Importance of building a network with like-minded Christian professionals
When you start your business, many will tell you the importance of networking in order for your business to succeed. However, it is more than just about joining any networking meeting you can fit in your diary but rather joining the right kind of networking meetings. I have personally struggled with networking. It took me a while to find what kind of networking works for me and being part of the right community. As Christians, those who we surround ourselves with and build our business with, is important. So here are some reasons behind the importance of building connections with purpose:
- Importance of shared values
Networking with fellow Christians can build a strong foundation of trust and mutual understanding. You will be able to feel more freely to discuss perhaps challenges you are having not only in your business but in your faith too. I know there are still networking groups that prohibit conversations around religion, sometimes making it difficult for you to feel true to who you are. When you are looking to join a networking meeting or event, look for the rules of the organisation before hand and see if their rules align with your values.
- Finding Faith-Based Networking Opportunities:
Joining faith-based networking groups could be key to new opportunities for your business. Find networking events such as church groups, Christian business associations, and faith-based conferences. There are more than we realize there is. Follow other Christian professionals on social media to keep aware of any online events they are hosting.
- Leveraging Faith in Professional Growth
Faith-based networking can lead to not only professional growth but personal growth too. This could be through mentorship, collaboration and shared experiences. I remember in the beginning of my faith journey, I joined weekly get together of Christian’s at our church. It was a great way to meet and get to know other business owners and make friends. I was encouraged and motivated by everyone else’s story that I began to take my faith more seriously and growth my knowledge on Gods Word.
- Building Authentic Relationships
Networking only works when you are there to build relationships and to listen to others more than being focused on selling yourself. Its important to have strategies for building genuine connections, such as active listening, offering support, and being transparent about your faith and business goals. I have personally found that being in networking situations that open up one-to-one conversations suppose to having to speak to numerous people or in a big group. By doing it this way, I have been able to build on personal relationships and now are long-term relationships for my business as well as personal.
- Harmonising work and faith
I know it can sometimes be challenging to speak and be open about your faith to others, especially when it comes to work environments. However, by joining faith-based networking groups and building those connections – you will find yourself being true to who you are. If you are still fearful of being open about your faith in meetings, that is also okay, especially if you are not attending a faith-based network. Start small. In a pervious blog, I speak about the ways you can start fusing faith and business in the beginning of your journey. There are many ways to harmonise your business and your faith in ways that when you do attend a meeting, the people in the room will already know you are a Christian professional
I am not implying that as a Christian professional, that you should only engage in networking events that are faith-based. Networking it’s important for your business, but, networking with others with the same values will help you create meaningful long-life relationships not only for your business but for you too. I had joined networking groups where they were focused on the number of people who are in the room and I have joined networking meetings that aren’t necessarily faith-based, but their values was relationship based – and building long-term relationships with support. I might not attend all the meetings I use to, but I still keep in touch with those I connected with and we still refer business to each other. It takes joining a few before you will know which ones are for you, the importance is to start!
