Networking Insights

The team here at West Recruitment are here to assist you with your career at all stages and one important element not to be overlooked is networking. We’ve all heard the phrase ‘networking’ of course, along with the growing popularity of ‘social networking’, but what is ‘business networking’ really all about?

Networking Insights

The team here at West Recruitment are here to assist you with your career at all stages and one important element not to be overlooked is networking. We’ve all heard the phrase ‘networking’ of course, along with the growing popularity of ‘social networking’, but what is ‘business networking’ really all about?

Why do people network?

You might love it, you might hate it, but it is 100% a necessity. There is much publicised around how professional networks lead to career advancement, positive business opportunity, improved ability to innovate, quality of work, productivity and overall job satisfaction. Business networking is about creating mutually beneficial relationships that will serve both you and others in the network. Networking can open doors that you may not otherwise have access to, raise your profile, and provide you with ideas not previously considered. Your network can provide you with an immense opportunity for learning, growth, development, and all sorts of opportunities.

Business networks aren’t just your colleagues and managers (although internal networking is of course important as well) – they are likely to be leaders in other businesses, your competitors perhaps, business coaches, suppliers, customers, and experts in their field that intersect with yours. It is often the hard yards  of active networking and sharing of knowledge that will provide opportunity and yield results. Networking is also a way for  people to push the boundaries  of their comfort zone and is a  skill that should be evaluated  and improved over time. A good network really can support and elevate your career.


Good networking can help you...

  • Find career opportunities
  • Hire new talent
  • Identify new customer opportunities Keep a finger on the pulse of your sector
  • and expand your industry knowledge
  • Learn and take advice from senior leaders and experts of their field Develop and improve your skills
  • Find an audience for you to offer something of value
  • Facilitate and accept new introductions to grow your network regularly.


How to build and grow your network?

Networking takes time.  As the saying goes, ‘Rome wasn’t built in  a day’ - you can’t expect to create  an instant network overnight. You  need to cultivate it and regularly  take assessment of who is in your network to ensure its effectiveness. Networking is undoubtedly best  done in person with face-to-face interaction that allows you to demonstrate authenticity and builds  a genuine relationship, however  thanks to the pandemic, there is no shortage of online avenues to explore as well. Having something of value to offer to others is likely you will in turn receive something of value to you.


Events, seminars, webinars,  luncheons, forum groups, are  often a good place for individuals to exchange thoughts and open discussion on a particular topic or concept. Some of these events may be paid events or free of charge  but do always be prepared to add something of value and course enjoy yourself at and don’t be shy. Use these as an opportunity to introduce yourself, converse and exchange details.

Why do people network?

You might love it, you might hate it, but it is 100% a necessity. There is much publicised around how professional networks lead to career advancement, positive business opportunity, improved ability to innovate, quality of work, productivity and overall job satisfaction.


Business networking is about creating mutually beneficial relationships that will serve both you and others in the network. Networking can open doors that you may not otherwise have access to, raise your profile, and provide you with ideas not previously considered. Your network can provide you with an immense opportunity for learning, growth, development, and all sorts of opportunities.


Business networks aren’t just your colleagues and managers (although internal networking is of course important as well) – they are likely to be leaders in other businesses, your competitors perhaps, business coaches, suppliers, customers, and experts in their field that intersect with yours. It is often the hard yards of active networking and sharing of knowledge that will provide opportunity and yield results. Networking is also a way for people to push the boundaries of their comfort zone and is a skill that should be evaluated and improved over time. A good network really can support and elevate your career.

Good networking can help you...


  • Find career opportunities
  • Hire new talent
  • Identify new customer opportunities
  • Keep a finger on the pulse of your sector
  • and expand your industry knowledge
  • Learn and take advice from senior
  • leaders and experts of their field
  • Develop and improve your skills
  • Find an audience for you to offer
  • something of value
  • Facilitate and accept new introductions
  • to grow your network regularly.

The West Top 8 Tips

How to build and grow your network?

Networking takes time. As the saying goes, ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ - you can’t expect to create an instant network overnight. You need to cultivate it and regularly take assessment of who is in your network to ensure its effectiveness. Networking is undoubtedly best done in person with face-to-face interaction that allows you to demonstrate authenticity and builds a genuine relationship, however thanks to the pandemic, there is no shortage of online avenues to explore as well. Having something of value to offer to others is likely you will in turn receive something of value to you.

Events, seminars, webinars, luncheons, forum groups, are often a good place for individuals to exchange thoughts and open discussion on a particular topic or concept. Some of these events may be paid events or free of charge but do always be prepared to add something of value and course enjoy yourself at and don’t be shy. Use these as an opportunity to introduce yourself, converse and exchange details.

Some tips:

  • Identify your core and immediate network with colleagues and managers then work outside of your organisation to industry or function specialists to identify mutually beneficial contacts;
  • Look for connections who can facilitate direct introductions and offer this in return;
  • Be prepared – know what you want to contribute and what you want to take away;
  • Present yourself well – remember first impressions last (including a well-presented social media presence);
  • Know your audience and do your homework;
  • Prepare your pitch and practice delivery;
  • Ask questions and listen – people want to know they have been heard;
  • Keep networking and ask for introductions.

The role of LinkedIn in networking?

  • Identify your core and immediate network with colleagues and managers then work outside of your organisation to industry or function specialists to identify mutually beneficial contacts;
  • Look for connections who can facilitate direct introductions and offer this in return;
  • Be prepared – know what you want to contribute and what you want to take away;
  • Present yourself well – remember first impressions last (including a well-presented social media presence);
  • Know your audience and do your homework;
  • Prepare your pitch and practice delivery;
  • Ask questions and listen – people want to know they have been heard;
  • Keep networking and ask for introductions.

The role of LinkedIn in networking?

  • Identify your core and immediate network with colleagues and managers then work outside of your organisation to industry or function specialists to identify mutually beneficial contacts;
  • Look for connections who can facilitate direct introductions and offer this in return;
  • Be prepared – know what you want to contribute and what you want to take away;
  • Present yourself well – remember first impressions last (including a well-presented social media presence);
  • Know your audience and do your homework;
  • Prepare your pitch and practice delivery;
  • Ask questions and listen – people want to know they have been heard;
  • Keep networking and ask for introductions.

Sydney Office

T: +61 2 8036 7600

Parramatta Office

T: +61 2 9689 8900

At West Recruitment

we understand the

importance of finding

the right fit.

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