Are you being effective in networking online?
The 2020 pandemic reshaped the course of how entrepreneurs conduct business. We went from attending live networking events to navigating through social media pages because of the various lockdowns. The resilience of humanity is spectacular in adapting to the confinements of our homes and socializing within the parameters of the internet. Thankfully, social media and digital platforms were already in place due to years of technological advancements. The adaptation increased when business owners understood the value of having a digital presence by moving a lot of their functions online. What we once thought was a dilemma sensitizing many people to physical socialization became second nature due to the challenges primarily caused by the pandemic.
The question now is how can business owners and entrepreneurs benefit from strategic partnerships and networking effectively online? There are several ways our digital space affords us with the opportunity to be more innovative in how we approach the new norms of networking and exchanging energy within a digital format.
The power of being human is inevitable, why? Simply because we always find a way of being authentic to who we are and building formattable relationships because of our need to socialize. Networking in a digital world makes it easier to connect with people worldwide from the comfort of our homes. Fostering strategic partnerships by way of connecting helps an entrepreneur to function within Maslow’s hierarchy of needs in which we all exemplify.
Here are four effective practical ways to increase your networking and building strategic partnership opportunities through digital platforms.
- Build an online presence
Entrepreneurs who are mindful of their online presence can leverage their position in building a brand that is easily accessible. People gravitate to what attracts them. Whether you are on LinkedIn, Google My Business, Facebook, or Instagram; it is important to align your online image with the business or brand you represent. For example, the profile and/or cover image should give the viewer a clear sense of what you do and who you are. Be mindful of how you post content to your pages, personal and business. Most entrepreneurs use their personal page to promote their ventures. It is essential to monitor the tone and language of your content because you never know who is viewing your page. Most importantly be strategic about your online engagement and use a public profile. If you are one who prefers privacy, ensure that certain posts are public to increase your viewership. These are practical steps to take when building a presence which is necessary for online networking. It is the impression that one makes just as if you were at a live networking. Think about it, at live events, you have your business cards, your image is pristine. You care about the perception that built around you and your business. Having that same mindset when interacting online keeps you in a position of being sought after.
- Maximize online social media group engagement
Facebook is the perfect social media platform to engage other professionals and entrepreneurs within groups. This is where the magic happens in terms of networking and forming strategic partnerships. As you connect with others by chiming in on comments, encouraging and celebrating another person’s achievements funnels the followers your way. With those you connect with based on likeminded actions and conversations creates the space for networking. People long for pure engagement and the alignment of this beautiful array of opportunity opens the way for further collaborations and alliances worldwide.
- Consistency is key
Algorithms thrives on consistency and integrating the right words within your content increases your profile’s visibility. When you are consistently providing combination of valuable written and video content, one can quickly see the results of how often their page is being viewed. Consistency is one of the key drivers to increase your online visibility and positions you as an expert in your industry. It is not only about how often you are engaging on various digital platforms, but it is the quality of the content. People who are curious about your content and interaction seek after the chance to network with you.
- Create opportunities
Outside of social media platforms, two of the most impressive digital platforms are podcasts and virtual events. A business owner can build a way to connect with other entrepreneurs, a target audience, or other corporations. These dynamic platforms produce a more intimate area to lean in more with a potential partner.
Closing thoughts
Being effective in networking and building strategic partnerships online is a curve we all must embrace. Although we are surpassing the initial impacts of the pandemic and reentering back in more physical societal contact; the digital space is found to be easier to manage. The way has been paved with the digital footprints for everyone whether you are digitally savvy or not.
