How to build networking skills?

20/03/25

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Modern India is more fast-paced and competitive than ever before. It is unsurprising to see that new possibilities are not only reliant on ‘what’ you know (i.e., subject matter expertise) but also ‘who’ you know. This is a trait that is visible in all developed and fast-developing nations across the world, where demand and supply of talent are constantly evolving in line with new growth opportunities that emerge.

What are networking skills?

What are networking skills? You might ask, because on paper, it seems as simple as shaking hands and handing out business cards. Networking skills, meaning the ability to build and nurture meaningful professional relationships, are the definitive skill to open doors. For India, the value of networking has been a well-understood reality for decades. Here, relationships often serve as the foundation for opportunities.

You could be anyone: a student looking for guidance, an entrepreneur seeking investors, or a professional navigating career transitions. What can be the deciding, differentiating factor is the networking you do, as a part of shaping your journey. This is because people are always looking to foster mutually beneficial connections and will help those who, in one way or another, help them.

How networking can help us

India’s professional landscape is evolving rapidly. New industries are swiftly emerging, seemingly overnight, and competition is intensifying across sectors. Networking is what can really make the difference in a nation which has been globally acknowledged for being a hotbed of talent. Anyone who has spent time understanding the job market would understand that the best career opportunities are not publicly advertised. Instead, they are shared within networks in the pursuit of a selected pool of candidates who come pre-selected by their respective networks.

How to build networking skills

Networking connects you with professionals who can introduce you to new perspectives, emerging technologies, and industry insights. This means that you have to invest time in networking with the mindset that it will not be a one-off exercise but a constant conversation in new forums and platforms. The right connection could arise in industry events, during a webinar, or via one of many professional associations in your sector or an industry that may be skills-adjacent to yours.

Your respective sector would have a wide lineup of in-person and digital conferences, trade shows, and networking meetups that bring together industry leaders, experts, and emerging talent, providing a great platform for making connections. These are also great ways to discover thought leaders and key voices to follow and build a connection with. Attending such events can put you in direct contact with influential people in your domain.

Read Also: 6 Benefits of Volunteering with an NGO You Should Know

Network as a means to access mentorship and guidance

A good mentor can provide invaluable guidance in the world of work. Whether it is navigating career challenges, making strategic decisions, or avoiding common pitfalls, there is a wealth of wisdom that is not within the world of books but is best learned by those who have lived the journey. Thankfully, India has a rich culture of mentorship, where experienced professionals often take young aspirants under their wing. By actively seeking mentors – through LinkedIn, alumni networks, or professional groups – you can gain valuable wisdom. Many industry leaders in India attribute their success to having had mentors who guided them through crucial career milestones.

Build relationships beyond the workplace

One of the best yet lesser-recognised ways of networking is through the channels of community engagement, volunteering, and NGO involvement. India has a strong culture of social work, and it is a well-respected endeavour. This means that contributing to a cause can help you build meaningful relationships. Supporting NGOs allows you to connect with professionals from diverse backgrounds, including social entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and policymakers.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for opportunities to engage with social initiatives, searching for a child NGO near me can be a great way to start. Participating in charity events, fundraising drives, or mentorship programmes through NGOs allows many Indian professionals to build valuable networks. Organisations like Bal Raksha Bharat, a child NGO in India, work towards child welfare, education, and disaster relief. By collaborating with such organisations, professionals can expand their circles beyond their immediate industry while contributing to social progress.

Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children India) actively participates in networking events to further its mission of child welfare. Notably, it participated in the National Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility 2024, organised by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA). As a recognised child NGO in India, it also engages in strategic outreach sessions that foster networking and collaboration.

Anikait Suri