I spend a great deal of my day talking to people looking for a job. It’s pretty fantastic actually. All of these jobseekers have one very important quality in common—they are motivated.  I rarely have to explain to them WHY they should be active online. Instead they are asking me for tips and advice on how to streamline their online networking efforts.

But what about after  you land the job? This is when most of us pack it in, content with our new shining salaries, and forget the importance of remaining active while employed.

 A recent study shows that 75% to 85% of job seekers find their job online. These successes are fueled by social network links, blogging efforts, and online recommendations from colleagues and friends that believe in a particular individual’s abilities. But once we have secured a new job, what good comes from all of those hours spent online…networking, connecting, learning, and so on? Why is it important to remain motivated, even after you secured yourself a new job?

I thought it would be worth it to outline a few of the reasons why you should never stop reaching out, growing your network, and connecting. For those who aren’t currently looking for a new job, I challenge you to read these and ask yourself…can you afford not to be doing these?  Especially if your colleagues, co-workers, and competitors are?

Use Online Networking to Position Yourself for Pay Raises and Promotions

Okay so you have a paycheck, but I’ll bet you wouldn’t mind if it was a little bit more? Right? Well online networking is a great way to increase your visibility in any industry. It shows your employer that you are willing to put in the hours to succeed, not to mention it positions yourself as an industry leader. The more people you connect with, the more valuable you are to your current company, and the more valuable you are…the more money you can expect. Your argument becomes stronger with every connection you make. Trust me.

Attract Potential Business…and Close It

It’s not surprising that the more meet and greets you attend, the more groups you participate in, and the more conversations you participate in, all lead to more friends, cohorts, colleagues, and liaisons in your industry. The wealth of knowledge out there is all free and ready to be accessed…and so are the resulting partnerships. By involving yourself in more conversations online, you are opening yourself to business inquiries and interest. Many times fruitful partnerships, deals, and investments result from a simple hello. Just imagine how happy your boss would be with you, if every other Monday you shot over an email with yet another potential opportunity for your company? I rest my case.

Keep Your Eyes Open

I don’t just mean to a position with another company, I also mean to a new career direction altogether. Often times conversations and connections made will lead you to discover things about your own personal interests and passions. You could come across someone who started out on your career path but developed it into a hybrid of two or three positions you like you be involved with. These conversations and connections can open your eyes to new opportunities both for your company and yourself personally.

These are just a few reasons to stay involved even after landing a new job. I know life gets busy, and there are only so many hours to the day, but even if you reach out to a few new people a week, you will be amazed at how quickly and how strong your network can grow. When the time comes to make a new move you will be that much more equipped to handle the transition. Doors open faster when lots of people are helping you open it. When it comes to an online network, there is strength in numbers.

So get going…jump on LinkedIn, join a group, send a message to a blogger you enjoy reading…there is no time like now to start widening your circle of success.