A strong network comes with many perks. The strength of the network and how you engage with it leaves a lasting impact on one’s career. Take the following common scenario:

Matthew, a manager in a manufacturing firm and originally an engineer, decided to pursue the Henley Executive MBA at Malta Business School. He started seeing some positive changes right away, especially in how he was looking at problems, discussing them with others and dealing with issues. Halfway through the programme came a phone call from an executive head-hunter. Would he consider moving to a renowned company with a substantially increased pay?

One of the deciding factors for the recruiting firm was the MBA that he was doing. Seniors from the company knew the quality of the Henley Executive MBA as some of them had done the same course.

This story could have as easily been about a student who got promoted within the same organisation, a rather common occurrence.

This scenario is quite typical across the Henley Executive MBA, whether through students or alumni being headhunted, or when applying for new jobs. On an international level, opportunities can be quite interesting as well.

Once, the school received a phone call from an alumnus in the UK, asking if they could get in touch with another alumnus in Singapore who was looking for specific expertise for a contract in Mauritius. The school made the connection, and business flourished.

In business, a strong professional network is invaluable, offering access to resources, insights, and opportunities that can advance one’s career or business. Networking is often seen as a soft skill, but its impact on success is profound. Building and maintaining a quality network fosters collaboration, enhances visibility, and establishes credibility, all crucial in today’s interconnected landscape. A strong network provides access to resources that may otherwise be unavailable. Professionals with diverse connections can draw on a wealth of knowledge and expertise to tackle challenges effectively. For entrepreneurs, a network can offer mentorship and even funding opportunities, with investors more likely to back individuals referred by trusted sources.

Networking significantly increases visibility in one’s industry. Staying actively involved in a network helps individuals remain prominent, making it more likely that contacts will remember them for upcoming projects, job openings, or speaking opportunities.

As business magnate Richard Branson emphasised, “Succeeding in business is all about making connections.” Attending events, sharing insights in industry groups, and connecting with leaders help create a reputation for reliability and expertise, which in turn opens more doors professionally.

Furthermore, a strong network bolsters credibility. Trusted connections can vouch for a person’s skills and integrity, which often carries more weight than self-promotion.

American technology executive Sheryl Sandberg has noted, “Networking has been cited as the number one unwritten rule of success in business. Who you know really impacts what you know.” Through credible endorsements, professionals are referred for high-stakes opportunities. They also benefit from feedback within their network, which fosters continuous growth and keeps them accountable.

Networking also brings fresh ideas and perspectives, which are essential for innovation. Interacting with professionals from various backgrounds encourages the exchange of ideas that spark creativity. The late Steve Jobs famously observed, “Creativity is just connecting things.” Professionals with diverse networks are more likely to encounter new concepts, rethink strategies, and discover innovative solutions, all crucial in industries that thrive on change.

LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman noted, “The fastest way to change yourself is to hang out with people who are already the way you want to be.” In turbulent times, a reliable network can offer stability and support, acting as a safety net. Economic downturns, industry shifts, or sudden job losses are realities that many face. A strong network provides contacts who can offer job leads, guidance, or even emotional support.

In conclusion, a robust network in business is far more than casual socialising; it’s a strategic asset that provides resources, increases visibility, builds credibility, fosters innovation, and offers resilience in times of crisis.

However, building a strong network requires consistent time and effort. As networking expert Porter Gale says, “Your network is your net worth.” Cultivating genuine, mutually beneficial relationships demands dedication and a commitment to helping others succeed as well. Professionals who invest in their networks early and nurture these connections throughout their careers often find that these relationships are the cornerstone of long-term personal and professional growth.

Henley Business School’s alumni network is a dynamic and engaging community of over 100,000 people in over 165 countries, with over 800 alumni in Malta alone. Students studying for their Henley Executive MBA automatically have access to this incredible resource and have a permanent connection back to Malta Business School and Henley Business School long after they leave the classroom.

For more information about the Henley Executive MBA, visit: https://mbs.edu.mt/courses/henley-mba/