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HOW TO GROW YOUR NETWORK ONLINE
All it takes is an introduction. A harmless greeting is how most wonderful things start. How you find your spouse, how you meet your best friends, and how you land your dream job. It starts with a basic human connection. With the new norm of online networking, there’s a whole new networking world to learn. I am going to offer some useful tips and tricks you can use to make the whole process go smoother. We’ll go over how to grow your network online successfully, from the best tools to how to use them effectively.
Tips for Successfully Networking Online
Even before the pandemic, social media networking was on the rise. With platforms like LinkedIn and social networks like Instagram and Facebook, there are many opportunities to meet new people. And these new people could possibly help your business grow. Learning how to effectively network online comes down to using the right platforms for your target audience, engaging strategically, and attending the right virtual events.
Use Online Networks to Make Connections
Considering the amount of online content, finding the right network can seem like a needle-in-a-haystack situation. However, tapping into the right network can help focus your search. Lean on these platforms to connect with a niche that matches your career objectives.
According to a report done by Hootsuite, four out of five people on LinkedIn are the decision-makers. That means it’s highly likely that the people you connect with on the platform have the ability to hire you or recommend you if you connect with them effectively. By building an active personal brand on LinkedIn, you set yourself up for successful connections. Follow this four-step formula to cultivate this personal brand: establish, find, engage, build:
• Step 1: Establish your digital presence by building out your profile. Include buzzwords and statistics that resonate with your industry. Also be sure to add a professional profile picture, which can lead to 21 times more profile views and nine times more connection requests according to LinkedIn’s reporting.
• Step 2: Find people to connect with by joining LinkedIn groups. Make sure the groups you join are relevant to your business.
• Step 3: Engage by posting content and talking to industry influencers. Out of the 500 million LinkedIn users, only 3 million share content, according to Foundation Inc. Forming opinions and discussing relevant topics will position you as a voice in your industry. Engage with the top figures in your industry by leaving insightful comments on their posts.
• Step 4: Repeat until you amass a strong following. Optimize your profile, connect with different people and continue to produce relevant content. You’ll find that people take interest in who you are and what you have to offer.
Much more than a photo-sharing app, Instagram is a good way to connect with B2C companies and brands.
While “DMs” are infamous for flirtatious comments, you can leverage them for networking. Start by following a brand’s page and getting a sense of what they post. Start a conversation with people. Don’t ever start with a pitch. Start with a conversation and if they are interested they will ask.
Here’s a sample way to “slide into their DMs” professionally:
Hey, X. I’ve been following your page and really enjoy the content you put out. I loved your post on [insert details about a recent post].
Then ask an open-ended question such as “Where are you from” or “How did you get into [the field they work in]. Let the conversation flow from there. If you feel a connection suggest jumping on a Zoom call to see how you could help them out.
One of the original social media platforms, Facebook’s reach presents a huge opportunity for getting your ideas out there. With 2.7 billion monthly active users on Facebook as of June 2020, it’s a perfect stage for online networking.
A unique aspect of Facebook is its live feature. You have the ability to shoot video live, cast it out to your audience, and get comments in real-time. This is great for educators, coaches, business leaders, and entrepreneurs to share their thoughts on a hot-button topic.
Clubhouse
Clubhouse is a newer social media app where users share audio clips instead of text posts. You can create and start rooms and discuss topics of all interest. This platform is a great resource for finding and connecting with like-minded individuals. You can follow and connect with individuals in the rooms through Instagram or Twitter.
Creative Tips for Online Networking
You want to set yourself apart from the rest of the workforce when it comes to networking. This takes a lot of creativity, especially with the added obstacle of online networking. Here are some tips to help you stand out from the rest of the crowd:
• Optimize your profile. Make sure people know exactly what you do and who you help when they visit your profile.
• Fill your inbox with interesting newsletters. Instead of small talk about the weather, throw out some relevant insights. Mingle some personal stories with topics of interest to keep your audience engaged.
• Make them notice you. Look for ways to get noticed. Show up consistently. Use more video to show your personality.
• Cut the word “networking” out of your vocabulary. Self-talk matters in stressful situations. While you might not be throwing darts when networking, you are focused on hitting a target. Reinforcing positivity is essential for this. So, if the word “networking” is negatively connoted in your mind, then cut it out of your vocabulary. Use the word “opportunity” instead.
Growing your network should be a priority and be an item that is consistently showing up on your daily, weekly, and monthly checklists. When you learn how to grow your network online you will open up a plethora of possibilities.
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