Virtual Networking in WhatsApp Groups for Dummies

I run 150+ WhatsApp Groups and counting. I call them ‘pods’.

Being a voracious networker, I enjoy meeting new people and making introductions. It’s in my DNA.

Pre-Corona, I would grow my network the old-fashioned way by attending networking events. However, the virus and the social distancing associated with it means that I will not be practicing 'in person' networking in any time soon.

Irrespective of this, I have extolling the virtues of ?????????????? networking long before COVID19 made its unwelcome appearance. The obvious beneficiary is the environment as the clear skies above us bear witness.

The main tool in my armoury is WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook. Many people are unaware that they can use WhatsApp on their computer. Maybe you're one of them. You will find it more productive. I know I do. Simply go to web.whatsapp.com from your PC/Laptop and 'marry' it to your smartphone by following the on-screen instructions. It takes two minutes, if that.

Each pod has its own theme. One is aimed at those involved in Education. Another for those involved in Mergers & Acquisitions. 'Investment Opportunities ' is another. Men are invited to my 'Powerful Woman' pod, but only if they invite one to it. My goal is to run 100 such pods.

I don’t miss corporate life. But one thing I do miss is banter. As people in lockdown are finding out, working from home can be a solitary experience. Which is why I created a VIP pod – Virtual International Pub. This is full of amazing people from all around the world. People that you simply would not meet in your local pub.

This highlights another USP of networking this way - its globality. In-person networking events tended to attract people from the local area. With WhatsApp, the world is our oyster.

For each group, I keep a list of members and share this with them. This way, they can easily see what they all do. If they are on twitter, I add them to a twitter list that bears the group’s same. This way, they can easily follow each other and see what they are posting there.

At this stage, you might be wondering why I do this. What’s in it for me? 

Well, I teach others how to network this way. I have found that there are three main types of people:

• Like public-speaking, some people hate networking and would rather have someone like me do it on their behalf.
• Others simply do not have the time.
• The rest enjoy networking and join forces with me to purge our networks and facilitate introductions.

Whenever a new person joins any given group, I make a mental note to self and remember what they do for a living. When someone else enters the room and I feel an introduction might be useful, I create a mini group comprising of just them and me. If it becomes evident that this relationship might result in a commercial transaction, I ask the party who will benefit from said transaction if they are prepared to pay me a referral fee. Thus far, no-one has ever said no. Like most businesspeople, I am more than happy to pay a commission to anyone that refers business to me. So are they.

Networking this way is not for everyone. WhatsApp groups can be noisy and chaotic at times. But if, like me, you enjoy multi-tasking and e-meeting new people, they are an invaluable way to grow your network. 

An African proverb says: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others”.

If you would like to be invited to any of my groups, let me know. I look forward to meeting you in one or even several of them. 

If you are interested, simply send me a text message on, you guessed it, WhatsApp. My number is +447906786505

And if you would like me to teach you how to network virtually and introduce you to some awesome people in my network, head on over to www.virtualpowernetworking.com

I look forward to 'seeing' you soon in the wonderful world of WhatsApp!