TIN #112 - 5 Reason Why Every Company Should Train Their Employees To Network
Boost Your Team's Networking Skills to Unlock New Opportunities
Hey Introverted Networkers,
This week, we're shifting gears and talking directly to employers.
If you're a business leader, manager, or company owner, it’s time to think about why your team needs to become better networkers.
You might be hesitant, thinking, “What if I train them, and they leave for another job?”
But here’s the truth: if that’s your concern, there are deeper issues at play.
Networking is an essential skill that will benefit both your employees and your company.
Let me show you how.
This issue takes about 5 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started:
My online course, “5 Steps To Grow Your Professional Network,” is FREE for all my newsletter subscribers. Learn the process I use everyday to grow my professional network.
Each week, I post a new podcast with tips you’ll find in the weekly newsletter and bonus stories, wisdom, and motivation. The Introverted Networker podcast is like the weekly newsletter but with additional narration and thoughts from me. Be sure to listen to this week’s podcast and check out the previous episodes of the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more networking tips and insights.
The video version of the podcast is available on my YouTube channel.
Back in issue 54 of this newsletter, I talked about Why Internal Networking is Your Career Superpower.
But this goes beyond encouraging you to network inside your company.
I want to encourage employers to TRAIN their employees how to network to improve their bottom lines.
Check out these 5 reasons and action steps:
1. New Opportunities (Not Just Sales)
Many people assume networking is all about sales or finding new clients, but it’s so much more.
Every person in your organization, not just your sales team, should know how to connect with others.
Why?
Because networking opens the door to new opportunities.
Whether that’s partnerships, collaborations, or simply spreading the word about your company, having a team that knows how to talk about what they do can create valuable opportunities for growth.
Action Step: Encourage your team to think of themselves as ambassadors for your company.
Teach them how to talk about the business in a way that’s easy for others to understand, and how to look for ways to give value to the people they meet.
2. Gaining Knowledge from the Industry
Networking isn’t just about getting something—it’s about learning.
When your employees connect with others in the industry, they gain insights and knowledge that can give your company an edge.
From understanding competitors to staying ahead of industry trends, having a team that’s plugged into professional relationships means having access to valuable, real-time information.
Action Step: Train your team to build meaningful connections within your industry.
This isn’t just about attending conferences—it’s about building relationships where people share real, unfiltered knowledge that could impact your business decisions.
3. Building a Talent Pipeline
Your best hires might come from your team’s networks.
When your employees are out there making connections, they’re not just representing your company—they’re also spotting potential future talent.
A strong network means that when you need to fill a position, your team already knows who to call.
Action Step: Encourage your team to always be on the lookout for talent, even if you’re not currently hiring.
Building those relationships early can make filling future roles a much smoother process.
4. Breaking Down Internal Silos
Networking isn’t just external—it’s internal too.
When your team members know how to build relationships within the company, they’ll move faster, collaborate better, and innovate more efficiently.
It’s called “moving at the speed of trust.”
When employees know and trust each other, problem-solving becomes quicker and easier.
Action Step: Foster a culture of internal networking.
Encourage your team to connect with others across departments, so they can understand what’s important to each other and work together more effectively.
5. Boosting Career Growth and Retention
When employees are trained to network, they’re better able to identify internal opportunities for growth.
They’ll have the tools to find out what’s happening in different parts of the company, making them more likely to stay and grow with you, rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Action Step: Provide employees with clear training on how to network within your organization.
Show them how to discover new roles, projects, or teams that align with their interests, which can ultimately lead to longer retention and stronger engagement.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Fear of Losing Talent
You might be thinking, “If I train my employees to network, won’t they just leave for another company?”
If that’s a major concern, you may have bigger issues than networking.
If your employees are eager to jump ship, it could point to problems with your company culture, leadership, or engagement strategies.
However, if you build a company that people are proud to be a part of, training them to network will only strengthen their loyalty.
Final Thoughts: If you’re serious about creating a thriving, connected workplace, start by equipping your team with the tools they need to become better networkers.
It’s a win-win for everyone involved.
If you’re an employee, share this newsletter with the people in your organization who are in charge of training or leadership development.
Let’s start a conversation about how networking can transform your workplace.
Until next time, remember—ABC - Always Be Connecting!
Before You Go…
Check out this awesome job search strategy from Adam Broda! It’s a combination of LinkedIn and outreach to people who just got hired at companies on your target company list. Love it!