Effective Online Networking Strategies in the Digital Age

Reaching out on LinkedIn, finding specialized forums, creating your own profession-related content, or maybe attending online events…there are many online networking strategies that work. Here we will discuss the best ones. Does this topic interest you? Then read on!

What Are the Best Digital Networking Strategies?

Let’s start with the best strategies for online networking.

Utilizing Social Media

There are many social networking sites, like LinkedIn, Nexxt, or Meetup, so make full use of them. It’s not enough to just be on such platforms – you have to be active. What do we mean by that?

• Create a gripping profile – one that stands out from the crowd and makes other people remember you.
• Post content – share any insightful articles you read, and don’t be afraid to comment on the latest trends, as this is the best way to spark up discussions under your posts, expand your reach, and meet other professionals from your industry.
• Reach out to other people – if you see an interesting post, comment on it; if you like what someone posts, send them a DM. Reach out to other people on social media to establish relationships.

Find Specialized Forums

One of the best online networking strategies is finding specialized forums for members of your profession. These, often requiring creating an account, will provide you with a lot of unique content and thousands of fellow specialists with whom you can connect.

Being on such forums is good, but the key to networking through them is to be active. So, don’t just read – answer questions in posts, express your opinions, and engage in discussions.

Attend Online Events

Webinars and workshops organized on social media and by numerous companies are also excellent tools for networking. The speakers often invite their audience to engage in discussions with them on LinkedIn (or other social platforms), and you may even connect with other members of the audience, for instance, by asking questions in the open chat.

After some time, you might even organize your own events. This way, you’ll see tens of people reaching out to you. Even if they message you just to ask some questions about the webinar, it’s an excellent start for a longer, valuable conversation or relationship.

Our Tips for Digital Networking

Knowing the digital networking strategies, let’s proceed with our tips on how to introduce them effectively. What are the best practices? Take a look below.

Start Small

Take baby steps at the beginning of your networking journey. For instance, you don’t have to post content on your LinkedIn wall right away; instead, polish your profile and consider posting only after you’re happy with it.

Donate Your Time

Don’t only be present in your network – put your time into it. If someone asks a question, answer it thoroughly. Be engaged in discussions. Your presence is not enough, you need to mark it and be committed.

Focus on the Connections That You Need

You can establish numerous connections, but are they all worth it? Indeed, it’s good to keep an alumni network, but you might not need to stay in touch with people from related industries if those contacts don’t bring you more knowledge or recognition. Your time is your most valuable resource, so manage it carefully and don’t put too much of it into networking in the wrong sectors.

Attend Events as Often as Possible

Webinars, streams, and workshops are the most community-engaging, connection-building activities you might participate in. Thus, our online networking tip here is: reserve some time and attend such events often.

Be Consistent

Establishing connections isn’t enough, you have to maintain them. Thus, you have to be consistent and regular, no matter what online networking strategy you opt for.

The Takeaway

Follow our digital networking tips and strategies to improve your personal branding and exchange information with valuable people from your industry. It’s the perfect way to move your career forward, so get down to it as early as possible!

You might also read: Is LinkedIn a Waste of Time or a Valuable Professional Advancement Tool?