Networking seems to have become a key strategy for advancement in modern organizations. Although it is often perceived as a simple exchange of contacts, it is not quite so. It is about building authentic, long-term relationships that can be crucial for professional growth. This was discussed by panelists at the 8th Leader HR Conference, reflecting on the importance of networking at different stages of a career, as well as the gender and cultural specificity of this process.
Networking as a Strategic Investment in Career
– Networking is important for absolutely everyone, regardless of their position in the company – stated Jasminka Horvat Šimunović, the general manager of HUM-CROMA. According to her, many decisions, especially in large organizations, are made in informal situations, often outside the work environment.
– We know that many things are resolved in more casual situations where relationships are formed more quickly – she emphasized.
However, it is crucial to distinguish between networking within and outside the company. While internal networking strengthens horizontal collaboration and can facilitate advancement within the organization, external networking provides new perspectives and broadens knowledge beyond the industry.
– Networking outside the company gives breadth and new information, even if it is outside your industry. This way, you hear what is happening in other industries – added Horvat Šimunović.
When it comes to gender differences in networking, the panelists agreed that men and women have different approaches. According to Horvat Šimunović, women often approach networking spontaneously, which can be limiting.
– It often happens that women are with people who are similar to them, but in doing so, they do not receive new information or a broader picture. Men are much more successful in mixing private and business relationships, which allows them greater visibility and better positioning for advancement – she added.
Kristina Ercegović, a serial entrepreneur and executive director of Zaokret, shares a similar view.
– I think none of us at the beginning of our careers were aware of how important it is to work on the business, not just in the business, especially when we talk about women. We are quiet, diligent, and we won’t brag; we just wait for someone to notice us. That’s why networking is very important. It is much more important who we know than just what we know. This has a negative context in Croatia, so you get accused of going for lamb all day and getting jobs through connections. We must systematically build on networking, our careers, and our own businesses. Don’t just be on the computer; go to a conference where your colleagues and clients are and connect with them. Don’t just push business cards into people’s hands but create long-term relationships based on trust – says Ercegović.
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Personal Challenges and Career Development
Although networking is crucial, the fact is that everyone has their personal style and challenges in mastering it. Danijela Govorčinović Šimunović, director of the Human Resources Sector and a member of the management team at Heineken Croatia, candidly admitted that she still feels uncomfortable in large gatherings.
– I prefer to be home with a book than to work on creating a network after work – she stated, but emphasized the importance of sincere communication and recognizing talent within the organization as key factors for success. According to her, networking does not always have to be natural for everyone, but authenticity and the ability to recognize one’s own and others’ talents can significantly contribute to career development.
Hrvoje Bulat, a psychologist with extensive experience in business development and human potential, who advises and mentors numerous employers in Croatia and their employees through his firm B Wise on these topics, added that it is important to confront one’s emotions, both pleasant and unpleasant, as they play a key role in the networking process.
– The relationship with oneself, as well as emotional agility, can help improve personal and professional relationships – said Bulat, mentioning how he learned to appreciate the complexity of networks that women often organize better through his own parenting experience.
Zrinka Lovrenčić, executive director of WRK+, gave a brief presentation on global challenges in talent employment, emphasizing the importance of human relationships in business.
– People want to belong and feel comfortable at work, share knowledge, and build relationships with colleagues – stated Lovrenčić. According to her, networking is a key tool for retaining and developing talent, and organizations that recognize this create a healthier and more productive work culture.
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