The need for networking<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThe benefits of business networking<\/a> remain essentially the same. For starters, it allows you to access the expertise of others in your field. If you have a business relationship with your peers, you can consult with them about different issues and enrich your own understanding of your industry.
Another advantage of a strong business network is that it empowers you to build your profile<\/a>. You can become a well-known name in your field, someone who influences others and can make a real impact in their area of interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen you know and are known by change-makers and powerful people in your industry, you\u2019re more likely to hear about exciting opportunities. You might be the first to be informed about a new position, or you may even be specifically approached to participate in a project.
If the benefits are the same, what makes online networking different? Well, you can now make connections and access opportunities on an international level <\/a>without leaving your own home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Online](\"https:\/\/www.euruni.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4144923-1-scaled.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe growth of online networking<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTraditional business networking has evolved since the advent of the internet. In the early days of online networking, industries had their own dedicated message boards where people could exchange knowledge and build relationships with others in their field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now there are social networks, such as LinkedIn, which are designed to replicate and improve upon the traditional in-person networking experience. These networks were especially useful during the 2020 pandemic. Because people couldn\u2019t leave their homes, many business events where networking would traditionally take place moved online<\/a>.
As normality gradually returns, it\u2019s natural to wonder whether traditional networking will make a comeback too. But will online networking continue to be a dominant force?<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere can I build my network online?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nLinkedIn is the obvious choice for social media for business purposes; it was designed with networking in mind. However, there may be other options to explore. It\u2019s also possible to build a dedicated following on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok\u2014Creative industries have especially flourished there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to speak about specific issues, you might consider attending online conferences<\/a>. We are more adept at using online conferencing software than ever, so don\u2019t assume that you\u2019ll just be listening to presentations. It\u2019s also possible to take part in \u201cfireside discussions\u201d with smaller groups of fellow participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can build deeper relations with a select group of people if you join an online mastermind. This involves meeting regularly to discuss pre-arranged topics over a set period of time. One purpose of a mastermind is to problem-solve collectively. You can ask others for their perspective on issues affecting your career.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.euruni.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2025-06-12-133719.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhat are the benefits of online networking over traditional networking?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAlthough the recent online networking boom was driven by the necessities of the pandemic, there are reasons to prefer it over traditional marketing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- It\u2019s more convenient.<\/strong>
Rather than spend time traveling to conferences, you can stay at home and make the same connections. It\u2019s easier to pick and choose which parts of a conference are relevant to your business goals, too.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- It\u2019s low-cost.<\/strong>
Events and conferences can be expensive. At these events, networking often takes place over dinner and drinks, which can incur additional costs. When you network online, you don\u2019t need to pay for this or for travel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- You can expand your range.<\/strong>
With traditional networking, you\u2019re usually limited to events in your immediate area. Online networking allows you to build connections all around the world. As business becomes more international, it makes sense that networking follows suit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- The internet is democratizing<\/strong>.
During traditional networking events, a hierarchy was often easily observable. For example, access to the most influential people in the room may have been restricted. However, everyone online has equal status, at least in theory.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- It\u2019s less intimidating.<\/strong>
When you\u2019re a newcomer to your industry, the prospect of approaching seasoned professionals in person can be daunting. With online networking, you don\u2019t have to walk across the room, strike up a conversation, and introduce yourself in the same way. The dynamics can be very different.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.euruni.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/pexels-anna-shvets-4226140-1-scaled.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOnline networking tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhen networking online, bear the following tips in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Be clear about your objectives<\/strong>.
What do you want to achieve with your online presence? Do you want to increase your influence, or gain access to specific opportunities? This knowledge will help you plan your contributions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Be authentic but professional.<\/strong>
The only way to stand out online is to show your unique personality. However, you shouldn\u2019t say anything that could endanger your career. Be wary of using shock tactics to get attention.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Respond to other people\u2019s requests.<\/strong>
Remember, relationships have to be mutually beneficial. People will be less inclined to join your network if you\u2019re often asking for support but never offering it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Connect your connections.<\/strong>
One way you can be helpful to those in your network is by introducing them to one another. Add people with similar interests into small groups to stimulate more focused conversations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Respect boundaries and take it slow.<\/strong>
You may be desperate to add someone to your network, but desperation can be off-putting. Be attentive to other people\u2019s cues. If they\u2019re not responding right now, circle back in a while. Don\u2019t harass anyone or try to force relationships too quickly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Deepen your online connections.<\/strong>
If you\u2019ve been chatting via e-mail or direct messages for a long time, then you might want to suggest a Zoom or Skype call. An \u201conline coffee morning\u201d is a great way to informally emulate an in-person encounter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Post about what matters to you.<\/strong>
The best way to build a following of like-minded people is by sharing content about your topics of interest. Keep your contributions relevant to your industry and your career goals.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
Another advantage of a strong business network is that it empowers you to build your profile<\/a>. You can become a well-known name in your field, someone who influences others and can make a real impact in their area of interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you know and are known by change-makers and powerful people in your industry, you\u2019re more likely to hear about exciting opportunities. You might be the first to be informed about a new position, or you may even be specifically approached to participate in a project. Traditional business networking has evolved since the advent of the internet. In the early days of online networking, industries had their own dedicated message boards where people could exchange knowledge and build relationships with others in their field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now there are social networks, such as LinkedIn, which are designed to replicate and improve upon the traditional in-person networking experience. These networks were especially useful during the 2020 pandemic. Because people couldn\u2019t leave their homes, many business events where networking would traditionally take place moved online<\/a>. LinkedIn is the obvious choice for social media for business purposes; it was designed with networking in mind. However, there may be other options to explore. It\u2019s also possible to build a dedicated following on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok\u2014Creative industries have especially flourished there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to speak about specific issues, you might consider attending online conferences<\/a>. We are more adept at using online conferencing software than ever, so don\u2019t assume that you\u2019ll just be listening to presentations. It\u2019s also possible to take part in \u201cfireside discussions\u201d with smaller groups of fellow participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can build deeper relations with a select group of people if you join an online mastermind. This involves meeting regularly to discuss pre-arranged topics over a set period of time. One purpose of a mastermind is to problem-solve collectively. You can ask others for their perspective on issues affecting your career.<\/p>\n\n\n Although the recent online networking boom was driven by the necessities of the pandemic, there are reasons to prefer it over traditional marketing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When networking online, bear the following tips in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the benefits are the same, what makes online networking different? Well, you can now make connections and access opportunities on an international level <\/a>without leaving your own home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe growth of online networking<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As normality gradually returns, it\u2019s natural to wonder whether traditional networking will make a comeback too. But will online networking continue to be a dominant force?<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere can I build my network online?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhat are the benefits of online networking over traditional networking?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Rather than spend time traveling to conferences, you can stay at home and make the same connections. It\u2019s easier to pick and choose which parts of a conference are relevant to your business goals, too.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Events and conferences can be expensive. At these events, networking often takes place over dinner and drinks, which can incur additional costs. When you network online, you don\u2019t need to pay for this or for travel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
With traditional networking, you\u2019re usually limited to events in your immediate area. Online networking allows you to build connections all around the world. As business becomes more international, it makes sense that networking follows suit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
During traditional networking events, a hierarchy was often easily observable. For example, access to the most influential people in the room may have been restricted. However, everyone online has equal status, at least in theory.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
When you\u2019re a newcomer to your industry, the prospect of approaching seasoned professionals in person can be daunting. With online networking, you don\u2019t have to walk across the room, strike up a conversation, and introduce yourself in the same way. The dynamics can be very different.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOnline networking tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
What do you want to achieve with your online presence? Do you want to increase your influence, or gain access to specific opportunities? This knowledge will help you plan your contributions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The only way to stand out online is to show your unique personality. However, you shouldn\u2019t say anything that could endanger your career. Be wary of using shock tactics to get attention.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Remember, relationships have to be mutually beneficial. People will be less inclined to join your network if you\u2019re often asking for support but never offering it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
One way you can be helpful to those in your network is by introducing them to one another. Add people with similar interests into small groups to stimulate more focused conversations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
You may be desperate to add someone to your network, but desperation can be off-putting. Be attentive to other people\u2019s cues. If they\u2019re not responding right now, circle back in a while. Don\u2019t harass anyone or try to force relationships too quickly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve been chatting via e-mail or direct messages for a long time, then you might want to suggest a Zoom or Skype call. An \u201conline coffee morning\u201d is a great way to informally emulate an in-person encounter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
The best way to build a following of like-minded people is by sharing content about your topics of interest. Keep your contributions relevant to your industry and your career goals.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.euruni.edu\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Define_750x125_3-1.gif\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"