The Complete Guide to Online Networking

One really cool aspect of social media is that it brings us a step closer to people we might otherwise never get the chance to connect with in real life. That includes celebrities, thought leaders, and big names in our respective industries.

We can choose to use this capability for good or evil. For our purposes—watch as I make this seamless segue—that means for everyone’s favorite activity, networking. (I’ll wait while you decide which category that falls into for you.)

Networking is tough. In real life, it’s widely dreaded, but with the following tips, online networking can even be fun.

When you’re using screen time to up your professional game, the first step is to meet professionals where they’re at.

Tips for Networking on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the largest professional social network. It currently boasts 675 million members across 200 countries and regions worldwide, as well as 30 million companies.

Fun fact: 41% of millionaires also use the site. Since you’ll soon be one of them, if you’re not already on LinkedIn, you should be!

On this social network, there is a clear standard of professional communication. It’s a great way to grow your brand, make connections with businesses and individuals, and source high-quality leads. Everyone knows they are there to promote their products, services, and ideas, but there are both engaging and off-putting ways of doing so.

When building your LinkedIn network, the first thing to do is complete your profile and have a professional photo.

Bet you didn’t know about this: Check out your Social Selling Index (SSI) to see how you compete with other people in your network and industry. Use this information (like how well you’re building your brand, finding the right people, and creating relationships) to influence who you choose to connect with.

Reaching the 500+ connections mark builds your authority and credibility, but should be done strategically. Don’t attempt to connect with just anyone who can take a selfie—reach out to people who can provide you value and for whom you can provide value. (More on that below.)

Start by researching your potential and current connections. What are they interested in? What do they post about? Follow their company page, when relevant.

When you decide to connect, lead with authenticity. It’s human nature to love hearing about yourself, so use your research to mention something relevant about their work.

And remember, the connection should not end after an acceptance! Like and comment on your connections’ posts and they will likely return the favor, which increases the visibility of you both. Message them to start a conversation. Ask relevant questions. And don’t pitch too soon—wait until there is an opportunity to share what you do.

A Helpful Example of What NOT to Do

You know how when you want to connect with someone on LinkedIn, you get a little note suggesting you write a personal note? This is one of the best tips we can give you—not only because you’d appreciate a personal note one day when the script is flipped and you find people reaching out to you in droves, but because it goes a long way towards building rapport and goodwill.

I recently got a connection request without one of those notes, but the person was a fellow alum of the same college. I accepted and asked them whether we knew each other—they said no, but they hoped to change that. After about a week, they then sent me this message (unedited):

“Hey Chloe,

First off and most importantly, I hope you are having an incredible day. You may be aware of what I do, but I am asking for the courtesy of 30 minutes to give you a clear understanding of how I work and, most importantly, how that work can impact those in our community. It is important to me that you know what I do so you can more freely pass my name along when the opportunities arise. I am available [redacted: two dates and times]. Please let me know if that doesn’t work and we can adjust. Look forward to seeing you then!!”

Here’s why I immediately deleted the connection: It was clear they were not interested in a connection that goes both ways. Put another way, a virtual stranger made a big ask for my time as well as ongoing referrals without attempting to build a relationship with me first.

Here’s what to do instead:

• Give the person a reason to connect with you, and make it about them, not you.

•  Be specific, never vague (“I loved your article about [topic]” rather than “I loved your article.”)

• Genuine flattery often works. Key word: Genuine. It’s easy to tell the difference!

Most people will ignore a connection request that is self-serving or puts up red flags of wasting their time. Asking to “pick someone’s brain” a popular but overused method that can come off as badly if the person is well-known, busy, or indicates that they charge for consultations.

When you show a genuine interest in their work and building a (virtual) relationship with them, you will significantly raise your chances of making a positive impression. This is part of cultivating a strong, relevant network of people who provide you value and for whom you can provide value, even if that’s simply being a fan of their work!

Here’s a customizable template:

“Hi [their name and spell it right],

[Introduce yourself briefly in a way that is relevant to them.]

[Mention how you know about them and/or a relevant fact that shows you consumed a piece of content connected with them.]

[Say why you’d like to connect.]”

I like to use ONE related emoji or “:)” to break the ice, no more, and occasionally cut this if the person is wearing a suit in their photo.

Personality is always important—it’s the icing on top of the cake of all our human interactions—but don’t forget that you want your contact to perceive you as a professional.

One last tip: Take a few extra minutes to do your research and write something different for every connection request. You never know who knows each other, and is comparing notes, behind the screen.

Tips for Networking on Facebook

Facebook is a less formal social networking medium but there is still no lack of opportunities for professional connections if you search them out.

Two of our favorites for womxn freelancers are Freelancing Females and the Digital Nomad Girls Community, both supportive and inclusive communities for you at any stage of your remote work journey. (Note: Always read the rules before joining!)

Like LinkedIn, these forums are also about being genuine, but they’re personal rather than polished. When you make a point of liking, commenting and encouraging others in addition to, and ideally more than, you post, your reputation will speak for you.

Don’t underestimate the power of sticking in someone’s mind by just being around!

The same goes for unsolicited self-promotion, which will be remembered in a negative light. There are often opportunities for you to share what you do, but wait to be invited to it. Often, when you comment with something that’s helpful or inspirational and related to your work, people will ask you first.

When possible, it’s a great idea to use these two social networks in sync with each so that your contacts get a full view of you as a person and professional. For example, keep private Facebook accounts private, but consider reaching out to connect on LinkedIn after engaging with content like the webinars, courses, and helpful blog posts that these groups are great at crowdsourcing.

Overall, the goal is to cultivate relationships by providing value without expecting anything back. After a while, this will pay dividends.

The Biggest Takeaway: Online Interactions Don’t Happen in a Vacuum

When in doubt, borrow from what is professional and approachable in real life—it works! It just has to be tailored to the online forum.

Ask yourself, Would I say what I’m about to write in real life? Maybe in a slightly different way? How do I want my tone to come across?

• Always approach from a place of fostering long-term connections.

• Use the person’s name, and spell it correctly (this is a common Strike 1)!

• Show genuine interest in their life and work, and they will respond in kind.

• Don’t come on too strong too quickly or you risk standing out in a bad way.

• Follow up (once or twice, giving them time to respond) or they might forget.

Please share this post on your social network of choice if you found it helpful—and happy networking!