Are you tired of scrolling through social media without any results? Yet, you know how important building meaningful relationships is to expand your social circle or career networking. That is where virtual networking comes in!
You have the opportunity to connect with people who share your interests from around the world and establish valuable connections online with virtual networking.
Due to the pandemic, people have become more accustomed to online activities in their daily lives, such as online events and remote working.
One survey mentioned that 40% of events took place online by 2022. With this data, conducting online networking or virtual networking is not only possible but can also be highly effective.
Then, the question arises: What is virtual networking? How can it help in building lasting and meaningful relationships? Let’s find the answer.
What is Virtual Networking?
Virtual networking, also known as online networking or remote networking, refers to building relationships and connecting online. It builds relationships to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
Remote networking and attending virtual events to joining online communities and social media groups are all examples of virtual networking.
The Benefits of Virtual Networking
Here are several benefits of virtual networking, including:
1. Reach Wider Connection
Virtual networking allows you to connect with people worldwide, which is beneficial if you want to build relationships with people in a different industry or location.
You can build relationships and access information and resources for career growth through online networking. Besides that, you can also keep up with industry trends and news, discover new opportunities, and expand your business.
2. Cost-Effective Way of Networking
Virtual networking can save you time and money in several ways.
First, you don’t have to travel to attend events or meet up with online communities. Online event saves you significant time and money, especially if you live in a rural area or the event occurs in a different city.
Second, you can network from the comfort of your own home. It is helpful if you have a busy schedule or are shy or introverted.
Lastly, virtual networking helps you connect with people from all over the world. It is a great way to meet new people and learn about new cultures without travelling.
3. More Efficient
Instead of building your network by attending seminars in various locations, you can quickly join remote networking opportunities by attending webinars.
You are able to connect with multiple people at once and quickly follow up with people after the event. Sending a message or email is the best way to approach those people.
4. Get More Exposure
You can increase the exposure of your work or business by virtually networking. Sharing your work online helps you reach a larger audience and connect with people who are genuinely interested in what you do.
Online communities and virtual events provide insights into diverse cultures, perspectives, and ideas. As a result, virtual networking is a tool for self-promotion and a chance to learn from peers.
5. Build Relationship
Building relationships with people who can assist in achieving goals is an excellent approach to online networking.
Remote networking allows interaction with diverse individuals, including mentors, collaborators, and potential clients.
Tips for Building Relationships with Virtual Networking
Engage with online communities and attend virtual events to build long-lasting relationships.
The tips and tricks below will help you make meaningful connections through virtual, online, and remote networking.
- Be strategic: Before you start networking, take some time to think about what you want to achieve. Do you want to find a new job? Learn about a new industry? Make some friends? You can target your networking efforts once you know what you’re looking for.
- Be active in online communities and social media: Share your thoughts and ideas and participate in discussions.
- Attend virtual events and webinars: Virtual event is a great way to meet new people and learn about new things.
- Connect with LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a professional networking site that can help you connect with people in your field.
- Follow thought leaders and influencers in your field: Following them on social media helps you stay updated on industry trends and learn from the best.
- Be helpful and supportive: Offer to help others with projects or answer questions.
- Be yourself: People can tell when you are pretending to be someone else, so be yourself and let your personality shine through. People will appreciate your authenticity and be more likely to connect with you.
- Follow up after connecting with someone: Send a message to say hello and thank you to people who accept your connection request after you send it.
- Be patient: It takes time to build relationships, so don’t expect to see results overnight.
- Have fun: Networking should be enjoyable and not burdensome.
Wrapping Up
Be bold and start small if you are new to virtual networking. Attend a few online events or join a few online communities.
If you are a team player conducting remote networking through webinars, consider using Membership.Ninja for event management.