Business networking

Business networking is the practice of building relationships with individuals and businesses for professional purposes. It involves the strategic exchange of information and resources to create connections that can be mutually beneficial. Business networking may involve face-to-face events, online engagement, or a combination of both. Repeated professional interactions can contribute to deeper relational ties among participating individuals and organizations. Through repeated interactions, companies create deeper connections. This encourages knowledge exchange, mutual adaptation, and a commitment of resources, which can be both financial and social, to one another.

Business networking involves building relationships that may support career development, facilitate information exchange, and foster professional connections. There are two main approaches of networking: in-person events like conferences and online platforms like LinkedIn. Practitioners of business networking commonly report that preparation and continued engagement after initial meetings can enhance the usefulness of their professional contacts. It is estimated that around half of all jobs in the USA are found via networking.