What is Online Networking and How Can it Benefit Your Career Success?

We live in a constantly evolving digital age, and connecting remotely with people from all over the world has never been easier. With the widespread use of social media and other online networking platforms, we can interface with others at the click of a mouse, build relationships and access new job opportunities and resources from just about anywhere. It’s no wonder that nearly 5 billion people worldwide use social media networking for their business interests as well as personal interactions.

However, the virtual networking environment is not just limited to job seekers and cat lovers. Many professional associations and business groups use online networking platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet to connect with their members and provide opportunities and referrals for career development.

With countless online social and business sites out there, knowing where to start can be confusing. So, how can you achieve success in and navigate the busy world of remote networking? Read on to find out exactly what online networking is, why it’s beneficial to your career, and the best practices for using it efficiently and proactively.

What is Online Networking?

The premise of online social platforms in business context is that they allow you to connect with other professionals, share information, join groups, and collaborate on projects. These platforms can include social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, professional networking sites, discussion forums like Reddit, and online communities like Meetup and Eventbrite.

Online networking also provides valuable opportunities to showcase your skills, experience, and knowledge through your profile, resume, posts, and other content. Keep in mind that some platforms are better suited to business networking than others, so you'll have to do some research to find the ones that best suit your needs and goals. Remember, the ultimate goal of networking online is to forge connections that can help elevate your professional development.

The Benefits of Online Networking

Networking from the comfort of your home or office comes with plenty of advantages, even if you’re a social butterfly and enjoy meeting people face-to face as well. And while in-person networking has its own benefits, connecting with others virtually has become an essential tool in our globalized world.

Whether you’ve just graduated, are looking for a new job or want to acquire additional knowledge and skills in your current career, here are some of the advantages of online networking:

1. Convenience

Regardless of your geographic location, you can network online wherever you have an internet connection. This is a huge advantage. There’s no travel time involved - you just show up from wherever you are. Also, most networking platforms are user-friendly and accessible even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy. They typically offer simple, intuitive interfaces with step-by-step instructions for setting up profiles and making connections.

2. Cost-Effectiveness

Another important factor that has contributed to the popularity of networking online is the low barrier to entry they provide. Traditional networking events can be expensive and time-consuming and may not be accessible to everyone. Even if an in-person event is free, you'll still have to incur the costs of getting there and back, and you may have to shell out money for food and drinks. On the other hand, virtual networking platforms are often free to use or have low subscription fees.

3. Increased Connectivity

With the rise of online business and social media networking platforms, you can build and expand your network beyond your local community or geographical borders. You’ll also be able to connect with a large number of people in a relatively short amount of time. This can lead to increased visibility which, in turn, leads to more opportunities for collaboration, job prospects, interviews, and professional development.

And when you use these platforms effectively and meaningfully, you can make proactive connections willing to use their own networks or resources to help you. Plus, when you approach networking with an appreciative, committed, and authentic attitude, you'll eventually see invaluable rewards for the time you've invested.

4. Access to Information

Online networking can be a valuable learning tool, allowing you to gain knowledge from others in your field. By following thought leaders and influencers, participating in discussions, and staying up to date on industry trends and new technologies, you can improve your skills and expertise to stay competitive in the job market. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with mentors and collaborators who can offer guidance, advice, and support as you advance in your career.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Online Networking?

While virtual networking platforms offer many benefits, there are also some potential disadvantages to be aware of. However, you can mitigate many of these issues through careful use and attention to best practices. These are the most common challenges you may face online:

• Lack of personal interaction: Virtual networking often lacks the personal touch of in-person networking, making building trust and strong relationships with others potentially harder. Communicating through email, social media, and other digital platforms can feel impersonal and may not allow you the same level of connection as face-to-face interactions.
• Communication breakdown: Online communication requires different skills to in-person communication. Tone, body language, and other nonverbal cues can be difficult to convey through digital communication. Some people may struggle to communicate effectively online, leading to misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
• Difficulty standing out: With so many people online, it can be challenging to stand out and make an impression. And in a crowded online environment where everyone is vying for attention, it can be easy for you to get lost in the noise if you don’t have a plan.
• Security and privacy concerns: Networking and social media platforms can pose potential security and privacy risks, particularly when sharing sensitive information. Therefore, you need to be careful about what you share online and who you connect with to avoid falling victim to scams or identity theft.
• Time-consumption: It can take a while before you start seeing results from networking online. With so many platforms and networks to choose from, managing all of them can be challenging. So, make sure to prioritize your networking efforts and be strategic about where you invest your time and energy.

Tips for Successful Online Networking

You're likely enthusiastic about diving in and setting up your online profiles. However, you first need to understand the landscape and take time to clearly define your objectives. Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate the online world of networking:

1. Define your goals: Before you start networking online, be clear about your goals and what you want to achieve. Do you want to find a new job or expand your business network to attract new clients? Identifying your goals will help you focus your efforts and maximize your time spent online.
2. Be strategic: There are so many networking platforms to choose from, so you should be strategic about which ones you use. Consider the platforms most relevant to your goals, industry, and target audience, and focus your efforts there. You could also join online groups, forums, workshops, and conferences, but be specific when choosing these. Remember, you don't have to spread yourself too thin - less is sometimes more.
3. Be authentic: When networking online, it's important to be yourself. People are more likely to connect with someone genuine and authentic. Avoid trying to be someone you're not and instead, focus on building real connections with people who share your values and interests.
4. Build your online presence: Your online presence is an integral part of your personal brand. Make sure your profiles on social media and professional networking sites are up to date and accurately reflect your skills and experience. Use a professional profile photo – AI tools can be useful – and include a compelling summary that highlights your strengths.
5. Engage with others: One of the benefits of online networking is the ability to connect with people from all over the world. Engage regularly with others by participating in online communities and groups. Take the time to get to know others in your network, ask them questions, and offer advice when appropriate. Don't be afraid to reach out to people you admire and ask them to connect.
6. Offer value: Share valuable content, insights, and advice that your target audience will find interesting and informative. It could be in the form of blog posts, surveys, articles, or other content showcasing your expertise. This will help establish you as an expert in your field and make people more likely to want to connect with you.
7. Be consistent: Consistency is key in networking online. Posting regularly, engaging with others, and following up on connections are essential. This will help you to stay top-of-mind and build lasting relationships.
8. Respect others' time: When reaching out to people for networking purposes, respect their time. Remember to keep your messages concise and to the point and avoid coming across as pushy or overly aggressive. After all, everyone's time is valuable and you don't want to waste it.
9. Follow-up: Follow-up with a personalized message after connecting with someone online. This will help to establish a stronger connection and keep the conversation going. You could also consider sending a thank you message or offering to help with something specific.
10. Stay positive: Finally, staying positive in your virtual networking efforts is critical. Building relationships takes time; not every connection will lead to immediate results. By staying in touch, you can strengthen your relationships and build your network over time. Stay committed and focused on your goals, and the results will come.

Set Yourself Up for Online Networking Success

Time invested in networking online is time well spent. The more you do it, the better you'll get. Want some additional insights into how to navigate the world of networking? Start by setting a free profile on Monster. As a member, you'll get expert career advice, job search tips, and job postings in your inbox. Plus, we'll help connect you with top recruiters in your industry to help streamline your efforts.