Online Class: Successfully Networking Your Career

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
-
10Lessons
-
12Exams &
Assignments -
409Students
have taken this course -
3Hours
average time -
0.3CEUs
Course Description
When you're ready to build your professional network, you need to know how to navigate the ever-changing tools available online and in-person. This course will show you how to build a professional network and how to make sure these connections add value to your career.
This course is designed for the person who is new to networking or who needs spend more energy on building their network but not sure how and where to start.
2. The Benefits of Networking
3. Quality vs. Quantity in Networking
4. Networking for New Opportunities
5. Networking for Professional Partnerships
6. Local and In-Person Networking
7. Online Networking
8. How Introverts Can Network
9. Maintain Your Connections
10. Long-Term Networking Strategies
This course will show you how to organize the information you need in one place so that you can start building your connections immediately. In addition, you will also have access to a resources page that will allow you to explore the process of networking online or in recent publications. The more information you have, the more you will be able to be a leader in your network.
While selling to others can increase your income, building lasting and meaningful professional relationships is what works better in today's connected marketplace. Are you networking as effectively as you should be?
Course Motivation
What Is Networking?Business has changed, and there's no going back to the way things were. Before the advent of the Internet, business used to be done with a handshake. You would meet people while you were working, or you would meet them through friends and family, or even work connections.
But today, when businesses are spread out all over the world, you can't simply wait to shake someone's hand, and you can't limit yourself to the people in your local area.
Instead, you need to make networking a part of your everyday activities.
This isn't the most comfortable skill for many people to master – networking. It takes time, it takes energy, and it requires you to interact with people more than you may have thought to do in the past.
However, networking is still as crucial to the long-term health of your business as it was in the past. You need to be ready to get out there and meet new people in order to flourish as a business owner, an employee, and even as a customer.
The Basics of Networking
When you talk about networking professionally, this means any and all activities related to meeting with others in your industry. These people might be colleagues, they might be potential clients, or they might be present clients.
Networking is the process in which you meet and build relationships with others. You might network by:
-
Talking to others wherever you are – Even if you're just out and about in your daily errands, you might come upon someone who can help you in your networking goals.
-
Meeting at industry events – Industry events, such as trade shows, can be a great place to meet up with people who are also networking. Together, you can gather contacts and help each other out in the future.
-
Sharing social media connections – Using pages like Facebook, LinkedIn, and even Twitter can help to create strong relationships between industry leaders.
-
Speaking to others at work – While you might be someone who likes to focus on work, the more you can talk with others in your workplace, the more you will become memorable to those who might call on you in the future.
-
Reaching out to people in the local area – For smaller businesses, networking and getting local support is a great way to ensure you are being noticed, and that your reputation is one that appeals to others.
Anywhere you can find someone who might benefit your company, your job, or your career, that's a place where you can network.
You begin networking by finding out where the ideal people to connect to are. Then you go to those places (i.e. public events, social media, etc.). You start a conversation with someone. From there, you might keep in contact with them, to see if you can help them, or if they can help you.
And what happens next depends on the type of connection you have and what your individual goals might be. Some connections end up looking to each other for resources, or they might try to get the other hired at their company.
Others might find networking is helpful for simply staying up to date on the latest industry trends and ideas.
Still others find that networking is a way to find new clients, and to keep older clients happy.
What you get out of networking is truly what you put into it. The more energy you put in, the more results you will reap. And the good news is that you don't have to spend hours or become a completely different person in order to make networking progress.
You just need to think proactively, and you need to think about your bigger goals.
The Right Skills for Networking
One of the many reasons why people don't particularly like to network is that they feel they need to be extroverted in a way that may not come naturally. While this is certainly true for those who are more introverted, it's not necessary for you to be the life of the party.
Instead, these tips and skills are helpful when you are networking:
-
Have a clear idea who you want to meet. – It can be helpful to know that networking is more about quality than about quantity (which we'll cover in the next lesson). To keep networking simple, try making up a description of the person who is going to benefit you most in your networking activities and goals. This way, you will only need to meet those people, and not just spread yourself out to as many people as possible.
-
Prepare a list of questions to ask. – The more prepared you can be when you're networking, the better. If you have a list of questions a person can answer, this will help you get a conversation started, and everyone likes to talk about themselves, so it will make your side of the conversation easier too. (And what you might want to keep in mind is that most people aren't all that comfortable networking, so the more work you do to make things easier, the more the other party will be happy you did.)
-
Be open to meeting new people. – What you may not remember as you become anxious or uncomfortable about meeting others is that the more open you are, the easier it will be. If you focus on the idea or the goal of meeting as many new people as possible, you will begin to see this process as fun and exciting. If you're a numbers type of person, you can even create goals for yourself – and then see how you improve, as you continue to meet new connections.
-
Realize every person you meet might have an opportunity for you. – As strange as it might sound, thinking that each new connection you have might lead to something great is often the best motivator. When you can look at meetings and networking events as places where you can connect with someone who might be beneficial to you, you will see the value. When you see the value, it can make a chore much less of a burden than it may have seemed before.
The more you get
out there and attempt networking, the more you will become comfortable
with it. While it may not be your favorite thing to do, it will become
something you can manage – especially with a lot of practice.
You're Not Alone…and It's Not Always About Sales
Everyone in the business world, and beyond, is realizing they need to reach out to others if they want to be effective in their industry. While it might seem as though you're the only person who is facing networking anxiety or challenges, you certainly are not.
Instead, think about how many people are in the same position as you are. And when you talk to them, point out that these situations can be uncomfortable and uneasy. Though they may not laugh at the ridiculousness, they might also be relieved you said something. After all, you're not alone and the more relaxed you can make these encounters, the better everyone will feel in the end.
Remember, it's not so much that you're trying to sell yourself as a good person with whom to network, but rather you're trying to connect with someone in a positive and productive way. Another way to put this is that each networking opportunity is not just for you; the other person in the conversation can also benefit from what is happening, which makes this worth your while, if not necessary for success.
Summary
Networking
is the process in which you connect with others in your industry or
people you want to bring into your industry or company. These
connections can include prospects, clients, colleagues, or outside
professionals who might have a way to support your future endeavors.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- Printable Lessons
- Full HD Video
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1: What Is Networking?
Lesson 1 Video
Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete Assignment: Motives for Taking this Course
Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam
Lesson 2: The Benefits of Networking
Lesson 2 Video
Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam
Lesson 3: Quality vs. Quantity in Networking
Lesson 3 Video
Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam
Lesson 4: Networking for New Opportunities
Lesson 4 Video
Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam
Lesson 5: Networking for Professional Partnerships
Lesson 5 Video
Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam
Lesson 6: Local and In-Person Networking
Lesson 6 Video
Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam
Lesson 7: Online Networking
Lesson 7 Video
Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam
Lesson 8: How Introverts Can Network
Lesson 8 Video
Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam
Lesson 9: Maintain Your Connections
Lesson 9 Video
Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam
Lesson 10: Long-Term Networking Strategies
Lesson 10 Video
Lesson discussions: What do you think about this course?; Course Comments; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course)
Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam
Assessment: The Final Exam
Learning Outcomes
- Define what networking is.
- Define the benefits of networking.
- Define quantity means in networking.
- Describe techniques for networking for new opportunities.
- Describe networking for professional partnerships.
- Describe processes for local and in-person networking.
- Define online networking.
- Recognize how introverts can network.
- Summarize methods for maintaining your connections.
- Determine long-term networking strategies.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

Choose Your Subscription Plan
No Certificate / No CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate | X |
Includes CEUs | X |
Self-paced |
![]() |
Instructor support |
![]() |
Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificate & CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate |
![]() |
Includes CEUs |
![]() |
Self-paced |
![]() |
Instructor support |
![]() |
Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
![]() |
Includes CEUs |
![]() |
Self-paced |
![]() |
Instructor support |
![]() |
Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
![]() |
Includes CEUs |
![]() |
Self-paced |
![]() |
Instructor support |
![]() |
Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Student Testimonials
- "I thought the course was a great refresher in networking and included helpful tips." -- Joseph C.
- "Successfully learned a lot!" -- Eleni M.
Related Courses
-
87 hours 8.7 CEUs Writing Help Course Bundle $135.00
-
36 hours 3.6 CEUs Ultimate Secretary Training Bundle $150.00
-
8 hours 0.8 CEUs Motivational and Public Speaking 101 $95.00
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Innovative Thinking $95.00
-
6 hours 0.6 CEUs Goal Setting for Business $95.00
-
8 hours 0.8 CEUs Business Ethics $95.00
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Listening Skills 101 $95.00
-
6 hours 0.6 CEUs Delegation Skills $95.00
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Creative Thinking $95.00
-
6 hours 0.6 CEUs Sustainable Development for Business $95.00
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Kaizen 101 - An Introduction $95.00
-
11 hours 1.1 CEUs Business Consulting 101 $95.00
-
9 hours 0.9 CEUs Marketing 101 $95.00
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Critical Thinking $95.00
-
10 hours 1.0 CEUs Global Anti-Corruption and Bribery $95.00
-
6 hours 0.6 CEUs Business Branding 101 $95.00
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Business Professionalism $95.00
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Leadership Skills for Managers $95.00
-
12 hours 1.2 CEUs Business Math 101 $105.00
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Business Coaching $95.00
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Introduction to Ethics $95.00
-
4 hours 0.4 CEUs Business Budgeting 101: How to Plan, Save, and Manage $95.00
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Management Consultant 101 $95.00
-
8 hours 0.8 CEUs Procurement Management $95.00
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Mastering Conversation Skills $95.00
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Lean Management $95.00
-
3 hours 0.3 CEUs Business Credit 101 $95.00
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Business Law for Entrepreneurs $95.00
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Organizational Behavior in Business $95.00
-
6 hours 0.6 CEUs Management Essentials $95.00
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Emotional Intelligence $95.00
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Introduction to Logic $95.00
-
6 hours 0.6 CEUs Managing Your Career $95.00
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Business Analysis $95.00
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Habits of Millionaires $95.00
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Business Etiquette $95.00
-
19 hours 1.9 CEUs Business Writing $95.00