When most people think about networking, they picture a room full of strangers milling around with business cards. But networking online is becoming more and more prevalent…And that’s a good thing.

You already know that building relationships is an important part of advancing your career.

Luckily, it doesn’t have to be awkward or superficial or tied to a formal networking event.

Let’s talk about networking online, what it looks like, and how to do it. There are a ton of benefits to this type of networking...so let’s dive in.

What Does Networking Online Look Like?

Networking online doesn’t mean anything weird, like sliding into someone’s DMs or trying to pitch them on LinkedIn. Nor does it mean hiding behind some stilted text exchange because we’re afraid to have a real conversation.

When I talk about online networking, I mean building relationships remotely.

Maybe it starts as a one-on-one phone conversation with a friend of a friend. Maybe it’s a meetup group. Maybe it’s a remote class or online discussion group.

Online networking is about harnessing the power of technology to meet people we’d normally never get the chance to cross paths with in person.

In fact, online networking offers a better chance to build deep, meaningful relationships. It’s often far more effective than meeting people in person because you’re able to have the focused, productive, enjoyable conversations you want to have but never seem to materialize at official networking events.

Fun fact: when most people go to in-person networking events, they stick to talking to people they already know. Or the conversations with new people stay so superficial, there’s no real incentive to follow up. You’re left with a stack of business cards and regret.

Networking online allows you to be more strategic and far-reaching than you’d be able to be in person. You can actually expand your network in a way that feels good. And you can build connections remotely across the globe, without travel expenses or costly events.

If you think this sounds overwhelming, consider how much of our lives already take place online. Now more than ever, there are plenty of resources to make remote relationships work effectively.

Not sure where to start? Think about networking in person, and convert it to a digital space. Here’s what I mean.

How would you start networking face-to-face? You’d leverage your current network, then ask them to introduce you to new people. You can do the same thing online.

Think of networking online as an opportunity for deep one-on-one conversations, focused connection, and relationship-building.

Benefits of Networking Online

Networking online is a game changer. It will transform the way you approach networking and open you up to incredible new ideas, opportunities, and connections.

When you’re no longer restricted to your local community, the world opens up to you.

So what will you do with it? Let’s go over some specific benefits of networking online.

More Opportunities to Broaden Your Network

I said networking online is the future, and I meant it. With online networking, we open ourselves up to so much more opportunity digitally. We can meet whomever we want, whenever we want, from anywhere in the world.

This means that you avoid the travel and event expenses. And you also get to focus on the people who can help you the most. By being strategic about who you reach out to, you use everyone’s time more effectively.

In-person events are often filled with strangers or people we already know.

But one of the most powerful and effective ways to broaden our network online is through “weak ties.” These are the people our existing network knows but we don’t.

The beauty of weak ties is that they expose us to new ideas and opportunities we typically don’t see in the bubble of our existing network. Plus, they’re much more likely than strangers to help us and turn into strong connections because there’s a mutual connection.

I started my 6-week career change course partly because I wanted to teach people about networking and partly because I wanted the amazing people I work with to meet each other.

The result? People from different geographies (20 states, 7 countries, and counting), industries, life stages, and levels have been able to meet, connect, and learn from each other.

They’re designers, artists, project managers, business owners, cyber security and finance experts, and start-up founders.

It’s a weak tie gold mine. And something you wouldn’t see at an in-person networking event.

Even cooler? Several cohorts have continued to meet on their own after the course ended. They’ve built powerful, enduring connections in just 6 weeks. I can’t wait to see the collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities that emerge.

This is the power of online networking.

Networking Online Is Less Awkward

You might think that networking online would be even more awkward than in-person networking...

But it doesn’t have to be.

You’ll get better results from the powerful one-one-one conversations that are open to you online. Leverage your existing network online and cultivate new relationships, all from the comfort of your own home.

Networking online means dispensing with the small talk. When you meet a total stranger in person, it’s hard to get deep when you’re being pulled away, interrupted, and distracted—all while trying to find common ground.

With online networking, you’re connecting with people you already know you want to talk to…about topics you’re mutually interested in. You can dive deep into your real interests faster.

We’re All Looking for Genuine Conversations and Connections

Here’s the big takeaway: More than ever, people are looking for genuine connection and belonging whether networking online or in-person.

We tend to think about “networking” as something formal we do only when we need something—looking for a new job, asking for a favor, trying to win the support of a decision-maker.

And we pass up opportunities to build real connection every day.

Confession: I never used to network. As a delivery-focused introvert, my interactions were transactional, just enough to accomplish the objective.

Conversations that weren't central to the task at hand felt like a waste of time. 😬

My example is extreme, but I'm curious how much time you focus on building relationships versus “getting work done”?

The idea of networking as separate and formal is a huge misconception that just adds to the transactional nature and pressure we put on ourselves and others.

Here’s a shift: every conversation is an opportunity to build and deepen our relationships. Every conversation is a networking conversation.

Think about it: how many times a day are we asked, “How are you?” only to not really answer.

Instead of responding with “fine” or “good” or some other vague and boring response, plant a seed about what’s going on in your career, what you’re focused on, who you’re trying to meet, when you’re trying to move cross country or get promoted.

I invite you to recognize the daily opportunities you have with the people you already interact with to build connection, share what you want in your life and career, and get to know what others want.

And then figure out how you can help each other.

We don’t have to keep networking so separate.

And networking online gives you much more freedom and flexibility to have the conversations you want to have.

Ready to turn your conversations into REAL career opportunities?! 

Join me—and an amazing group of inspiring career changers—for a powerful 6-week career coaching experience:

Learn more about “Design a Career You Love” today

Author Bio: 

Before becoming a coach, Caroline worked in management consulting and financial services. She's made it her mission to help people grow, contribute, and get wherever they want to go.

She’s also a tennis fanatic, aspiring Minimalist, FIRE (Financial Independence and Retire Early) enthusiast, and Aloha Spirit seeker 🤙. She loves to share stories from her unconventional life and career focused on freedom, creativity, fun, health, family, and community. If she can do it, you can, too.

The life and career you want really is possible once you have the roadmap. Take the first step by downloading her free 4-step career roadmap.