POSTING ANXIETY TO NETWORKING SUPERSTAR

HOW TO NETWORK ONLINE

Online networking for business owners is all about creating opportunity, it used to consist of going to a busy function, shaking hands and swapping business cards – but how the times have changed. Face-to-face networking is of course, just as important, but the new norm of online networking has proven an effective, focused way to create commercial opportunities across the globe. In this article, we are going to cover a few of the best online networking practices.

1.???TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INTRODUCTIONS

Online networking is all about establishing relationships and people are more likely to respond when they’re being introduced by a mutual connection. If you see a second-degree connection that you’d like to build a relationship with, you should hit up your first-degree connection and ask them to introduce you!

In saying this, you should never underestimate the value of a direct connection, you may have an amazing online presence, but that doesn’t always mean you’re making relevant connections. You are more likely to get a response when you directly engage with people, and from there you can develop a positive working relationship.

2.???THE RIGHT TIME

If you’re wondering how soon is too soon to send a connection after first meeting someone, it’s standard behaviour to follow up that request within 2 days. It’s also common to connect with someone immediately after an initial email or telephone discussion, but make sure your request is personalised.

3.???KEEP UP TO DATE

Ensure your online profile is always up to date, recruiters are constantly using social media to probe potential candidates and effective networking involves staying in touch. Even when you have gotten what you want from a connection, make it a priority to stay in touch, you never know when you may need their help again! It’s as easy as sending a quick message or link to an article every now and then but be sure you aren’t flooding them with messages and articles as this can be an overkill.

4.???OPTIMISE YOUR CONNECTIONS

Tapping into the right network can help focus your search, which can seem nearly impossible with the amount of content online. LinkedIn is one of the largest professional networks in the world and with a strong LinkedIn presence you’re bound to continuously grow your network. Start off by maximising the basics of your profile.

>????Write recommendations for others

> ???Endorse skills where appropriate

>????Add detailed experience sections

>???Add keywords into your headline

>???Upload a professional profile picture

>???Share your LinkedIn URL with colleagues

>???Join relevant groups and attend virtual events

All these little things can make a huge difference to add traction to your profile, particularly when it comes to expanding your online connections. Always make sure your connections are relevant, remember it’s quality over quantity.

5.???VIRTUAL NETWORKING DOESN’T HAVE TO STAY VIRTUAL

Make the most of travelling to meet an online connection in person, catching up in person is a great way to strengthen the relationship you’ve built online. So, when possible, make time to meet people by joining groups or associations and attending relevant industry events. Meeting people in real life is the best way to improve reputation, build rapport and seek new opportunities.

6.???MAINTAIN YOUR CONNECTIONS

Once you’ve put in time and effort to establish a connection, you need to maintain it. It’s never a quick win with these things, but if you invest in a relationship over a long period of time, it’s a lot easier to ask for help down the track, and they’re far more likely to say yes. To maintain these virtual relationships, there are several things you can do, such as creating a “follow up” system. Reach out to your connections once or twice a year and reconnect periodically, be genuine, insightful, and authentic – show an interest in others and ask them questions, but make sure you’re respectful of their time.

This may all seem like a lot of work, and it is, but rest assured it will pay off in the long run. We hope you found this article useful and that you can now be confident in expanding your ever-growing online network!