Business and Social Networking for Career Success

Many people think of business or social networking as circulating around a room and exchanging business cards. But a broader view of business and social networking is that it creates a pool of contacts from which you can draw leads, referrals, ideas, and information for your job search and career progress. You can network without ever attending an official business or social networking event, although attending events is useful in networking.

Networking isn't important just for job searching and other career enhancement opportunities. Networking helps you check the references of potential candidates for jobs in your company. Along with opportunities for learning, networking in professional associations can help you maintain life-long professional relationships that enhance your career and bring you friendships, too. About's Alison Doyle has additional thoughts about networking. Find out more about career networking.