Networking Definition: The Art of Building Connections
From the Greek "diktuon" (net), networking means "networking" in French . It is the ancestral art of weaving links. It is a set of methods aimed at creating, developing and maintaining a network of contacts.
Synonyms for networking are networking or business networking.
" Networking is the art of building professional, human and authentic connections. Through these connections, you cultivate something precious for your business, your professional and personal journey. This essential, fundamental and constitutive value of any relationship is trust ." Mehdi Moussa, Expert and Consultant at Creativia
Trust:
A bridge transforms a simple contact into an ally and sometimes a friend.
A catalyst that accelerates opportunities and collaborations
A shield that protects your reputation
A key that brings you sincere recommendations
And if you are not yet convinced of this cardinal value that represents trust:
According to a recent study, 82% of Swiss professionals consider trust to be the most important element in their networking relationships.
List of Swiss Networking networks
Are you in Geneva, Lausanne or Zurich and want to do some networking? Discover the complete list of Swiss professional networks.
N | Network Name | Description |
1 | AGRP | A Geneva-based association promoting professional networking |
2 | AFTER | Network focused on the social and solidarity economy |
3 | AFTER-VD | Chamber of Social and Solidarity Economy |
4 | ASDEVA | Association of Swiss professionals specializing in business development |
5 | Association of Women SMEs in French-speaking Switzerland | Association of women's SMEs in French-speaking Switzerland |
6 | BIZ-connect | Networking platform for professionals |
7 | BNI | An international business network |
8 | Booster Club | The club to boost your business |
9 | CVCI Business Club | CVCI Business Club |
10 | CRR | Networking Club in Romandie |
11 | CARTONNER | The Art of Succeeding in Business |
12 | CCIFS | France-Switzerland Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
13 | CCIG | Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services |
14 | CDE | The circle of business leaders |
15 | Rezonance Circles | Professional networking circles |
16 | Thursday Club | Thursday Business Network |
17 | Geneva Finance Club | A club dedicated to finance in Geneva |
18 | Swiss Press Club | Professional club for Swiss press actors |
19 | CNCI | Neuchâtel Chamber of Commerce and Industry |
20 | CPG | Advertising and communication club based in Geneva |
21 | CREG | Geneva Entrepreneurs Meeting Center |
22 | CWF | Forum for women in their professional career |
23 | EO French-speaking Switzerland | Entrepreneurial organization of French-speaking Switzerland |
24 | IRON | The Federation of Romand Businesses Geneva |
25 | GenevaConnect | A professional connection based in Geneva |
26 | GENUINE | The network for authentic business |
27 | GJD | Young Business Leaders Group |
28 | GTE | European cross-border grouping |
29 | HR Geneva | Human Resources Geneva |
30 | HR Vaud | Human Resources Vaud |
31 | InterNations | International Expat Network |
32 | JCI | Junior Chamber International |
33 | The TGG | Talents of Greater Geneva |
34 | The Vagabonds | A network for traveling professionals |
35 | Mampreneures | Swiss Association of Entrepreneurial Mothers |
36 | Millionaire Lunch Geneva club | Lunch club for Geneva millionaires |
37 | N / A | Network Academy Sàrl |
38 | SMEs & Politics | A gathering of SMEs and politics |
39 | RCE | The Raiffeisen Group Entrepreneurs' Center |
40 | Live Networking | A real-time networking platform |
10 key figures of Swiss Networking:
In the business and professional world, networking is a very popular practice in Switzerland. It is essential to network because, as the saying goes, "it's not just what you do, but who you know."
Here are 10 key figures of this dynamic:
40% of Swiss professionals participate in networking events annually.
70% of SMEs in Switzerland consider networking essential for their growth.
+25% increase in the number of coworking spaces in Switzerland in recent years.
3.5 million LinkedIn users in Switzerland, representing more than 40% of the population.
60% of professionals use online platforms to connect with peers.
50% of new business contracts are linked to connections via networking.
30% of vacancies in Switzerland are filled through professional networks.
80% of Swiss executives believe that networking is crucial for developing partnerships.
15% annual growth in the number of networking events in Switzerland.
45% of young Swiss professionals use networking for international opportunities.
Why network?
“People don’t do business with companies, they do business with people they know, like and trust.” Harvey Mackay
There are two types of networking: physical networking and virtual networking .
Physical networking includes circles of friends, professional events, alumni groups, as well as former professors or classmates. It also includes sports clubs, conferences, trade shows, seminars, and even chance encounters in public places like coffee shops or coworking spaces.
Virtual networking , on the other hand, is done through applications, social networks, blogs, but also via forums, webinars, online discussion groups, specialized newsletters, and platforms like Slack or Discord, which allow communities to be created around common interests.
However, we highly recommend that you get away from your screens, put your phone on silent, and abandon social media to participate in real-life encounters! Go ahead, network, network, and you will be surprised!
Meet in real life!
"Man is a political animal." Aristotle
Man is, in fact, social by nature. This capacity is inherent, essential and vital to the human species.
Despite the exponential rise of digital, the Swiss, like many others!, like to meet in real life. Appearance, smile, eyes, voice, handshake, kisses, bursts of laughter... that's what makes us human! It's much better than behind a screen.
By 2024, around 45% of professionals in Switzerland regularly participate in physical networking events.
Expand your network
“Your network is your net worth.” Porter Gale
Networking allows you to have a well-filled address book! All you have to do is open it, send an email, a WhatsApp message, a text message or make a phone call to boost your sales, strengthen your reputation, enhance your brand image, find a job... or simply share a drink in excellent company!
Boost your sales and your career
Whether you're looking for new contracts or a job, networking is a great tool for professional growth and development.
75% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Switzerland consider networking to be essential for developing new business opportunities.
Social networking: Make thousands of connections
In 2024, around 65% of Swiss professionals will favour online networking, particularly via LinkedIn or Meetup, compared to 60% in 2023. This trend highlights the growing importance of digital connections in today's professional world.
How to network? 10 tips for successful networking
Make a good impression and be authentic!
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” David Swanson
In the dynamics of this famous quote, here are 10 of our tips:
Take care of your image: make a good impression
Cultivate active listening:
Be curious and interested in others, like the famous BNI motto "who gives receives"
Don't try to sell! But try to know, to establish quality links
Be authentic, kind and generous
Catch up, share drinks, meals, evenings... establish a regular connection
Take part in events: Afterwork, company evening, business lunch or breakfast...
Stand out! Be smiling, sparkling and add value: there’s more to life than business cards
Be proactive: don't wait for opportunities to come to you, go get them!
Take part in enriching outings: conferences, workshops and training courses... you will learn lots of things and meet great people.
20 examples of networking
Business Card Collection 🏆 : Ask participants to collect as many business cards as possible in 15 minutes. Whoever has the most wins a prize! A challenge that encourages quick and effective networking.
Table quiz 📝 : Liven up each table with themed quizzes or trivia. This encourages interaction from the whole group, triggers laughter and breaks the ice in a fun way.
Disposable Microphones 🎤 : Throw foam microphones to speak. It’s fun, dynamic, and removes the awkwardness of the participants. Great for boosting energy in the room!
Wrong Badges 🔄 : Give everyone a wrong name badge and ask them to find the right person. Once found, ask three questions to get their badge. Perfect for sparking conversations right from the start!
Professional speed dating ⏱️ : Organize a quick and efficient speed networking session. A few minutes per person to introduce themselves, chat, and increase connections. This is the assurance of meeting a maximum number of participants in record time!
Meeting with playing cards 🎴 : Distribute cards and group participants by value or color. This encourages unexpected meetings and creates bonds between people who do not yet know each other.
Human Bingo 🧩 : Create bingo cards with specific characteristics for participants to find in others. Perfect for starting discussions and discovering fun facts about everyone.
Graffiti Wall 🎨 : Set up a wall where participants can draw or write something that represents them. A creative and interactive activity that leaves a visual trace of their presence.
One-word icebreaker 💬 : Ask each participant to choose a word that describes something (a topic, a state of mind...). This starts spontaneous conversations and encourages a better understanding of each other.
Smart Badge 📲 : Use smart badges to help spot people with similar interests. Great for making connections easier by highlighting the right people to meet.
Treasure Hunt 🗺️ : Organize a team treasure hunt to encourage friendly competition. Look for clues to discover hidden treasures. This encourages collaboration and exchange between participants.
Emotion Bingo 😄 : Ask participants to find someone in the room who matches each square on a bingo card, such as “someone who has traveled to Asia” or “a person who loves jazz.” This gets everyone interacting.
Quick Drawing ✏️ : Give each participant a topic and 30 seconds to draw something funny or symbolic. Then, participants have to find someone with a similar drawing. A great way to break the ice while smiling.
Thematic postcards 📬 : Hand out postcards with topics of discussion or funny anecdotes. Participants should exchange cards and discuss the theme. This creates varied and interesting exchanges.
Minute Games ⏳ : Offer ultra-quick activities, like “Two truths and a lie” or “If you were a superhero…”. These games are perfect for starting short but impactful conversations.
Find your partner 💑 : Place names of famous duos on participants' badges (e.g. "Batman" and "Robin") and ask them to find their partner. A fun way to encourage dating!
Musical Chairs 🎶 : Use musical chairs to encourage discussion. Whoever is left without a chair has to share something about themselves. It’s dynamic and ensures everyone participates.
Custom Badges ✒️ : On the badges, ask participants to write their dream destination, their favorite food, or their favorite quote. This makes it easy to find interesting topics of discussion.
Photo Booth 🎥 : Set up a photo booth with fun props. Ask attendees to pose together. A great way to create memories and visual connections right from the start of the event.
Express Networking ⚡ : Like speed dating, but for business! Each participant has a few minutes to introduce themselves and chat with as many people as possible. This allows you to break the ice with as many people as possible quickly.
Social Networking: When the professional meets the personal
In the age of social media, the line between professional and social networking is blurring:
LinkedIn: The professional network par excellence
Twitter: Monitoring and engagement in its sector
Instagram: Personal branding and visual storytelling
Facebook: Professional groups and local events
Social networking allows you to show a more direct, human and authentic professional side.
Networking Marketing: Turn Connections into Opportunities
Networking marketing is the art of transforming your network into a powerful tool for promotion and development.
What is Network Marketing? 🤝
Network marketing is a business model in which independent sales representatives sell a brand's products or services to their network of contacts, whether they are close friends or acquaintances. These salespeople can also sponsor other distributors, train them and earn cumulative commissions on their sales.
Unlike pyramid schemes, network marketing is based on individual effort: earnings depend on performance and not just on position in the network. Sellers often work from home, but also exploit social networks to expand their network and reach more customers.
Companies that rely on network marketing build their network of sellers, which expands through sponsorships. This model is based on virality, relying on the seller's personal and professional relationships: friends, family, colleagues... Once the network is established, it is used to launch a business and sell products.
10 examples of network marketing :
Influencer Marketing 👥 : Collaborate with influencers and opinion leaders to reach a targeted audience.
Strategic Partnerships 🤝 : Co-create value by establishing alliances with other complementary brands.
Word of mouth 🚀 : Encourage your satisfied customers to recommend your products to those around them.
Home sales meetings 🏠 : Organize friendly meetings to present your products directly to the participants.
Selling Online Through a Blog 💻 : Use a blog to sell your products, share useful content, and attract qualified leads.
Using Social Media 🌐 : Take advantage of social platforms to promote your products, engage your audience, and recruit new sellers.
Networking events 🎉 : Attend professional events to create direct contacts and increase your network.
Webinars and online conferences 🎤 : Host online sessions to present your products to a large audience and generate leads.
Referral Programs 💌 : Offer rewards to customers who recommend your products to others.
Online Communities 👨👩👧👦 : Create a private group or community around your brand to build customer loyalty and generate sales through network effects.
Networking for professionals and businesses: A lever for growth!
Key figures:
For Swiss companies, networking remains an essential tool. In 2024, more than 75% of them consider it vital for their development, compared to 70% in 2023.
We recommend:
Join local networks, business associations, chambers of commerce and professional networks.
Make events happen: create your own networking events.
Attend conferences and seminars to expand your network.
Use social media to connect with other professionals and share your experiences.
Partner with other businesses to host workshops or trainings.
Conclusion: Networking, one of the pillars of professional success
"Nature is in no hurry, yet everything is accomplished." Lao Tzu
Networking is a pillar for your personal, professional and entrepreneurial success. Whether it is physical networking or digital networking, trust is built step by step. Like nature that takes its time, networking is cultivated with joy, patience and kindness.
Thus, like the seed that becomes a plant then a majestic tree, like the fetus that becomes a child then a vigorous man, networking is built stone by stone to construct a magnificent personal and collective edifice.
“ Because it is through contact with others and with others that we build the world of tomorrow.
Behind every virtual or real connection hides a sensitive human being. A good "networker" is one who knows how to combine the power of digital with the richness of human relationships. » Creativia
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