Networking is an important tool in progressing your career but did you know it can also be helpful when it comes to workplace learning?

Here are a few surprising ways in which networking can help with learning at work:

 It can be a source of new ideas

If you’re learning something new and find you’re struggling with it, it’s possible someone in your network can help. The bigger your network, the larger the pool of valuable life skills, knowledge and experience you have to draw on.

Speaking to someone else in a different field might just provide the fresh perspective you need to finally solve that problem, learn that skill or write that amazing case study. If they work in a different business or industry from you, they might have a completely different perspective and help you consider things from a new angle.

 Increases your support network  

As fun as it can be to learn new things, sometimes it can also be stressful. Certain qualifications require you to sit exams or assessments and this can be a daunting thought, especially if you haven’t studied since you were in school.

This is where a large professional support network can really help. By speaking to people who may have studied for similar qualifications, you can get study tips, help with anything you find difficult and maybe even an idea of what might come up in the exam.

If you feel like there’s multiple people you can ask for help, or even just vent to, you’re less likely to become stressed and feel overwhelmed. This means you can face any assessments in the best possible frame of mind.

Learn even more skills

Although it can help with workplace learning, networking can also be a way to learn new skills for your own personal development. Networking and attending events where you have to push yourself forward can improve your confidence, communication, interpersonal and relationship building skills. These are all important tools in business and will serve you just as well as any formal qualifications.

As you can see, networking can provide you with a whole host of benefits. This is why you should never dismiss anyone just because they don’t appear to immediately be able to advance your career or offer you a new job. You never know what skills or knowledge they may have that could help you out in the future. Or, more importantly, who they could eventually introduce you to!

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