How can you stay engaged with your professional network when you're not attending conferences?

Conferences are a good tool for connections, but on present days, there is no better way to stay up to date with actual information than networking. Social medias like Facebook, Instagram, blogs, newsletter and specific groups of professionals on Whatsapp. Those are very good tools worldwide almost on real time to stay engaged with information. We cannot forget of interactions face to face, and the good old habit in having a conversation over a cup of coffee.

Professional conferences are the most common ways of building connections but the social media platforms are generating good response as well. Linkedin is a great community to be connected on various professionals in agribusiness, not only locally but internationally. Engagement and connection with people with common interests and relevant fields will allow you to influence and build network.

In my extensive experience as a Senior Sales Director, I've found that digital networking is crucial, especially when traditional channels like conferences are inaccessible. LinkedIn is my go-to for thought leadership, while Twitter keeps me abreast of industry trends, ensuring our strategies remain agile and informed. Engaging in webinars allows us to showcase innovations and build meaningful connections. Adapting to virtual platforms not only maintains but also expands our network's reach, proving indispensable for continuous growth in the agribusiness sector.

Leverage online platforms: Utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and industry-specific forums to engage with your network. Share relevant articles, participate in discussions, and congratulate colleagues on their achievements. Attend webinars and online events: Many professional organizations and companies host webinars, virtual conferences, and online workshops. These events offer opportunities to learn new skills, network with peers, and stay updated on industry trends. Seek mentorship or become a mentor: Connect with experienced professionals in your field for guidance and support. Offer your own expertise by mentoring others, fostering a sense of community and reciprocity.

Staying connected is key to remaining informed and informed on industry issues and advances. Webinars from your Agribusiness College Alma mater is a great opportunity to remain relevant and connected to like professionals. Additionally, social media outlets can open conversations into important topics on a variety of industries that impact our communities and economy.

Stay engaged with your professional network by utilizing digital platforms. Regularly share valuable industry insights, articles, or your thoughts on LinkedIn or other relevant forums. Connect with peers via video calls or virtual meet-ups to discuss industry trends and collaborate on projects. Engage in online webinars, workshops, or forums to exchange knowledge and ideas. Keep in touch through personalized emails, offering support, and celebrating their achievements. Join or create online interest groups or communities related to your field. Actively participating and contributing in these digital spaces will help you maintain and nurture professional relationships despite not attending physical conferences.

To stay engaged with your professional network when not attending conferences: Use online platforms like LinkedIn. Regularly communicate through email, calls, or video chats. Register for relevant industry newsletters. Participate in forums and communities relevant to your industry.

Ideas don't have to be new to be different; the same goes for the Content you create and share online. Start by choosing an idea you want to talk about. Consider your audience's question about this idea, and trying to answer those questions in two or three ways. You'll discover you can have several different answers and topics that stem from one idea. Determine how the answers can take shape as you create the content -- this could be in an article, video, or social media post form depending on your comfort level. Who can you tag to be part of the conversation? Once you publish, continue to engage with those who see, comment, and share the content to build upon the conversation!

Pick up the phone. There's no better way to keep up with your industry colleagues than making a personal connection. Call them, ask how they and their company are doing, ask about the family, and plan on meeting up when it works. Don't let too much time pass without reaching out - if you do, folks will start to wonder what you want/need from them. In agriculture it is ALL about the relationship.