is a networking call?

Finding an exciting career path is a series of challenges. Knowing the options is first among them.

One of the best ways to learn about career paths is the “networking call.” A networking call is when you get on the phone (or Zoom) with professionals already working in a certain field or industry. If you want to learn about how to run a networking call, read this article.

Note: These are distinct from “informational interviews,” which are calls where you learn about a specific role.

6 Benefits of Networking Calls

These calls are a chance to learn about different roles and industries, as well as what enables people to enjoy and succeed in them. Here’s a general summary of why you should be doing networking calls:

  1. Receive ideas, solutions or knowledge.

    Connecting with other professionals can have many direct impacts on your personal growth and career trajectory. It is often the case where professionals will contact their network after encountering a difficult business problem, and their network is able to provide unique perspectives or solutions to that problem.

    Additionally, networking calls give you the opportunity to gain insights into the field of your interest. You can learn about the industry’s trends and challenges, which you can then use to inform career-related decisions. People who have extensive experience in a field/industry will be able to provide thoughts and opinions that may be difficult to find elsewhere.

  2. Receive support or advice.

    Networking calls are not only a great way to gain insight into a particular field, but they can also provide valuable support and advice that you otherwise wouldn’t have access to. When you encounter adversity in your personal or professional life, it’s very likely that someone you know has gone through something similar already. It can take a lot of courage to ask for help, but you would be surprised by how many people would be willing to provide it.

  3. Build genuine relationships

    It’s important to remember that a networking call is more than just someone seeking an informational interview. It’s also a way that you can make valuable connections with people who share similar interests and values. These people can offer you invaluable advice and guidance throughout your job search, career progress, and even personal life.

  4. Unlock career opportunities.

    When connecting with someone who works in your field of interest, you can gain insights into career paths that you may not have previously considered. If you participate in enough networking calls, you will inevitably hear something like this: “I don’t really do much of that myself, but I’m happy to put you in touch with a friend who does!” By expressing your interests to others, they can better connect you with the people, roles, and information most relevant to you!

  5. Increase visibility.

    If you’re looking to enter a certain field, networking calls can help you increase your visibility to potential employers and industry contacts. Building your network has compounding benefits, as each new person you add to your network provides hundreds of new potential connections. By putting yourself out there and meeting new people, others may see that you are actively looking to meet new people. This will make them more likely to (1) want to network with you and (2) connect you with others in their network.

  6. Create business opportunities.

    Depending on your job, meeting new people may be very helpful for strengthening your business. If you are selling a product or service, working with vendors, partnering with other organizations, looking to get funding, or anything similar, building genuine relationships greatly improves your chances of success.

By taking the initiative to reach out to professionals, you are taking the first step to finding a career that both excites and challenges you. So go ahead and start engaging in some networking calls!

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How to Run a Networking Call

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What is Networking?