Want to know how to network virtually?

Whilst online networking isn’t new with lots of the world currently being in some form of isolation or social distancing currently it is becoming the only way to network. With that in mind, I’m sharing my top tips on how to network virtually.

 

1) Define your networking goals

When it comes to networking virtually the same rules apply to in-person networking – you need to be clear about what you are trying to achieve. Are you trying to build a network to help you with your career or business? Are you looking to build stronger relationships with like-minded people or do you want more diversity in your network? Is it important to connect with people who could meet in-person at some stage or are you happy from your new connections to always be virtual connections?

 

 

2) Strengthen your relationships with your current network

After defining your goals consider whether you already know people who are the type of people you want to meet, but your relationship isn’t as strong as you would like it to be. Right now is a perfect time to re-connect with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Send them a message to check how they are and then take it from there.

 

 

3) Identify specific new connections you’d like to make

In Stage 1 did you have any specific names of people you’d like in your network. You might not have done and there is nothing wrong with that. However, if you did now is the time to work out how to connect with them. A great place to get started is to see if they have a LinkedIn account. If they do you might be able to see if you have a mutual connection that can introduce the two of you. If not, check out all of their social media profiles and see where they seem to be most active and start engaging in their content. By commenting on their public content first it will mean when you said a friend/connection request or send them a DM they are more likely to recognise your name and be open to starting a conversation

 

4) Find the right online communities

For the more general network growth, it makes sense to find the right online communities where those people already exist. Groups (LinkedIn or Facebook) are a great place to start. Nowadays there are groups for everything. By typing in keywords into the search function you are bound to find a group that matches your needs. Once you have been accepted make sure you read and abide by the rules. Feel free to join in with current conversations, but also don’t be shy about starting your own. Outside of groups, you might also find online communities forming around certain people, brands and/or businesses. In that instance, you can start by commenting on the comments other people have left.

 

Whilst there are lots of free online communities, you might decide that you want to join a paid online community. For example, if you are an ambitious woman who wants to connect with other women who are committed to their personal development and reading you might consider joining PropelHer’s Book Club.

 

 

5) Attend online events

Online communities are a great place to slowly build your network and be a part of a group. An online event is different, but for some people, this is better. The online event could be an event where you know a specific type of person will be attending. It could be specifically a networking event, or it could be an event with a networking element attached. If you are attending an online event where the organiser is encouraging participants to use a hashtag by searching for the hashtag after the event you can comment on posts with that hashtag and share something about your experience of the event.

 

 

6) Move things to 1:1

If you start having a great conversation with someone in a group or maybe a Twitter chat don’t be scared to ask if you can follow up with a DM or maybe even ask if they would like a virtual chat. When it comes to networking the follow up is the most important thing. There is no point going to an event, getting a stack of business cards and leaving them on your desk. You would have to send follow up emails and that is what you want to do here.

 

 

There you have it no. Now you know how to network virtually.

 

Want to connect with me (Charelle Griffith)?

Feel free to connect on Instagram or LinkedIn and let me know that you have read this post!