Hello,can any expert over here explain why networking is so important and so much stressed in consulting firms. I have recently joinined ACN as experienced hire, and would like to know how it affects practically in your promotion, salary, performance rating etc.Any wisdom on this will be grealy appreciated.Thanks in advance

A reductive view here - networking is valuable as if somebody knows you as an individual they are (marginally) less likely to stab you in the back during a laddering meeting.

It gets you on the right jobs. You want to be asked for by name by the engagement manager/partner, not scheduled by a resourcer.

Both of the above are correct. The ACN promotion/review process does involve a large table of Snr Mgrs reviewing each candidate. First question is "Who knows this person?". If not enough people put their hand up they move on and don't discuss as you haven't "Raised your profile" enough within the Firm.But also for a couple of other reasons. 1. The more people you know from different disciplines, the more help you can call on informally when you need it.2. Bus Dev. ACN win a lot of business through their combined network, including alumni. McK have made this an art form!3. Collegiate culture. If you only socialise with peers/other ACNers you won't realise how much you are exploited (don't mean this cynically and while it's a slight exageration there's some fundamental truth to it).

Spot on answers as I was expecting. Thanks all. It is much clear that a person who is known by many people will certianly be in good position than person lesser known. Thanks for explaination.Now, the tricky question - how to network effectively ?I have read many pdf/docs (vault, some typical internet articles etc), but am not much convinenced about effectiveness of techniques. Just meeting colleuges over drinks at events or during xmas party is certianly not going to help much in laddering. I am kind of introvert person when it comes to corporate culture. I am sociable personally with my friends and relatives, but when it comes to corporate gatherings, somehow I dont mingle much with all people. I need help from you experts over here about EFFECTIVE ways to network people - not just only ice-brakers.Some tips from real experience rather than just polished words.Thanks.

I have been with Acn for 2 1/2 years and would say effective networking shouldn;t be taken from a book or any kind of guide. There's plenty of free drinks, dinners, community events, charity days and all of that here. Just get involved, have a laugh and you'll meet people. These people will then know you and your name will start coming up in conversations for roles and helping out with things, especially if it's for an area you're an expert in, and being bloody good at something is another good way to network as people will call you rather than the other way round.

If you can be sociable with work colleagues then do so. However networking is part of work now. So treat it like that.Ask questions. People love talking about them selves (especially MC's, especially from Acn), so make the conversation all about them - skills, background, projects, clients etc etc. If you find some common ground then great, you're in. If you don't, well they probably aren't a great contact for you anyway, but maybe you've learnt something in a conversation with someone else some other time.And if you see how you could both work together/support each other then don't be afraid to say so. If you know someone who could be of use to them - put them in touch.I hate networking, but always look at it like a trade. If you can help me with something then I'll help you.

exacn's answer "The ACN promotion/review process does involve a large table of Snr Mgrs reviewing each candidate..." is an over exaggeration and not indicative of the promotion and review process firmwide, more just on the project specific ladder level. Once you get out of your project, programme or account ladder into the wider dte/country ladder, it is unlikely many people in there would know who you were.Having said that, you should always ensure that a majority of mgrs and SMs on your project at least know who you are, what you do and the value you add (even if it is only your lead who knows details/specifics).

how do i network?

Too much networking advice centres around where to network and not how. Remember that everyone you meet is networking for the same reasons you are, so the ideal is an exchange of information which raises both profiles. A rising tide floats all boats and all that. You need to do 2 things within a networking conversation - identify what they can do for you, and what you can do for them. This doesnt have to be material assistance, it can be introduction to other people - in a crowded social, make introductions 'Bob I've heard some good noises about that x project, you should meet John and swap war stories' etc etc. Often being seen to be the faciliator is more effective than the actual networking - you create a sense of you being a hub, and raise your profile in the process. All the talk about elevator pitches is pretty good though - have a short presentation about yourself in your head, what you can do and who you are in microcosm, and sell that in by way of introduction. If you are making approaches to network outside your firm or immediate project team, invite a number of interesting people with a potential shared interest for beers/lunch etc: 'I'm getting a small group together (implies exclusivity and therefore increased results through implied influence) to shoot the breeze on x y z - what's your diary like, I think you would benefit from picking Bob's brain on y' etc etc. Got intranet? How about 5 a side football? The idea is to make the opportunity happen and control access to it: be the hub and all the networking goes through you. And of course you can network heavily within a smaller group, build some quid pro quo exchanges, and move on, spirally a few core contacts from one group into the basis of another. And so on. Apply it literally: assume for a moment you are a raw MBA, looking to network into a consultancy. You can either call round and try to arrange a meeting for a coffee of informational interview at 5 different firms, where all attention is on you and there is no upside for the contact, or get 5 hiring managers from different firms together (offer them all a chance to meet opposite numbers in a half decent eatery, add some colourful details like best sushi you've had since you woke up in Hong Kong harbour missing your trousers etc, give them a personal flavour you have stories to tell). Upside for them, upside x 5 for you.

I know one guy that used to take a much more direct approach to networking."Oh, you work for XYZ do you? I'll give you £500 if you get me a job there."

Classy.

Thanks all for your suggestions, especially, when you know that I am someone anonymous in your industry and "could-be" competitior for you as well. Really appreciated.I think, I have understood networking, and bringing into practice is much more difficult for me. People know me, and I know people, but somehow I am not able to become close to their close circle....i am trying.

Yes, I agree. it's important. Networking is the way you can be known. That's the way people know if you have real value added or not.http://lysewired.wordpress.com/2009/07/05/lysewired-architecture/