Networking 'is the future'

New research indicating the increasing popularity of networking has been welcomed by independent leadership organisation Common Purpose.

Released yesterday (April 30th), results of the GfK NOP Consumer survey of 418 working adults revealed that 68 per cent of professionals expect to participate in a greater number of networks in five years time.

Chief executive of Common Purpose Julia Middleton states: "[Networks] are fundamental to the success and security of businesses, and present an opportunity for people to see each other's issues, spot new ideas and see the risks."

"We need to encourage more new networks so people can gather ideas and start to grab the opportunities that emerge from working together," she added.

Particularly relevant to those in business development jobs or marketing jobs, the research also showed that two-thirds of respondents rated networking as very important to success in their profession.

Common Purpose was established in 1989 and has since included over 100,000 business leaders in its programmes.