Relationships are the real currency of the workplace

As the saying goes, the world is a small place. According to a theory introduced in the 1960s, any two random people in the world were connected by an average of six degrees of separation. With the rise of social media, that distance has shrunk considerably. According to a Facebook study, anyone is now only about three connections away from anyone else. Networking has never been easier.

Yet many of us are still not particularly good at it. Many Finns have grown up with somewhat awkward social habits. We were taught to stay quiet around strangers and to speak only when spoken to. We learned the art of silence not necessarily the art of conversation. Networking, however, requires exactly the opposite: the courage to speak to unfamiliar people and take the initiative.

Networking is also sometimes associated with unpleasant stereotypes, such as being overly ambitious or pursuing personal gain. Even today, you occasionally hear people say, “She got the job because of her connections.” But what’s wrong with that? Nowadays, as many as 80% of jobs are never publicly advertised, they are filled through networks and personal connections.

From time to time, the media features stories about job seekers who have sent hundreds of applications without receiving a single interview invitation. Often, the issue is not a lack of skills but simply that no one knows who they are. The people you can reach through your network are closer than ever before, and the right connection can open the door directly to your next opportunity.

The ability to network has become one of the most important skills in both life and the workplace. Networks help us learn, grow professionally, find inspiration, and discover new directions in our careers. They also provide everyday support and contribute to our well-being. Often, “I’ll call a friend” is a much more effective solution than trying to figure everything out on your own.

The good news is that anyone, even someone who feels socially awkward, can become an excellent networker. Networking is not about mingling at events, making small talk with a glass of wine in hand, or handing out business cards. It is about genuine human connection, being present, listening, and taking a sincere interest in other people. The best networker is not the loudest or funniest person in the room. A joke may break the ice, but it rarely creates a meaningful relationship.

Personally, I see networks as a kind of social insurance. You build relationships when things are going well, not only when you need help. Strong networks require time, trust, and mutual support. Today, you help someone else; tomorrow, someone else may help you.

Paula Erkkilä, Chief Executive Officer

Ostrobothnia Chamber of Commerce