It’s often said that your network can be more important than your net worth. In fact, 80% of professionals identify networking as essential to their business success. You may, however, find it difficult to find or build meaningful connections but this post has you covered. Whether you want to climb the corporate ladder, meet new clients, or simply make like-minded friends, honing your networking skills is crucial. Below, we dive into practical networking hacks that help you cultivate meaningful connections—both in cyberspace and the real world.
What is Networking?
Networking is about forming mutually beneficial relationships with individuals, businesses, and prospects. Beyond purely professional gains—like landing new clients or job offers—networking can foster genuine friendships and open the door to unexpected opportunities.
Networking Hacks for Building Online Connections
The importance of virtual networking skyrocketed as the world was forced to take a lot of things online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physical networking events had and are often still conducted via Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams.
A lot can be said for the advantages that virtual networking brings. You can get to connect with a larger worldwide audience, avoid the need to beat traffic or commute back, and even enjoy the comfort of your office or home.
Here are some useful tips for making great online connections and building your network:
Set Intentional Goals
It is a good idea to have a long-term goal and a specific short-term goal for each networking session. Your long-term goal may be something like, “I want to connect with two career mentors and earn a job promotion within the next two years.”
Meanwhile, a short-term goal for a networking session could be “I’ll ask Patrick his secrets to climbing the corporate ladder in his firm.”
However, do note that it’s not all about chasing your networking goals. You have to be yourself. Keep interactions authentic and genuinely look for ways to add value to conversations.
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Choose Platforms
Certain online platforms are more appropriate for certain target audiences and industries. So you need to pay attention to the platforms you’re choosing for your networking activities.
Here are a few platforms and networking activities that you may consider for your online networking process:
- Professional Networking Platforms/Apps: platforms such as LinkedIn and Meetup are great for building professional connections across multiple fields.
- Social Media Platforms: Other social media platforms such as Twitter (now X) and Facebook are also ideal for connecting and engaging with industry professionals. For example, you can use hashtags and follow relevant professionals on Twitter.
- Virtual Networking Events: You can be on the lookout for and attend virtual networking sessions.
- Online Communities: These exist across the web and on Facebook. You can join such communities and connect with professionals in your industry.
Start Building Your Online Presence
Your online presence that tells of your skills and experience should be impressive. Get started by using relevant keywords to optimize your online profiles.
Be sure to use a professional profile picture. Your bio should also be compelling and should tell of your experience, skills, and abilities. Also, include projects you have completed and relevant achievements that you have made.
It is also important for you to have your personal website or portfolio to showcase your work and experience in greater detail.
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Actively Engage on Online Platforms
Networking doesn’t just involve joining online platforms, you have to actively interact. Like, comment, and share posts, or initiate meaningful discussions. Post your own insights, resources, or opinions to spark a conversation. Don’t be shy about sending connection requests or personalised messages to people who interest you; this is an effective way to connect with professionals and expand your network. The content of such messages may express your interest in their work and what you can offer.
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Attend Virtual Networking Events
You can be on the lookout for relevant virtual networking events and attend them. Be proactive in having meaningful conversations. Such events usually present opportunities to learn from industry experts and establish valuable connections with participants.
Make it a point to participate actively in discussions, chats, and Q&A sessions. In this way, you can stand out in the minds of participants while demonstrating your knowledge and willingness to share.
Send Follow-Up Messages
After connecting, strike while the iron is hot. Send a follow-up message within 1-2 days.
One way to personalise your message is to refer to a specific conversation or event or to share an insight gained during the event. You can also share a relevant resource or article and express gratitude for the opportunity to connect and learn from them. A thoughtful follow-up cements your new relationship.
Remain In Touch
Remember we did mention that networking is not all about chasing your goals? Yes, the process of building solid networking relationships can take a while, so you have to be consistent and remain patient.
Maintain contact with your network by contacting them regularly. You can check in on them and share trending content and updates.
Likewise, engage with their posts to help nurture your networking relationship with them. It is also worth it to meet in person when feasible.
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Networking Hacks for Building Offline Connections
A lot can also be said for face-to-face networking sessions. You get to avoid distractions that may occur during online networking sessions. You’ll have the opportunity to make a deeper connection and have physical conversations.
Besides, the food and coffee can provide a relaxing break. That said, here are useful networking hacks that you can use to build meaningful connections offline:
Explore Local Meetups and Connections
It is certainly worthwhile to seize opportunities for local physical networking if your business has a physical presence. You can gain insights on how to serve local customers better and you are more likely to build local connections.
While you’re at it, you can proactively research and directly reach out to professionals with similar goals or interests. This can provide an opportunity to explore potential collaborations with them.
Request Word-of-Mouth Referrals
A quick way to broaden your offline network is to leverage your existing connections. This strategy can be useful for both online and offline networking. You can ask your friends and colleagues to check their networks and connect you with relevant professionals in your field. This approach often yields higher trust and a warmer initial reception.
Attend Physical Networking Sessions
You should have a finger on the local industry as it relates to your field and be ready to attend networking events when they come up.
Preparation steps to take for such networking events include researching the panellists/speakers and participants. This can help you show genuine interest and have honest conversations with them.
Remember to practice your elevator pitch so that you can make the most of networking opportunities.
Be prepared to exchange business cards with new acquaintances during the session so that they can have your name, phone number, and email address. This will make it easier for subsequent two-way communication. Be proactive in initiating conversations.
Examples of physical networking sessions that you can make it a point to attend include the following:
- Organizational events
- Trade conventions
- Alumni events
- Business luncheons
- Fundraisers
- Social events
- Professional association meetups
Complement Physical Check-Ins with Online Follow-Ups
Extend the value of offline interactions by connecting digitally afterwards—through email or LinkedIn. A simple message like “Great meeting you at [Event Name]” can keep the momentum going
Stay Abreast of Industry Updates and Trends
Keeping yourself updated on the latest industry trends can help you build your confidence during face-to-face conversations. Subscribe to industry newsletters, read thought leader blogs, and maintain continuous learning. Knowledgeable professionals tend to stand out in networking events.
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Leverage the Power of Networking
Today’s world is an interconnected one and you need effective networking skills if you’re to thrive in it. You can keep building meaningful connections both online and offline to help you open up new opportunities, collaborations, and friendships. Remember, networking is not just about your end goals and what you can benefit from; it’s more about your journey and the mutually beneficial relationships that you can foster. Stay proactive and keep building your skills and your network!
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