Entrepreneurs’ Guide to Mastering Online Networking

In a world of fleeting moments, being forgotten is a real danger. But, it is a danger you can avoid if you give online networking a chance.

Remember Carlos from How I Met Your Mother? Let me give you a hint. He’s the guy crashing the parties in Season 1, with nobody knowing who he is. Still doesn’t ring a bell? Well, that’s fine. His faith was to be forgotten.

On the other hand, Carl the bartender and Ranjit the limo driver are very difficult to forget. They were, somehow, always there.

Becoming a memorable character in someone else’s story requires being present.

Mastering Online Networking: What’s In It For You

Sure, Karl and Ranjit didn’t really do much online networking themselves. Not that we know, at least. Yet, they were present. There to support the main characters when needed.

As an entrepreneur, you have to do sort of the same thing. Okay, you can’t be physically present in the lives of all your customers at all times. They wouldn’t even want you to.

But, you can pop in and out when needed. Except that, instead of popping up in a limo in front of their favorite bars, you’ll be popping up on their smart devices. A win-win situation for the both of you.

Let’s explore the “whys” of doing this in the first place.

Making Meaningful Connections

Despite what some may think, a business cannot succeed without forming meaningful connections. I’m talking connections to team members, mentors, investors, as well as new customers.

Emotional intelligence plays a big role in creating connections. But, it will be in vain if you don’t have the “where” of doing it.

And, the “where” is… drumrolls… online. You’ve guessed it. Online networking helps you create those meaningful connections, as well as nurture them.

Boosting Your Personal Brand

It’s all about personal branding today, isn’t it? And, for a reason. In this highly competitive world, you can’t stand out if you don’t build your own brand. A unique and a memorable one.

Networking online can help you do that. Use your website, social media, or any platforms you prefer to showcase your expertise. Mingle on the World Wide Web and represent your brand every step of the way.

Before you know it, people will remember you.

Online Networking Opening Doors Of Opportunity

Grabbing the right opportunities at the right time is a sure path to success. And, maintaining an online presence opens doors to those opportunities.

First off, you get to connect to potential partners, customers and investors. Then, you get to learn about the new business trends to possibly exploit in your efforts to succeed.

And, finally, networking will open doors you didn’t even know existed.

Online Networking: Becoming The Master

Effective online networking consists of being active and engaged in the digital community.

So, mastering the art of engagement will get you where you want to go. It will make you the main character of your own story. As well as a beloved side-character in everyone else’s, which is what you’re going for.

Thus, let’s learn how to become the master.

Attend Virtual Events

Since the beginning of time, people have been promoting their startups at events.

Fast forward to 2024, though, and things have changed. Not in the sense that people aren’t doing this anymore, but in the sense of how they’re doing it.

Enter virtual events, lifting the burden of having to be physically present everywhere off the shoulders of entrepreneurs.

Online events can be just as powerful as in-person ones. If not more. After all, they offer the opportunity of meeting a wide variety of people. And, some of them could become your next partners or clients.

So, search for conferences, workshops and webinars related to your niche and sign up. Once there, make sure to be active. Don’t just sit back and listen. Ask questions, engage in conversations, share the story of your brand. Connecting is the real goal of attending.

Online Networking Through Online Courses

There is one form of online networking that people tend to take for granted. Online courses.

Sure, the primary goal here is to learn something new. Something that could possibly elevate your brand.

But, don’t underestimate the power of networking and connecting through those courses as well. Other attendees are there for some of the same reasons. So, put your best foot forward and break the ice. Bond with other people over the same business struggles you may have.

Who knows, some of them may just become your new mentors, team members, or even investors.

Use Social Media To Your Advantage

Social media is not only about sharing photos, and engaging in meaningless discussions. It is a powerful branding and networking tool. Thus, use it to your advantage.

Set up a LinkedIn profile and start connecting. Create an Instagram page, and use it to share your story and build relationships with stakeholders.

But, also discover some less known social networks for entrepreneurs and connect to your peers. Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), Vistage, Global Entrepreneurship Network and others can provide you with the support you need. As well as with relevant business resources, advice and even coaching.

In short, social networks, when used right, can be your ticket to success.

Stay True To Your Brand

Whatever event you attend, whatever course you sign up for, whichever platform you join… Always stay true to your brand.

Think of your brand as a character in a story. Then, whichever action you take, take it from the point of view of that character.

Be authentic, memorable, and consistent.

Online networking will take you places. But, you want to be in control of which places. So, don’t break character.

Grab Attention With Your Own Content

Last, but not least, use your own content to grab attention. Share relevant posts on social media. Start a blog and provide the audience with valuable content.

Building an online network begins and ends with your story. And, you want to be the one telling it. Thus, invest in a great content strategy and let it make those meaningful connections for you.

Recap

You can’t be the main character in everyone’s story. But, with successful online networking, you can become the beloved side character in your customers’ stories. And in the stories of all the other stakeholders.

Attend virtual events, sign up for courses, leverage social media and tell your story through your own content.

Make the right connections and grab the opportunities they will open up. Stay true to your brand and keep boosting it through networking.

Choose the character you want to play, and let it be a beloved one.

After all, why be Carlos, when being Ranjit is so much better?