After securing a job, it is important to keep your mind open to establishing relationships with other people in different workforces. Gaining new friends is a great bonus.

When it comes to networking, have a genuine and sincere heart. Show your personality. This includes greeting friends on their birthdays, asking about their children and telling them about some of your personal experiences that are worth sharing.

Here are more reasons why building and growing connections is a must for every professional:

Resource growth. You shouldn’t close yourself off to any opportunities coming your way, even if you already have a job. Keeping your connections close can help you learn about openings that are far better than your current job.

Sometimes, working on a project needs special help from the outside. With connections, you can easily ask for help. Once you have pre-qualified professionals in your circle, it makes your job easier.

At the same time, you can also be a resource person for other people in your network whenever they need your skills and expertise, making a great opportunity for you to collaborate and learn new things along the way.

Accessibility to Insider Information. Building a rapport with different employees can help you gain information more quickly. You can also prepare for a transfer or an internal promotion ahead of others. Keep in mind that this requires an expression of interest; if you have connections and friendships, they’ll be more likely to give you a heads up whenever change is coming.

Contact growth has benefits. You never know how your string of contacts will be of use once you shift to the next phase of your career. Most successful people in business started small and achieved victory by valuing their connections.

A helping hand when you’re in need. If you don’t have plans to keep your current job for the rest of your life, take care of your connections as you prepare to land a new job or move to a different career. It will be that much easier for you to get the job you’ve always wanted.

Never forget that you aren’t networking for your own benefit. Put friendships and connections first. Do not expect people in your network to give something in return after doing them a favor. Always remember to listen to their insights. As your relationships grow, you may be surprised how much your friends are willing to help you on your career path.