What do you do if your clients need help building a strong virtual professional network?

I have worked over 10 years as CEO and a mgt consultant. As a mgt consultant I have worked in several organizations in different industries (incl. Private and Public sector). Having worked over 30 to 40 organizations I got an idea to propose to some of my clients to have meetings with other organizations. I asked a permission from my clients to suggest meetings with organizations in different industries. I inquired in advance other clients whether they would like to meet some other organizations different from the industry they operate. My proposal was based on idea on how org. A could learn from org. B and org. C and vice verse regarding new operating models, research based co-operation or the benefits of ecosystem-based co-operation, etc…

Having a Circle of influencers or masterminds is very useful to speed the growth trajectory. A circle where there is no judgement and each member feels happy sharing his part with the entire group. Today, collaborative approaches create big business houses and selfish approaches can't run a small setup. Win-win partnership is the key to success. Think growth, think win-win.

Have your client write down three key meausres: their specific goal for networking related to their larger goal, the bigger reason behind their goal, and how the goal relates to their core values. You may need to work with your client to determine and order their values in the process. Use the SMART + O framework, which is the usual smart framework with Outcome being the O. Even if the goal takes longer, or the outcome not exact, it's still a win. Encourage your client to be flexible on the time frame and outcome to avoid disappointment and feelings of failure. Have them set up rewards for milestones achieved, encourage them to add supports (network buddy) to the process along with being open- minded about to how to achieve the goal.

In my opinion: some points need to be clarified even it is virtuel professionnal network: the product, the objective and your target. Based on these elements, we can build communication strategy in order to have strong professional network

The first 3-5 seconds of viewing your profile will make or break you. Professional smiling picture of you, appealing tagline telling who you serve, and an engaging banner are musts. Optimizing your profile on social media tailored to your ideal audience and how you help them. Add your [personal interest and show your uniqueness. Revise your resume and cover letters to reflect your intended goals. Choose key words that resonate with your ICP. Connect with and engage with people in the industry and companies you would like to work with. Post material and engage in posts your ideal client would be engaged in as well. Be active on the platform and comment regularly. Give people a clear idea of who you are and what to expect from you.

Une bonne optimisation de profil en ligne devrait intégrer: la publication d'image de bonne qualité en lien avec votre activité, accompagnée d'une bio courte et claire. Dans l'idéal, c'est le public qui se forme autour d'un contenu mais pas le contenu qui s'adapte au public car on ne peut pas plaire à tout le monde. Si votre contenu est de qualité, clair et concis le public viendra mais ca ne suffit pas pour se créer un public.

This will be part of your daily actions, tasks, and habits. To engage in discussions on platforms like LinkedIn, industry forums, or other social media sites. Posting articles, sharing insights, and commenting on others' posts can help you establish a presence and demonstrate your expertise to get the recognition you want for your brand.

Post on a regular basis on your account about topics that are relevant to your ICP, and things that represent your values and goals. Comment on posts from people you would like to work with, also engage on posts from creators that are highly ranked and Top Voice creators to get in front of a larger volume of people. Engage with others in the feeds of creator's posts besides your own. Try to use as many of the LinkedIn Features as you can and vary the types of post you share: text, video, carousels, stories, audio events, Live events. Use stories and analogies to encourage people to engage in your posts. And be consistent when you post and engage. Train the algorithm to know what you want to see more of by what you on the platform.

Explore publishing articles or blogs that reflect your professional expertise and unique perspective. This will solidify your reputation as a thought leader within your industry and invite in discussion.

Encourage your clients to participate in networking by joining industry groups and forums engaging in discussions sharing insights and asking questions. Recommend that they consistently comment on posts and share content. This active engagement helps increase their visibility and solidify their position, as members of their community.

Rather than engaging actively I would suggest engage effectively, people usually just message or comment because they want to get noticed and it is obvious, engage like you mean it, show interest and be concerned, help those who you can

In addition to the traditional paths of networking events, LinkedIn groups, and informational interviews, it's also important - and fun - to think creatively about building relationships. What communities exist where you have shared interests, even if it's outside of your profession? What hobbies do you have and how do you like to spend your free time? How can those be avenues for building relationships and networking? In these spaces, you may be the only person working in your field, which means people will think of you as the "go-to" person who works in the nonprofit or tech or education field.

Serve, help, and support- these are best three pieces of advice I have been given on how to create relationships and connection. Build on common grounds to start and give help, engage in others' posts, share tools or tips. There are almost unlimited ways to connect with, support, and build a relationship with individuals on LinkedIn. Reach out to people, never pitch slap. Serve your existing network and grow your network adding people you can help, collaborate with, have complementary services to offer, share common audiences, and have the same interests & values. Have real conversations and no selling until (if/when) both parties it naturally feels right to start talking about working together.

Advise your clients to prioritize conversations than simply quantity, in networking. Recommend that they tailor their outreach by showing curiosity in others work. This method nurtures relationships of just amassing connections. Stress the importance of communication. Exchanging relevant information to evolve these initial connections, into valuable professional bonds.

I believe that you have to build and grow your connections by reaching out and sending personal messages that way you can have a stronger online professional network.

People will remember you if you offer them valuable tips or advice they can put into action right away. Doing this is a win-win because they will want more from you and it helps potential clients get to know, lik4 and trust you!

What energy and vibration to send out into the world comes back to you. Look for ways to support the people in your network through engaging on their posts, articles, newsletters, and events. Look for opportunities to help each other, collaborate on projects, and find common interests or passions. Be willing to share your expertise, tools, and experiences where appropriate to support individuals in your network. Be generous and kind with you help. In my experience, those that are further ahead of you in the journey of network building will be your greatest source of support and cheering as you serve your audience.

Networking isn't just about what you can gain; it's about what you can give. Encourage a shift in mindset from self-promotion to offering genuine value to connections. Strive for what I call a triple win, where everyone benefits immensely. Become an invaluable asset, offering solutions and insights that enrich not only your network but also their clients and families. Whether sharing articles, contributing to webinars, or lending expertise to projects, each act of generosity cements your position as an indispensable ally. By prioritizing support and assistance, you transform from a mere contact to a trusted partner. This approach cultivates stronger connections and unlocks boundless opportunities for mutual growth.

This aspect of networking is truly remarkable, embodying the essence of reciprocity. Individuals naturally gravitate towards those who can offer assistance or make their lives easier. Therefore, it's essential to enrich their experiences by providing value. Such gestures not only captivate but also garner genuine attention. Embracing the principle of giving before receiving becomes a cornerstone in nurturing profound networking connections.

Often, many people forget an essential part of offering value when it comes to networking. You need to bring something to the table. Offering value is crucial, so you need to ensure it's a win-win scenario for you and those around you. You can achieve this by sharing insights, providing feedback, sharing your secret sauce, or just being supportive. You should also listen carefully to others as it can make a significant difference. You don't want to be the person who always takes but never gives. Therefore, try to give just as much value as you receive.

Encourage your clients to check out online networking tools such as LunchClub.com, an AI-powered online platform that makes 1:1 introductions for video meetings with people in your field(s) of interest. Suggest as they meet 1:1 with people to keep a tracker of their meetings, noting details learned about the person, what was discussed, and the date of the meeting. They can then set a reminder on their calendar to reach out to the person in a month or so to build the connection, express interest in how they're doing, and share a relevant article or resource.

Urge your clients to make use of resources to enhance their networking efforts. These resources can simplify managing contacts arranging meetings and organizing networking gatherings. Stress the importance of using messages, emails and particularly video calls to inject a touch. Recommend that they explore and pick tools that align with their networking approach improving their capacity to engage successfully and nurture relationships, within their circle.

1. Digital Presence: Guide clients to optimize their LinkedIn profiles and other professional platforms to showcase skills and achievements. 2. Engagement: Encourage active participation in online forums, webinars, and industry-specific groups to network with like-minded professionals. 3. Networking Events: Recommend attending virtual conferences, workshops, and networking events to expand connections and knowledge. 4. Collaboration Tools: Introduce clients to collaboration tools like Slack or Zoom to facilitate virtual networking and communication. 5. Follow-up: Emphasize the importance of timely follow-ups with connections to maintain and strengthen relationships.

Clients needing a virtual network? Here's how to help: Platform Power: Guide them to relevant online communities, LinkedIn groups, or industry forums. Content is Key: Advise them to share valuable content to establish themselves as thought leaders. Engage & Connect: Encourage participation in discussions, commenting, and virtual events.

Authenticity: I open the door for my clients to explore what they really want, who they really are and how they want to show up. Once they have determined those three things they can show up in any situation authentically and provide their unique gift/perspective/approach. All the plans in the world will go awry if they don't align with a person's core values and integrate with who they are. When people show up authentically, the world around them flows and great things just start happening.

Etre vraiment dans la peau de son personnage, c'est à dire: si je suis enseignant de yoga, mon hygiene de vie doit être exemplaire, si je suis coach en nutrition je ne peux pas manger n'importe quoi. Si on veut que notre client soit convaincu de la crédibilité de ce qu'on leur dit, on doit vehiculer cette image d'où l'importance de laisser se créer un public autour d'un contenu et ne jamais faire l'inverse. C'est ce qu'on pourrait appeler la passion.

One thing I found helpful is 5 W + 1H formula 1.Who - is your target audience? 2.Where- in which platform you get your target audience? 3.When - is the time you want to connect depending on your product or service? 4.Where - can they connect with you online/offline telephone, zoom, webinar, one on one session or your space 5.Why - will they choose you and why they need your help? 6.What - do you offer different which someone else cannot Last is 7.How will you provide the solutions to their needs