7 Reasons to Join a Networking Group Outside of Your Industry

Networking is the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts. - Oxford Languages. Networking is important because it helps you find resources that can help you grow in your career, stay on top of the job market, and keep a pulse on the latest trends in your industry. When we think of networking, we often think about governing bodies and organizations within our industry. However, the best networking can come from groups that are completely unrelated.

  1. Transferable Information is abundant

    • Whether is learning how to deal with a difficult supervisor or learning how to update your resume, these groups have all of the right information. Plus, when you hear how other industries manage themselves, you can then broaden your techniques for professional growth

  2. Exposure to new ideas and industries

    • Did you know there’s a market for professional charcuterie making? Well, neither did I until a opportunity to take a virtual class came up! When you choose a networking group out side of your industry you hear new ideas and opportunities that wouldn’t typically be talked about within a typical industry talk.

  3. You’ll be able to find future collaborators, coaches, and clients

    • Our lives dont typically revolve around our job 24/7. Finding and engaging with others whose expertise are different than our can help us find mentors in other aspects of our life. We can also find collaborators and clients. In a room full of architects, who would you be designing for?

  4. You’ll find a support system

    • Networking groups are full of the most positive human beings. A lot of times, it can be hard to talk to someone within our own community because we can feel shame or because there is a conflict of interest. So having a group of human beings there ready to listen and uplift you is amazing.

  5. Membership Benefits are great

    • Many networking groups come with their own set of benefits from free guides to discounted merchandise and even free services. My personal favorite are free webinars and conferences :)

  6. Independence in your Career

    • When you hear different perspectives, your means of moving in life begin to change. If you work in an industry steeped in tradition, it may be hard to figure out your own way as there is only a few means of thinking. When you hear how others are moving and becoming independent in other industries, it empowers you to take more of a control over your own career.

  7. Lastly, you make new friends

    • When Drake said “no new friends”, he was completely wrong. Networking allows us to engage with new people, and these people can (and will) become new friends.

And that is it y’all! If you have any questions about networking, feel free to reach out and comment below! If you like what you read, sign up for my newsletter so you are first to know when new career blogs are posted!

Until next time :)

Briana Fountain