How to build strong network connections for your hospitality career

In an industry where personal connections can make all the difference, building effective relationships is the secret ingredient for success. Around 85% of job opportunities in the hospitality industry are filled through making connections. Networking isn’t just about attending industry events and collecting business cards. It’s about forging genuine ties with other professionals, offering value to others and establishing yourself as a valuable asset in the industry.

In this article, we’ll look at practical strategies for strong networking in the hospitality industry to help you build meaningful relationships and unlock hidden opportunities.

Why is networking important in the hospitality industry?

Creating extraordinary guest experiences requires collaboration across departments among passionate individuals who excel in their roles. However, with more than 320 million professionals working in various hospitality sectors, traditional job advert boards don’t always help people find their ideal roles. They struggle to connect the right people with the right opportunities, especially when soft skills such as communication and teamwork are difficult to quantify on a resume. Networking can help you learn about potential job openings and gain insights into different career paths and professional development opportunities. For businesses, networking can also help develop partnerships, share knowledge and build reputation.

Tips to build strong connections

Below are some proven ways to build an effective network in your hospitality career.

Attend events

Workshops, seminars and launches bring people with a passion for hospitality together. Traditional events can help you meet other professionals in your area. However, virtual events encourage professional networking beyond geographical boundaries. You get the opportunity to connect with attendees from various specializations to broaden your reach. Consider learning about delegates beforehand to prepare a pitch for conversations and catch their attention. You can also join professional associations that have regular events to help fill your networking calendar.

Consider what you have to offer

Networking works best when there is a value exchange from both parties. So before you expect favors, identify what you can offer to become a sought-after resource within your network. Think about how you can help professionals with specific challenges related to your expertise in exchange for any return favor.

Create authentic relationships

Professionals are more likely to invest time and resources in someone they feel they can genuinely connect with. To build such authentic professional relationships, you have to be yourself in your starter pitch and let your personality shine through to connect on a human level. It is also important to be a good listener and show genuine interest in others’ experiences and goals. For instance, instead of just talking about work, perhaps ask about their weekend plans or hobbies. This builds rapport and creates a more well-rounded connection.

Identify your goals

Be specific about what you want to achieve through your network. Is it a job, mentorship, skill development or something else? With a clear goal in mind, you can prioritize your interactions and approach the right person. For instance, if you want a job, research hiring managers specific to your domain and connect with them to maximize results from your time and effort.

Find mutual connections

If both parties know someone else, this instantly establishes a level of trust and credibility. The person you’re meeting knows you’re not a random stranger, putting them at ease and making them more open to conversation. Additionally, mutual connections can provide valuable insights about both parties. This allows for a more personalized introduction, sparking a more engaging conversation from the start.

Manage your online presence

According to a LinkedIn study, 25% of people said they came across new partnership opportunities during casual conversations on the platform. This highlights the importance of an online presence to leverage the network for mutual benefit. But LinkedIn is not the only option. You can demonstrate thought leadership on other online platforms such as industry forums, personal websites and social media networks such as Facebook, Instagram and X.

Follow up with your connections

Getting in touch after an initial meeting shows your continued interest in forging a strong relationship and reinforces the positive impressions you made. It also works by reminding people of who you are and keeping you in their mind for future opportunities. Consider following up within a week of your initial interaction. Also, remember to personalize your follow-up message by mentioning something specific you discussed or expressing appreciation for their time.

Challenges in the hospitality networking

Building connections is vitally important for industry professionals, but they can find it difficult for several reasons, including:

• Managing time: for working professionals, finding availability between networking and on-the-job responsibilities can be difficult
• Going beyond the comfort zone: putting yourself out there in unfamiliar settings and initiating conversations with strangers can be daunting, especially for new professionals
• Identifying valuable connections: finding the right person to link with for mutual benefit requires experience and awareness
• Maintaining connections: retaining the strength of your network on a periodic basis demands frequent value offerings or engagement that managerial-level professionals find highly challenging
• Effective communications: networking is all about talking and listening, so strengthening your interpersonal skills is vital, but this can be hard for some
• Building rapport: developing the ability to find common ground, ask insightful questions and continue with engaging conversations without overstepping professional bounds
• Understanding power dynamics: recognizing and navigating the various hierarchies within the industry can be intimidating

Dos and don’ts of networking within the hospitality industry

Now we know the basics of networking, let’s look at what you should do and what you should avoid when building and maintaining connections in the sector.

Things you want to remember are:

• Be genuine and authentic: approach networking with a true interest in building relationships. This builds trust and meaningful connections. Show a sincere interest in others’ experiences and perspectives and be honest about your own
• Follow up: always reach out after meeting someone new. Send a personalized email or message expressing your appreciation for the conversation and suggesting a future meeting or collaboration. This helps cement the connection and opens the door for further interactions
• Offer help and value: be willing to offer assistance and share your expertise without expecting immediate returns. Providing value to others can lead to reciprocal support and long-term relationships. Whether it’s advice, resources or introductions, your generosity will be remembered
• Attend industry events: participate in conferences, workshops, trade shows and other industry activities. These gatherings are prime opportunities to meet new contacts, learn about industry trends and strengthen existing relationships. Prepare by researching attendees and planning who you’d like to connect with
• Maintain professionalism: always present yourself professionally. This includes dressing appropriately, being punctual and communicating clearly and respectfully. This helps in creating a positive and lasting impression
• Use social media effectively: post on platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter and industry-specific forums to expand your network. Share relevant content, engage with others’ posts and participate in online discussions. Social media is a powerful tool for maintaining connections and staying visible in the industry

On the other hand, there are lots of potential mistakes you can make. So it’s worth remembering what not to do:

• Don’t be self-centered: avoid focusing solely on your own needs and interests. Networking is a two-way street; it’s important to listen actively and show interest in others’ stories and challenges. Self-centered behavior can quickly alienate potential contacts
• Don’t neglect follow-up: you must not let new connections fade away. Failing to follow up after initial meetings can result in missed opportunities and forgotten connections. Timely and thoughtful follow-up is crucial for maintaining the relationship
• Don’t overwhelm people with requests: it’s not good to bombard new contacts with requests for favors, introductions or information. Build the relationship first and ensure it’s mutually beneficial before asking for significant help
• Don’t forget etiquette: always remember basic networking protocols. Avoid interrupting conversations, speaking negatively about others or dominating discussions. Poor etiquette can damage your reputation and hinder your networking efforts
• Don’t ignore feedback: constructive criticism and suggestions from peers and mentors can be invaluable for personal and professional growth. Be open to learning and adapting based on feedback
• Don’t rely solely on digital connections: it can be tempting to depend entirely on online interactions, but this is not ideal. While social media is important, face-to-face meetings and personal interactions remain essential in the hospitality industry. Make an effort to meet contacts in person when possible to build stronger relationships

How a hospitality degree can help you network

Starting with the right education can be a springboard for building connections. A solid education in hospitality management through a BBA/MBA program from a reputed college could be an ideal start. These programs often involve industry events, guest speakers and case studies that connect you with experienced professionals and potential mentors for building strong networks.

On top of this, universities often host career fairs and networking events specifically for hospitality students. These provide a platform to connect with potential employers, industry professionals and fellow students who can become valuable contacts.

Internships also offer a great opportunity to build a robust network. These placements provide experience working alongside professionals in the industry, allowing you to forge strong bonds with them. Consider volunteering for extra tasks to demonstrate your work ethic and make a lasting impression.

Conclusion

The hospitality industry thrives on building connections and your professional network is no exception. While mastering networking takes practice, the benefits are undeniable. By developing genuine relationships and building a strong community, you gain access to hidden opportunities, valuable industry insights and potential mentors. This competitive edge can propel your career forward and position you for success in your dream job.

If you want to learn how to use the power of networking to grow your career in the hospitality industry, see how taking a degree course with Les Roches can help.

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