What is networking and what will it look like in the future?

The term networking comes from computing, where a network is a set of computers and programs connected to one another to share resources and information. Applied to people, then, the concept lets us exchange knowledge that makes our work processes easier.

In this article we will explain what networking is, why it is so important and what the networking of the future will be like.

What is networking?

Networking is a common practice in both the professional and business worlds. It helps us generate business opportunities and build our own network of contacts made up of companies and professionals we have met at various meetings and events.

Large cities usually hold professional conferences and trade fairs that include spaces set aside for networking among attendees, to encourage new contacts between professionals with shared interests.

The biggest networking events held in the city of Barcelona are:

·Mobile World Congress

·4YFN

·Women in Tech Barcelona

·BCN Fintech Afterwork

·IOT Solutions World Congress

But which channels can we use for networking?

·Events

This is one of the best-known and most widely used channels, as events bring together large numbers of people from our sector, and if we plan our approach well we can generate a lot of contacts and leads. The main drawback is that many people are keen to make contacts, and as a result we end up with lots of business cards and very few quiet moments to talk to attendees.

·Social media

As we all know, social media is revolutionising the world, with many applications in different settings. Networking has been shaped by it too: it now lets us view the profiles of the attendees we are interested in contacting and get in touch with them before the event to arrange a meeting.

·Personal network of contacts

This is undoubtedly the form of networking that brings us the most value, but unlike the other channels its reach is very limited.

Why is it so important?

Maintaining a good relationship with the people we work with and those we meet through networking channels is key to our professional development, since thanks to them we will be able to carry out more complex projects and even find a better job. In addition, meeting people outside our immediate working environment lets us broaden our view of what we do and what we may be able to do professionally.

We must not forget that these contacts will help us keep up to date with new technologies and ways of working so that we can improve as professionals.

Types of networking

There are two types of networking:

1.Physical: this is the most widely used, and involves interacting with other people in person.

2.Digital: this has developed thanks to new technologies. It can be done by sending emails or by taking part in wikis, forums, virtual communities, etc.

Digital networking

An evolution of classic networking, it is a strategy that lets us create professional contacts and opportunities through digital media and platforms. For this we can use social media (LinkedIn), webinars, digital events, databases…

This strategy is now essential, above all because we live in the digital age, which lets us break down geographical barriers and connect with professionals from all over the world to collaborate with them in the future.

But it does not only help us meet people; it also improves our employability. This is because by taking part in digital events and masterclasses we can connect with speakers more easily.

Applications of digital networking

We can apply this new kind of networking in the following ways:

·Ongoing networking with users of digital platforms and media

·Building databases before events and meetings begin

·Integrating our social media to connect with other digital communities

The future of networking

We can say that the future of networking is linked to digital environments since the pandemic has made companies realise how important these channels are when reaching out to potential contacts or leads. In the coming years, a large part of today's events are expected to move to a fully or partially digital format.