5 Networking Tips For Online Entrepreneurs
When I was in college, the thing to do when you started looking for an internship or a “real job” was to go to all the job fairs and networking events held on campus. Because I was a student that always did what she was supposed to do, I attended these events with a suit on and resumé in hand. And because I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing at these functions, I hated every minute that I was there.
These type of networking functions never bore any real job fruit for me. I’d go in with high hopes but usually ended up standing around some company’s table for way too long with a group of other job seekers. After the group conversation was over, I’d hand in my resumé, grab some free company swag, and leave.
Because of these experiences, I never understood the hype around networking. If the point was to get dressed in your business best to stand around feeling awkward with other people standing around feeling equally inept, I wanted no part of it.
What Networking Really Is
Back then I wish I knew what I know now about networking. No one ever explained to me that connecting with people isn’t about “networking” as a verb. It’s about expanding your network, or the people that you know and that know you, as a noun.
To do that you don’t have to attend networking events (unless you want to) because getting to know people in a real way can happen anywhere. For example, you can expand your network just by asking a few close friends to introduce you to some of their friends. Then you have a chat with those friends of friends, keep in touch every so often, and bam! You’re networking.
If you are looking for some non-networking event ways to get to know people on and offline, here are a few ideas.
Join A Facebook Group
Facebook groups are a great way to meet people with whom you share a common interest, characteristic, or goal. There are Facebook groups for virtually every profession, interest, and business affiliation out there. And the best part is that most of these groups are free. To see the benefit of these groups, all you have to do is find a few that interest you and join. Because these groups revolve around commonalities, conversations are more free-flowing and natural, and the process of connecting with people becomes that much easier.
Purchase An Online Course
These days most online courses include membership to a private online community. So not only is an online course a great way to learn a skill, but it’s also an excellent way to meet other entrepreneurs in a low-pressure setting. Through these online communities, you can find referral partners, accountability partners, and friends.
Connect on LinkedIn
I’ve written about LinkedIn on the blog before, and I’m still singing it’s praises. LinkedIn is excellent for expanding your network because the app literally tells you how you’re connected to someone else. If you want to meet anyone, you’re likely 3 degrees of separation from them on LinkedIn. To expand your network using the platform, all you have to do is send a connect message and start a conversation.
Join A Co-Working Space
Co-working spaces aren’t just the new coffee shop with wifi anymore. They provide classes, events, and opportunities to build camaraderie with other entrepreneurs just like you. If you’re looking for a low pressure, in-person way to develop your network, coworking spaces may just be the option you’re looking for.
Reach Out
With direct messaging on social media, you can reach almost anyone at any time. All you have to do is take a chance and reach out. If you read a cool blog post or are inspired by a quote on someone’s Instagram feed, take a quick second to send them a note. Every creator wants to know their work has been well received, and you can stand out by merely thanking that owner for her content. By doing this, you’ve created a connection that has the potential to lead you places you could never have imagined.
Do you have some additional networking tips that worked for you? I’d love to hear them. Let’s start a discussion in the comments below.