Following a recent Rutherford Cross networking evening, Consultant, Gillian O’Neil, felt it was important to share why networking is so powerful; highlighting the key benefits and opportunities professionals can gain from attending and making new connections.
The Definition of Networking
“Networking is the process of establishing and nurturing relationships with people who share common interests, goals, or fields of expertise. It goes beyond simple interactions; it’s about building a community that supports you, both personally and professionally. Networking is a mutual exchange of ideas, advice, and resources that benefits everyone involved.”
Networking at Rutherford Cross
At Rutherford Cross, we have always recognised the importance of networking, and we want to provide platforms that allow the people we work with to do the same. Recently, the team at Rutherford Cross has been very busy hosting a number of events for our clients and candidates, such as our ‘Ladies in Finance Networking Evening’, and our ‘Future Finance Leaders Forum’ which were both hosted earlier this month.
The team at Rutherford Cross thoroughly enjoy running these events and really feel the benefits from doing so. Running this type of event allows us to build on our existing relationships, and in return, better assist both our clients and candidates. We also take pride in providing a platform for the people we work with to thrive, through meeting other like-minded individuals and experiencing the benefits for themselves.
Networking is a powerful tool that can be, and should be, used by any finance professional looking to propel their career forward. For an accountant, success in a role is often hinged on more than just crunching numbers and analysing data; building and nurturing a strong professional network will also significantly benefit your career in many ways. So, whether you’re an aspiring accountant or already a senior leader in finance, networking is a crucial tool that can open doors and create opportunities you might not have even thought possible.
Key Benefits of Networking
- Creating New Opportunity: Being in the right network can give you a competitive edge by granting you early access to opportunities such as job openings, partnerships and collaborations. Such things are often shared within networks before they are publicly announced or advertised.
- Exchanging Knowledge: In the ever-evolving landscape of finance, staying up-to-date with the latest trends, regulations, and strategies is essential. Networking provides a platform for knowledge exchange, and engaging in conversations with like-minded individuals can broaden your understanding of industry shifts and best practices.
- Developing Skills: Finance professionals come from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of skills. By interacting with others in your field, you can identify skill gaps and work to improve them. Your network can serve as a valuable resource for mentorship and guidance, and allow you to learn from the experiences of others.
- Building Your Personal Brand: Building a strong professional network goes hand in hand with creating a personal brand. Your interactions, insights, and contributions within your network all showcase your expertise and can establish you as a thought leader in your field. Such branding not only enhances your credibility, but can also attract career-boosting opportunities.
- Providing Emotional Support: We can all sometimes get caught up in the stresses of work, and having a network of peers who understand your challenges can be a real benefit. They will be best placed to advise and provide support; chances are, they have been in similar situations themselves. When you share your experiences, setbacks and successes with individuals who truly empathise with you, it can help you navigate the highs and lows of your career with resilience.
- Creating New Perspectives: Finance is a multifaceted domain that intersects with numerous industries. Networking exposes you to professionals with diverse perspectives, including those from related fields such as technology, law, marketing and many more. These fresh viewpoints can spark innovation and help you approach problem solving in new and creative ways.
Summary
To sum up, networking is an investment in your career. It requires time, effort, and a genuine interest in others, but the returns are immeasurable. Finance professionals who actively network not only secure valuable opportunities but also contribute to their industry by fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
So, whether you’re attending events (such as the ones run by us here at Rutherford Cross), engaging in online forums or even participating in local meetups, remember that every connection you make is a stepping stone towards your own future success.
If you would like more information on our upcoming networking events, and to see how you can start benefiting from attending them, please get in touch. We would love to welcome you into our Network!
E: [email protected]
T: +447432482882
