Where Socializing and Networking Intersect.
Benefits of YUPPIE
We all know networking can benefit our careers, however the social and career benefits of YUPPIE's young professionals network extends beyond that of simply getting help when looking for a job. The relationships you forge and invest in with other young professionals can help with every aspect of your career development as well as other aspects of your life.
The Opportunity to Help Others
Whether or not your motive is purely altruistic, helping other young professionals with their career goals can be truly rewarding. Helping others triggers a release of oxytocin (also called the 'cuddle hormone', which has the effect of boosting your mood and counteracts the effects of cortisol (the dreaded stress hormone). But even without the secretion of happiness hormones, making introductions and helping others connect can in turn eventually play a pivotal role in your own professional success.
Exchange New Ideas
Continued education can help you stay up to date in your industry but there is also a treasure chest of knowledge amongst other professionals in your industry. You want to stay on top of trends and developments in your industry and sometimes the best ideas originate when two professionals from different industry's get together. These ideas can help you impress your boss or perhaps even lead to your own venture.
Increase Your Visibility
One of the advantages of being the person who "knows everyone", is that "everyone" gets to know you too. When people start asking you to make introductions or provide insights on clients, associates, and even competitors, your visibility is more likely to get you noticed by others, including the people that can help you in your career path.
Find New Opportunities
Precisely because networking makes you more visible, it also creates new opportunities. Whether it's a job recruiter, future business partner, or investor, you never know when an opportunity that can advance your career will present itself. Being social and growing your network with other YUPPIE young professionals is good way to increase the likelihood and frequency of that happening.
Share Opinions / Get Advice
YUPPIE's young professional network is a great way to share opinions, exchange information, discuss industry-related matters, ask for advice, and get constructive feedback. You may need advice and tips on how to conduct yourself or what to expect during a job interview, or tips on how a potential new client likes to operate and strategies on how to approach them and many other questions about your industry. The people in your network can be a valuable resource to you, and you to them.
Get Promoted
Shared ideas and new information can help you with your work, increase your visibility, and create new opportunities. It's likely your boss will also notice this and appreciate you more as well. If not then it may be time to leverage some of those career opportunities.
Improve Your Self-Esteem and Health
It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about networking benefits but here are some things to consider:
Social activities keep us sharp and mentally engaged.
Connecting with others can put you in a positive mood, which can help to ward off depression.
Socially active people tend to be more physically active too. Plus, you tend to make better food choices when you eat with others.
Research shows that people who have more fulfilling relationships in their lives tend to sleep better than those who don’t.
Live a happier life by keeping your social circle strong.
The business environment can be cut-throat, however being part of a professional and social network like YUPPIE where you can share your opinions and ideas and help others can boost your self-esteem, help you overcome shyness, or give you a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
