First, let’s cover the basics, what exactly is Networking? 

Networking usually involves meeting new people who share a profession, industry, or interests. 
In a professional career, networking means maintaining positive relationships with clients and other professionals in your industry. The idea is to build a mutually beneficial connection that encourages growth in one's career. Essentially, what distinguishes networking from simply meeting new people is the intent to build a meaningful connection that will help both parties in developing their careers. 

Well, where does it take place?

Networking takes place in a variety of scenarios. It can be done through emails, social media sites, and attending seminars or webinars. LinkedIn is quite popular as a meeting place for professionals. Networking can also take place in informal settings as well. Networking can happen at events, in your office, while waiting in line for your Visa(if you are lucky that is), or through industry associations. The core idea is of course that you meet new people. 

Networking is intimidating 

For many yes, Networking can feel like quite a hassle. For some walking into a room full of strangers is their worst fear. Unless you are a really social person you may find it hard to push yourself to try networking. However, Networking is quite essential for a successful career. You will be missing out on benefits that can grow your career exponentially. So here is the important bit.

Why should you try Networking? 

For most people, the reason why they go out of their way to try networking is to advance their careers. 31% of job seekers find listings through professional connections, very often which are referrals. Networking can be the road that leads you to opportunities that might be out of reach otherwise. You may also receive valuable career guidance, share ideas and advice, gain more knowledge about your profession, and even more. Business people deliberately look for ways to grow their network of contacts in order to build a strong network. 

Effective networking can save you time and alleviate stress. Ideas are what keep you growing professionally. Seeing and hearing about other people's development can help nurture more ideas that can help you in your work.  Discussing your work can offer you a unique perspective. It enhances creative thinking. Having an industry mentor whom you can always rely on gives you a strong ground to stand on. Connection outside your industry is a valuable asset to have. 

Networking builds your social status and reputation. Networking can help you establish yourself as a reliable, supportive, considerate, and knowledgeable industry professional. With enough experience, people may eventually perceive you as an industry expert. Networking helps you meet people at various professional levels, With some companies, it can be challenging to get in touch with higher-ups. In this case, networking may enable you to meet more experienced people. The ability to gain from their expertise and professional guidance will be crucial to your future development.. Knowing people at different professional levels can open up a larger range of work options for you. As you become close with someone, you might be able to use their contacts to gain access to a new position. This is essentially why, networking is crucial.

In a business, networking leads to some key benefits. Professional networking might help you in finding new business leads. It helps to learn industry standards, identify key trends, and to understand different spectrums of the business. You can use it to create a powerful network of allies. Your connections may be able to suggest companies in your industry that are hiring if you recently lost your job, for instance. On the other side, if you're having trouble with a task, someone in your network might be able to assist you.

In a more personal context, networking develops your confidence. By sharing your ideas with many people you gain more trust in your instincts and strategies. You end up wanting to pursue and develop more meaningful connections. 

Some stats for those who like numbers

1 in 4 professionals around the world has established new business partnerships by networking on LinkedIn and 80% of those believe that networking accelerates their career growth according to LinkedIn. Nearly 90% of professionals think networking is a vital part of career growth says GrowMap. Nearly every second a freelancer finds job opportunities through their family and friends. 95% of professionals think for long-lasting business relationships in-person networking is crucial, source? Harvard Business Review. 

To conclude 
There is no excuse for not networking. There is no replacement for it. If you want to have a successful career well there is no time like now! Effective networking will make you stand out from others and create opportunities like no other.