Professional Networking Strategies for Success in the Contingent Work

Conventional norms and policies related to job security and career trajectories are being revamped because of the unfolding trends of the contingent workforce. With the soaring number of professionals embracing flexible work arrangements, the need to foster a wide and robust network has become paramount. Whether you are a newbie in the contingent workforce industry or an experienced freelancer, by achieving perfection in the art of networking, you can carve a niche for yourself.

The article gives an overview of the professional networking strategies that individuals need to follow to build a successful career in the contingent workforce industry, which is highly dominated by freelancers, temporary workers, and contractual employees.

Read more about the contingent workforce trends here: Top 9 interesting contingent workforce trends to watch for

Importance of professional networking in contingent work

Unlike the traditional 9 to 5 job model, contingent work involves project-based or contractual jobs. As such, when you know people in your field or develop strong professional relationships, you get access to endless job opportunities, making your work life desirable. 

The major benefits that you can get through professional networking strategies are given below.

1. Unearthing new job opportunities

As stated before, a strong professional network in the continent work industry accelerates your career development, helping you connect with reputable organizations. Just like your social life, you can make friends in your professional circle.

2. Receiving career advice and support

While working on critical projects, you often face situations where you need professional guidance and support. If you have good bonds in your professional life, you can easily seek guidance from your people and mitigate the challenges. Besides that, you can always seek career advice from well-experienced professionals, letting them share their past experiences and future goals.

3. Creating a professional image or reputation

Becoming allied to strong professional networks enhances your visibility and helps you showcase a strong professional image or reputation. People get to know about you, your skills, and your expertise and may even recommend you for suitable positions; you never know!

4. Continuous learning and growth

Your professional network will always help you stay aware of emerging industry trends, practices, and tools. This continuous learning process enables you to stay abreast of your game. 

5. Getting a confidence boost

When you know that you are a part of a vigorous professional channel and that you have a positive image amongst your peers and seniors in that channel, your confidence level will automatically increase. This confidence will help you stay motivated and you will be able to integrate into any type of project effortlessly.

Best professional networking strategies

Now that you know about the essence of developing a strong professional network, let’s discover the best strategies that you can follow to do the same.

1. Be clear about your niche and target audience

Before getting allied with a professional network, it is of utmost importance that you know about your area of expertise. This will help you identify the skills and knowledge you require, thereby connecting with the right professionals and the audience. You can start developing your network through industry events or even social media channels like LinkedIn.

2. Employ social media channels and freelance network

The digital age has marked the beginning and rise of the gig economy, and thus, as a contingent worker, you must utilize digital tools for collaboration. Platforms like LinkedIn can connect you to potential employers, experienced employees, and freshers in your field. Besides seeking guidance in your network, you can make fruitful contributions when someone needs guidance and support. 

Freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork have helped a lot of individuals in getting work during the COVID-19 phase. At present, these are found to be the topmost platforms for freelancers. So, make use of these platforms and get connected to reputed organizations, potential employers, and endless job opportunities.

3. Increase participation in industry conferences and event

Even in the world of digitization, face-to-face meetings and offline networking remain irreplaceable. So, it is advisable that you participate in relevant industry events and seek out meetings and conferences that can help you broaden your skills, knowledge, and network. Such conferences and events can tie you up with mentors, peers, potential employers, and even business leaders.

4. Elevate your online presence 

In addition to setting up a LinkedIn profile and increasing your profile reach, you need to demonstrate your skills, competencies, and achievements through a professional website or portfolio. By making yourself a part of appropriate online communities, you can magnify your professional visibility.

5. Be open to feedback

Contingent workers must seek constructive feedback from managers, supervisors, and coworkers based on the tasks they perform in a project, the extent to which they have met the project goals, and the areas where they need improvement. This will greatly assist you in refining your skills and expertise, enabling you to deliver better results in future projects.

6. Indulge in follow-up communications

To maintain relationships and remain connected with your network, you must make it a point to follow up with your contacts. You can share your current work status, inquire about their work status, share the latest industry updates, and express enthusiasm about their ventures.

Networking tips for contingent workers

Remember that professional networking is not limited to building connections. It is also about establishing meaningful and lasting relationships. Here are some tips to follow:

• Be yourself while reaching out to people
• Demonstrate your interest by asking questions as well as actively listening to others
• Be mindful of your time as well as the other person’s time
• Do not hesitate to share valuable insights or offer help and guidance when others need
• Keep your connections alive through follow-up messages
• Stay updated on online platforms
• Choose your words wisely as you communicate
• Express gratitude when someone offers you the desired help or guidance
• Be respectful towards people from diverse backgrounds and cultures

Conclusion

Professional network strategies are crucial for both newcomers and experienced individuals seeking practical guidance and dream jobs. They not only uncover potential job opportunities but also enable you to learn and grow continuously, boosting your confidence level. By following the aforementioned networking strategies and etiquette, you can become a part of a robust and diverse professional network, taking your career to new heights.

Get ready to unlock potential job opportunities by opting for Denken Solutions, a trusted platform for contingent staffing. Submit your CV today and increase your chances of getting placed at Fortune 1000 companies. 
Visit our career page for more details.