Networking for Strong Teams: Insights from a Russian Survey
Building strong teams increasingly depends on the power of networking and creating valuable business contacts. A survey conducted by the Team Awards organizer found that 15 percent of Russians have engaged in networking this past year, while nearly 65 percent acknowledge that making business connections is beneficial. The data also show a clear divide by seniority: managers and senior experts are about twice as likely to leverage networking opportunities as frontline workers, with 12.8 percent versus 24.3 percent respectively.
The team behind socialbites.ca reviewed the study findings to understand the practical impact of networking on professionals and organizations.
Despite the acknowledged benefits, only about one in three respondents successfully establish business contacts. The Team Awards results identify the main obstacle as a lack of self-confidence, reported by more than 32 percent of participants. The second major barrier is uncertainty about where and how to initiate and manage the process, cited by 25.9 percent. The fear of appearing intrusive during meetings and conversations comes in third at 11 percent.
Beyond formal workplaces, networking occurs through familiar connections. About 15.4 percent of interactions arise from professional activities, while 37.1 percent stem from personal acquaintances. Online social platforms account for 20.7 percent of networking activity, and venues such as restaurants, bars, and clubs contribute 20 percent. Training programs and professional development activities raise networking prospects to 12.9 percent, with client and partner meetings accounting for 12.1 percent.
The survey also examined the primary purposes behind seeking networking support. The leading reason is job searching, cited by 16.9 percent. Approximately 11 percent use established contacts to share experiences and resolve complex business challenges, and around 10.4 percent attend networking events because they are trending in today’s professional culture.
The findings align with broader concerns voiced by employers about leadership pipelines and the need for qualified candidates to fill senior roles.
In the Canadian and American business landscapes, these insights underscore the value of proactive networking. Professionals who want to advance their careers or lead teams can benefit from building confidence, identifying effective networking venues, and leveraging both formal programs and informal connections. Strategic outreach, clear value propositions, and respectful engagement are key to turning introductions into productive collaborations. As organizations seek capable leaders, a deliberate approach to networking becomes a measurable asset in talent development and organizational growth.