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Today, networking remains a cornerstone of professional growth and opportunity. With the introduction of new technology and the COVID-19 pandemic, networking has dramatically shifted from in-person interactions to virtual engagements.
This article explores the opportunities and challenges of networking in a virtual landscape and provides 11 actionable tips for effectively navigating this new terrain.
1. Attend Virtual Conferences and Webinars
Webinars are a powerful way to expand your professional network and stay updated on industry trends. These events bring together experts, thought leaders, and peers from around the world, offering an opportunity to learn, share ideas, and make valuable connections.
“Virtual conferences provide a platform for professionals to connect, learn, and collaborate in ways that are convenient and impactful,” said Greg Hannley, Founder and CEO of Soba Mesa. “They offer a wealth of opportunities to gain insights and network with industry leaders, fostering an environment of continuous learning and professional development.”
Engaging in virtual conferences and webinars demonstrates your commitment to staying up-to-date in your field and your willingness to invest in your industry’s future. By actively participating and contributing to these events, you can establish yourself as a knowledgeable and engaged professional.
2. Create and Share Valuable Content
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Content is king in the online age, and creating and sharing it is an effective strategy for virtual networking. High-quality content, such as blog posts, videos, and infographics, allows you to showcase your expertise, share insights, and engage with a broader audience.
“Content that is truly valuable demonstrates expertise and connects you with professionals who share similar interests and goals,” stated Titania Jordan, CMO of Bark Technologies, a company known for safer phones for kids called the Bark Phone. “Quality content can spark conversations, encourage engagement, and build trust within your network, paving the way for stronger professional relationships.”
Beyond establishing authority, content creation also invites interaction and collaboration. When you contribute meaningful information to your field, others are more likely to reach out to discuss your ideas, seek advice, or propose joint projects. This outreach can increase visibility, create new opportunities, and build a lasting network.
3. Engage on Social Media
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Social media has become the go-to means of networking in the virtual world. By actively engaging with posts, joining groups, and contributing to discussions, you can build relationships and establish your presence in your field. Social media provides a direct line to industry leaders and peers, which makes staying informed and involved easier than ever.
“Engagement on social media can build a large professional network over time,” shared Justin Soleimani, Co-Founder of Tumble, a company known for their washable rugs. “Active participation on these platforms helps professionals stay visible, share their experience, and connect with others who have similar interests.”
Consistent engagement on social media means more than posting updates. It involves interacting with others by commenting, sharing relevant content, and offering insights. This activity promotes a dynamic online presence that attracts attention and deepens connections.
4. Follow Up and Stay Connected
Following up after your first interaction with a new connection is vital for nurturing relationships in business. After an initial meeting or conversation, maintain communication with your contact and continue building rapport. Whether by sending a personalized follow-up email or connecting on social media, stay in touch to demonstrate your professional commitment.
“Effective follow-ups are the secret to turning a passing connection into a dedicated ally,” noted Cody Candee, Founder and CEO of Bounce. “By keeping the line of communication open and showing genuine interest in others, professionals can strengthen their connections and cultivate long-lasting relationships that benefit both parties.”
Moreover, staying connected lets you remain informed about your contacts’ professional endeavors and interests. This consideration allows you to offer support, share relevant resources, and celebrate their achievements.
5. Participate in Online Communities
Online communities are another valuable means of virtual networking. These communities, ranging from industry-specific forums to professional groups on social media platforms, offer opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, share learnings, and exchange business information.
“An online community represents a rich ecosystem for professionals to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another,” explained Emily Greenfield, Director of Ecommerce at Mac Duggal, a company known for their evening gowns. “When they actively engage in these communities, businesspeople can expand their networks, stay updated on industry trends, and locate opportunities for collaboration and growth.”
Additionally, active involvement in online communities helps professionals stay connected with the latest developments and emerging trends in their sector. When they’re up to date on what’s happening in their field, businesspeople remain competitive and relevant.
6. Schedule Virtual Coffee Chats
Virtual coffee chats are a personalized and effective approach to building your network. These informal meetings let you connect with colleagues, mentors, or potential collaborators in a relaxed setting. They allow professionals to have meaningful conversations, extend ideas, and establish rapport without the formality of a traditional business meeting.
“By proactively participating in virtual coffee chats, professionals can connect on a personal level and foster genuine relationships,” reflected Madeline Edwards, Head of Content at Dose, a company known for their liver supplements. “These informal meetings create a relaxed atmosphere where individuals can seek advice and build trust within their networks.”
These meetings also enable professionals to maintain a sense of connection and camaraderie, particularly in remote work environments where face-to-face interactions are limited. Scheduling regular virtual coffee chats with colleagues, mentors, or industry peers helps individuals combat feelings of isolation and stay connected with their community.
7. Seek Out and Offer Mentorship
Speaking of mentors, mentorship is a valuable practice for professional growth and digital networking. Mentorship allows individuals to learn from the experiences and insights of more seasoned professionals, gaining valuable guidance and support along their career journey.
“Mentorship is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, offering invaluable insights for professionals at any stage of their careers,” answered Dovas Zakas, CMO & Cofounder of The Pets Table. “Seeking out or acting as a mentor who can offer advice, share knowledge, and provide perspective can accelerate personal and professional development.”
Nowadays, mentorship can transcend geographic barriers, making this strategy especially well-suited to a virtual environment. With the rise of digital communication tools, mentorship can occur remotely more easily than ever, encouraging individuals to connect with mentors and mentees worldwide.
8. Leverage Networking Apps
In the digital age, networking apps are a convenient and efficient way to connect with like-minded professionals beyond traditional means. While LinkedIn remains a prominent networking platform, several other apps are also tailored for networking purposes.
“Networking apps provide a dynamic and accessible platform for professionals to connect, collaborate, and grow their networks,” highlighted Bob Craycraft, CEO of Cadence. “With features like virtual events and algorithm-based matchmaking, these apps offer personalized networking experiences that cater to the individual needs of users.”
Furthermore, these apps offer a range of functionalities beyond basic networking. Some facilitate mentorship relationships, while others connect professionals within specific industries or interest groups.
9. Stay Adaptable and Open to New Opportunities
As technology advances and trends shift, networking methods and platforms are bound to change. Agile and adaptable professionals are better positioned to conquer these changes and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
“Staying open to new opportunities will set you up for success in the modern business landscape,” revealed Lance Patterson, CEO of Juice Beauty, a company known for their CC cream. “In today’s job market, pivoting and embracing change allows professionals to stay ahead of the curve.”
Adaptability and open-mindedness foster a mindset of continuous learning and growth. Professionals who are willing to step outside their comfort zones, experiment with new tools and techniques, and embrace uncertainty are more likely to uncover unexpected opportunities and create meaningful connections in the virtual world.
10. Practice Your Writing
In a virtual networking environment, written communication becomes the primary mode of interaction. Clear, concise, and engaging writing is crucial for making a strong impression and effectively conveying your message. Whether it’s an email, a social media post, or a direct message, your writing style can influence how others perceive you and how they respond.
“Not all networking experiences will require audio and video,” described John Hall, co-founder of Calendar. “Some contacts will prefer to message back and forth as their schedule allows, giving them ample time to think of adequate responses to your questions. For the benefit of these individuals and your connection invites, start honing your writing skills.”
Beyond the initial connections, proficient writing helps maintain relationships and engage in deeper conversations. Crafting thoughtful and well-structured messages shows respect for the recipient’s time and attention, which is vital in a digital setting where distractions are plentiful.
11. Utilize Online Tools and Platforms
Finally, leverage online tools and platforms to effectively network digitally. These tools provide the infrastructure needed to connect with professionals across the globe, facilitating communication, collaboration, and relationship-building. They can enhance your networking capabilities and enable you to build and maintain a strong network despite physical distances.
“LinkedIn is the number one place to network from a professional perspective,” detailed Andrew Fennell, founder and director of Standout CV. “However, you can also use social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and other industry-specific tools.”
LinkedIn allows professionals to showcase their expertise through posts and articles, engage in industry discussions, and even find mentorship opportunities. Meanwhile, Zoom and Slack enable real-time communication and collaboration, making it possible to build rapport and trust with new contacts.
Networking in the Digital Age: Embrace, Connect, Succeed
Virtual networking success requires a combination of strategic thinking, active engagement, and a willingness to adapt.
“Embracing change and staying open to new opportunities is the most important step to success in virtual networking,” concluded Ruslan Polinovsky, Sr. Director of Marketing at LUSA. “By leveraging online tools, participating in communities, and fostering genuine connections, professionals can build a reliable network that transcends geographical boundaries.”
As you continue to explore the digital world, mastering online networking will be paramount for staying connected, seizing opportunities, and achieving long-term success.