Virtual Business Networking For Dummies

In 2018, I wrote?this?article called ‘The Wonderful World Of Virtual Networking’ in which I pointed out that networking this way saves a ton of time, money and carbon.

Of course, little did I know then that a pandemic was headed our way.

When the novel coronavirus COVID-19 reared its ugly head two years later, networking this way became de facto the ONLY way to network.

Fast forward to now, and we are witnessing the emergence of hybrid networking events – a combination of both ‘face-to-face’ or ‘in-person’ networking and its virtual variant – allowing the whole world to engage in this ubiquitous socio-economic and very necessary activity.?

Reality became virtual which has become reality. We have gone full circle.

We are all hardwired to grow our tribes.?It’s in our DNA.?It most certainly is in mine.

However, most people do not know that virtual networking is a ‘thing’ or they are vaguely aware of it but do not have a clue how to start.

The best place in which to do so is in my 300+ group WhatsApp group ecosystem covering subjects such as blockchain, cryptocurrency, M&A, construction, manufacturing, automotive, supply chain, fashion, music – you name it, there’s a WhatsApp group for everyone! If you ping me a message there by clicking on the WhatsApp button?here, I'll send you the 'menu' of all of them :-)

The rationale behind this is quite simple: at the end of the day, business boils down to people and?trust.

So, I have created a virtual environment in which people feel SAFE to engage with one another – the business comes later.

This is why I am somewhat anti multilevel marketing (MLM) which tends to be transactional from the get-go.?I’m all about building human connections first, and?then?doing business.

Networking is like opening a bank account – you cannot make a withdrawal until you’ve made a deposit.

To this end, it is important when networking to take an interest in people and identify areas in which you can help them.?The chances are they will reciprocate.

A plethora of virtual networking events take place every day offered by networks such as Your Partnerships whom I helped grow internationally at the beginning of the pandemic.?To take them for a 30-day free test drive, click?here.

One of the positives occasioned by the novel coronavirus COVID-19 is that it was a shared experience. The word ‘pandemic’ is derived from the Greek pándēmos, “of or belonging to all the people” – we are all in this together.

Another is the fact that it forced us all to network virtually.?I have met more people during the pandemic than in the five years leading up to it – all from the comfort of my home.

Virtual Networking is here to stay.

And given the countless benefits afforded by networking this way, that’s no bad thing.