How can you ensure your online networking is effective for your professional goals?
Online networking is a vital skill for professionals in the field of technological innovation. It can help you find new opportunities, learn from experts, and collaborate with peers. However, online networking also requires some strategy and etiquette to make it effective for your professional goals. In this article, you will learn how to ensure your online networking is productive, authentic, and respectful.
Not all online platforms are equally suitable for networking in technological innovation. You need to consider your target audience, your personal brand, and your goals. For example, if you want to showcase your portfolio, you might use Behance or GitHub. If you want to join discussions and share insights, you might use Twitter or LinkedIn. If you want to learn from courses and webinars, you might use Udemy or Coursera. Research the platforms that are relevant to your field and niche, and create profiles that reflect your skills and values.
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I have gone all in on Linkedin for my networking in AI and Web3. They logic for this is that you know who you are dealing with because you have a comprehensive profile. Also the platform has longevity and can be trusted to continue to grow. You invest a lot of time and effort building a community. The last thing you want is for the platform to go bust or be taken down.
Online networking is not about collecting contacts or followers. It is about building meaningful relationships with people who share your interests, challenges, and aspirations. To do that, you need to interact with them regularly, not just when you need something. You can comment on their posts, share their content, ask questions, offer feedback, and congratulate them on their achievements. You can also initiate conversations via direct messages or emails, and invite them to virtual events or calls. Be genuine, friendly, and supportive, and avoid spamming or pitching.
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To achieve effective online networking and achieve your professional goals, prioritize quality over quantity. Engage meaningfully—go beyond simply liking and sharing by adding substantial value to posts through insightful comments and creating compelling content when you share their post. You are not only acknowledging their effort but you adding value to their post. Additionally, express your appreciation by sending a thoughtful message when someone accepts your connection request. This personal touch enhances the quality of your connections and create a more meaningful online network.
Online networking is also an opportunity to demonstrate your value as a professional in technological innovation. You can do that by creating and sharing content that showcases your expertise, experience, and opinions. For example, you can write blog posts, record podcasts, or host webinars on topics that are relevant to your field and audience. You can also participate in online challenges, hackathons, or competitions that highlight your skills and creativity. Make sure your content is original, informative, and engaging, and include a clear call to action or invitation for feedback.
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Online networking extends beyond simple connections; it acts as a stage to showcase your expertise and leave a lasting impression. Involvement in public personal projects boosts your credibility and sets you apart in a competitive arena. Whether your personal pursuits align directly with your expertise or not, sharing them can significantly broaden your network and unveil previously unseen opportunities.
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1-Quality Content: Share articles, blog posts, or industry news that align with your professional interests. 2-Diversify Content Types: Share a mix of articles, infographics, videos, and other formats to keep your content varied and appealing to different preferences. 3-Share Success Stories: share achievements related to your professional journey to inspire and motivate your network. 4-Use Hashtags: Utilize relevant hashtags to increase the discoverability of your content. This can attract a broader audience interested in similar topics. 5-Engage in Discussions: Actively participate in discussions sparked by your content. Respond to comments, answer questions, and foster a sense of community within your network.
Online networking is not a one-time activity. It is a continuous process that requires you to keep learning and improving your skills and knowledge. You can do that by following the latest trends, news, and innovations in your field, and joining online communities, groups, or forums that discuss them. You can also seek mentorship, coaching, or feedback from experts or peers who can help you grow and overcome challenges. You can also enroll in online courses, certifications, or programs that can enhance your qualifications and credentials.
Online networking is not an excuse to be rude or unprofessional. You need to respect the rules, norms, and expectations of the platforms and communities you join, and the people you interact with. You need to be polite, courteous, and positive, and avoid any behavior that could harm your reputation or relationships. For example, you should not plagiarize, troll, or harass others, or post inappropriate or offensive content. You should also respect the privacy and preferences of others, and ask for permission before sharing their information or contacting them.
Online networking is not a goal in itself. It is a means to achieve your professional goals in technological innovation. Therefore, you need to evaluate your results and measure your progress. You can do that by setting SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) objectives for your online networking activities, and tracking your performance and outcomes. For example, you can use analytics tools, surveys, or feedback forms to assess your reach, engagement, and impact. You can also review your contacts, opportunities, and achievements, and identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
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Anne Snelson BSc DipM MBA(edited)
Helping other people has been one of the keys to my networking success. If you give without expecting to receive back, people are much more likely to return a favour if ever you actually need it. So be generous with your time and your thoughts and say when you’re not sure or it’s an area you don’t know so much about it. It’s so easy on LinkedIn, when comments are a currency no one can really buy. I have made so many incredible, amazing, knowledgeable friends on LinkedIn - all from just being helpful to them and not expecting anything back…
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I would simply create a new section in this article: Use AI sensibly. The point of the section is to flag the AI overload problem that is rapidly taking over the internet content space. No platform is immune, as far as I can tell. Lazy posts full of nominalisms and verbose emptiness. Without moderation, we will end up in a world where AI talks to AI and we will assume we're communicating.
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