How to Network Online: Tips and Strategies for Building Professional Connections

It’s not what you know but who you know

The adage has never been more true, and 85% of open job positions are filled through professional networking, which speaks for itself.  Especially now, when geographical barriers are tumbling down as people turn to online communication.

The Internet is vast, and networking online opens the door to opportunities for everyone. Not to mention the importance of business networking tips for women who were historically isolated in their households while raising children, limiting their ability to build connections in the corporate world.

Today, we’ll explore how to network online effectively with proven networking tips and strategies for women looking to grow their professional circles. But first, let’s discuss why networking is so important.

Why Online Networking is Essential for Women

In our highly competitive world, you could be the best expert, make the best product, or offer the best service, but if no one knows you, how are you going to be found? This is why the importance of networking is unparalleled. And, considering that you, as a woman, face unique challenges that might set you back—like the second shift, the glass ceiling, or the pay gap—it is vital that you leverage professional networking.

Networking online offers a host of advantages. A study by Forbes had participants answer questions about the top benefits of networking tips and online networking.  Among the advantages of online networking were:

Online networking can also benefit you in these, less obvious, aspects of your professional life:

• Boosting confidence. While traditional networking can be tough, online communication is less intimidating as you feel more secure from the comfort of your home.

• Building your credibility. It’s easier to demonstrate your expertise through the online presence in the market.

• Maintaining connections. Online platforms make it easier to rekindle connections and invest in your bonds regularly. Sending a message once a week is nowhere near as time-consuming as traveling to meet up in person.

• Improving social health. Being connected with like-minded people through online platforms gives you a nourishing feeling of belonging.

• Connecting across status layers. Hadn’t it been for the Internet, we would’ve been confined to our position in the professional hierarchy. It is much easier to reach out to leaders in industries online, regardless of their locations and ranks.

According to research insights, 70% of candidates land their jobs through networks. So, sending resumes and attending job interviews are not enough today. Begin your networking journey with these tips to excel in your career.

Practical Tips for Networking Online

There are business networking tips that will help you discover a stream of opportunities in the online world.

Online Platforms

Being on platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, Alumni Networks and others is a good start. However, it’s not enough to be a silent observer to use the platforms to its full potential.

• Attend online events.  Keep an eye out for online events in your industry.  Networking platforms hold regular workshops, carry webinars, and offer online courses. Be proactive and communicate with other participants to cultivate professional bonds.

• Join online communities. Find industry-specific communities to put yourself out there. Commenting on such communities is an excellent way to connect with more experienced peers.  Communicating with them and asking for advice may save months and years of a lonely struggle. 

• Follow up. It is critical that you follow up with the connections you made on networking platforms. Sending follow-up emails to a webinar speaker or other attendees will help build professional networking relationships.

Online Presence

Networking tips and tricks won’t work if you are not present online. The majority of employers look at the social media presence of a prospective employee. Moreover, your social media may act as a business card that showcases your expertise and makes you trustworthy. How to become visible online?

• Define your social media goals. Which strategy are you going to use to demonstrate your expertise or present your product? Do you want to boost brand awareness, get insights about your industry or market, build a community, or boost your reputation?

You can always consult with a career coach who helps you determine your goals.

• Choose a social media platform. Choose a social website that better presents your credibility and is aligned with your goals and interests.  For instance, if your business is visual, it lends itself to such platforms as TikTok or Instagram. If you are focused on real-time events, you’d better opt for X. If your audience is diverse, consider a combination of YouTube and LinkedIn.

• Optimize your profile. Your profile description is the first thing potential partners and employers look at. Keep it updated because all the details -photos and descriptions  -  speak volumes about an account owner.

Online meetings

Online meetings have gained immense popularity as the most convenient means of building professional ties. And it’s not surprising, given the travel time it takes to meet face-to-face.  Here are tips to boost the quality of your Zoom meetings.

• Use virtual backgrounds. Not to find yourself in a situation, similar to Professor Robert Kelly's interview, use Zoom backgrounds. They save you from the necessity to tidy up behind you, help you maintain professionalism, and keep your home private.

• Come prepared. It’s worth having two or three icebreakers up your sleeve in case the conversation dwindles.

• Look professionally. It doesn’t mean you should come to great lengths to have a polished look. A happy medium would be a professional up top and PJs down below.

• Create a digital business card. Create a virtual background with relevant information: your name, position, logo, or a QR code.  This is especially useful in large Zoom meetings: everyone will know who you are and will have access to your contact information.

Building and Maintaining Relationships

Starting a professional relationship is just the first step, but keeping the ball rolling requires resilience and ongoing attention. What is your attitude to building an online network: are you a spider or a butterfly?

While a spider deliberately weaves its web, butterflies flit swiftly from flower to flower, never staying in one place for too long. Be a spider: cultivate your connections by following up after initial interactions, participating in online groups, and being of value to others.

Business Networking Tips for Women

We won’t advise you to adopt a butterfly strategy and send out daily messages to 50 people in your contact list, or reach out to ten new people every week - networking is not about hitting personal metrics.  We advise you to be patient and prioritize quality over quality.  Being implemented in your professional life, the following business networking tips will make your network net worth.

Seek out women-centric networks

Women networks may offer other women support from like-minded people, highly relevant advice, and a deeper understanding of women-specific challenges.

Celebrate other women

Support and uplift other women in your network by sharing their achievements on your social media or recommending them to others.

Be prepared to advocate for yourself

Don’t shy away from promoting your achievements or asking for opportunities. Be among those who spread the word about your service, product, or skills.

Embrace diversity in your network

Professional networking is more valuable if it connects people from different industries, backgrounds, and levels of experience. Different people bring their unique views and enrich your understanding of a problem.

Balance professional and personal connections

A personal touch makes your professional connections more meaningful and strong. Don’t send generic messages to your networking partners, but rather be specific and ask about their interests.

Find a mentor

A mentor can guide you in your networking journey and help you avoid pitfalls. With Miranna’s career and business experts, you will: 

• enhance your networking skills
• plan to reach your career goals
• position yourself as an expert in a chosen niche
• overcome networking anxiety

And Finally

Fostering professional networking connections takes time. A contact made today may not be useful until much later, but all the efforts you put into networking online will pay off if you stay resilient and invest in nurturing your network.

If your professional connections don’t bear fruit; or if you’ve faced a challenge you fail to overcome  - download the Miranna app to connect with professional coaches. Find support and get personalized networking advice you desperately need in your networking journey.