What do you do if you're an entrepreneur trying to build strong relationships and network virtually?

If you aren't visible, then no one will take you seriously. A strong online presence should showcase your skills, background and relevant content that is unique and makes you standout.

I remember the decision I made 8 years ago to reengage online...scary! So much had changed. I knew if I were going to start a business and take it seriously, online presence was not optional. There is not a week that goes by that I don't acknowledge its addictive lure. I take step back, and then I hop back in. I have to do what I have to do! So, I try to make sure I enjoy it. By being myself, I find the engagement both natural and fulfilling.

As an entrepreneur, I've found LinkedIn to be an exceptional tool to build my online presence. To leverage it effectively, I ensure my profile showcases my expertise and what I bring to the table. I actively engage by posting insights, commenting on industry developments, and being a part of relevant discussions. This highlights my knowledge AND keeps me visible to my network. When I connect with someone, I always send a personal message. I keep nurturing these connections by interacting with their posts and sharing content that resonates with our mutual interests. Additionally, participating in LinkedIn’s virtual networking events has been instrumental in expanding my reach and solidifying my standing as a thought leader in my industry.

As an entrepreneur looking to build strong relationships and network virtually, prioritize active engagement on professional social networks like LinkedIn. Share valuable content, comment thoughtfully on others' posts, and join industry-specific groups to increase your visibility. Regularly attend virtual networking events, webinars, and conferences to meet new contacts. Leverage platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams to organize one-on-one meetings or roundtable discussions with peers and potential partners. Utilize social media to showcase your expertise and the value your business brings. Always follow up with new contacts through personalized messages, expressing genuine interest in their work.

"Your brand is what people say about you when you're not in the room." - Jeff Bezos. In the digital age, a professional online presence is your brand's voice. Craft a cohesive image across LinkedIn, Twitter, and your website. Update profiles, engage, and share your expertise. Ready to enhance your digital footprint and make meaningful connections? Let's get visible.

To maintain my online presence, I have made it a habit to engage regularly on LinkedIn, sharing insights, industry news, and personal achievements. I prioritise interacting with my network’s content, offering thoughtful comments and sparking meaningful conversations. This consistent engagement not only strengthens my relationships but also reinforces my expertise and visibility in my field. I schedule time each week to connect with new professionals and explore potential collaborations, ensuring my network is continually growing and diversifying. By staying active and visible online, I keep my brand front and center, making it easier to build and sustain professional relationships and stay top-of-mind among peers and potential partners.

You want to build strong relationships online? Start by engaging. Don’t just consume. Give more than you get. Start by offering something of value to others in your space or on a similar path as you. Have shared experiences. Connect after the shared experience. Engagement is the key to building the strong relationships online. If you are not engaged, the emotions & trust won’t be there to make the relationship stronger. LinkedIn is one place. Communities on Skool are another. Masterminds are even better. Keep leveling up the community you are building relationships in. Never stop. There is so much opportunity in leveling up your engagement game online with an ever expanding network/community of other entrepreneurs

Always be active. It doesn't require much time to engage with others as well as create great content that could spark conversations and connections.

You can share news, tips, thoughts and support others on their business journeys. Online is also a great place to ask questions and get perspective on what your doing. Ive personally found more activity leads to more positive things happening in my business life. Its not an exact science.

Consistency is key. Build relationships by engaging with audiences whether similar or diverse. Share your expertise in innovative ways. Show how others can improve their products or systems by engaging with you and your business. Virtual networks can work when you show audiences how to reach your company virtually. Not every who uses virtual channels is as well-versed as everyone else. So be mindful of all end-users and provide stepwise connections to your business.

Our organization hosts a decent mix of online versus in person events. We find that individuals want engagement as much as they want content, so we look for ways to help them to build rapport with one another and with the speaker. One cool platform, Gatheround, has a plethora of gamification options that can organize activity around a theme in a way that is fresh and unique. We find that attendees participate!

Virtual events are convenient and allow you to supercharge your network. They are an easy way to meet others as well as provide your links to connect with new people.

I personally dont do many virtual events. I still like to attend events in person. However i have many friends that swear by them.

One of my key assets : Linkedin lives. Because lives allow you to send useful and insightful contents to targets... without being pushy in terms of sales/marketing. And people begin to be used ands exposed to your contents.

Be unique and standout. Your personal touch will make all the difference. Nobody wants a chatgpt generated message with your meeting link. Take time to craft your outreach to each person and it will pay off.

My understanding of business online, is that falls more to the person to lead the brand as opposed to the other way around. I think thats why company pages perform so poorly vs individuals profiles. People buy people, and so the more authentic you can be the better

When reaching out to people in the business setting I suggest making a 1-3 minute upright video talking about your major points. These little gestures will build trust and help people see who you are. Also by customizing the video they will know you aren’t sending this to 100 people. It will make them feel important.

Get it done within 24 hours! Those we follow up react to our sense of urgency. We put them at the top of our list, and they, in turn, put us at the top of theirs.

Follow-up is clear. Sending personal messages based on intents and personnalized. Establish a good relationship and then qualified leads happen.

Be yourself and show genuine passion in what you do as people around you might start to see your values and potentially associate it with your corporation allowing for possible healthy organic growth.