The term “networking” receives a lot of hype online and in the business world. As networking online continues to grow in popularity, some experts have even stated that digital connections are essential to career success. But what exactly are these online networks, and how can you create them? Read on to discover exactly what online networks are, tips to build them, and how they can help you in your professional life.
What is networking?
Networking is the process of building mutually beneficial connections with others, usually in relation to career or business. Many people use their connections to secure jobs, receive recommendations, problem solve, or anything else that supports them in their career. But, the relationship isn’t one-sided: a key part of networking is providing assistance to others, and helping your connections out, too. Ideally, a good network should function a bit like a friendship. Each person supports one another and provides what they can, knowing that when the time comes, they will also receive support. Since each person has a variety of skills and talents, the network draws from all of them in different ways, and there is a valuable place for each person. If you are looking to advance your career or build your business, your network is a great place to start.
Networking Online
Engaging in the networking process online and building relationships virtually can be incredibly fruitful. Through platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or even a text message or email, you can build new connections and keep up with old ones. And since it is all virtual, you can network on your schedule, in the ways that work for you. Check out the tips below for building your online network.
- Start Small and Build Over Time
If you are creating a network from square one, the first step is as simple as sending a friend request or liking someone’s new post. In fact, less is more when you are first starting to create connections. Like in any other relationship, people do not want to be bombarded early with high expectations or too much communication, so feel free to keep things simple!
Additionally, this will help limit the amount of time that you need to devote to networking. You can start to look around see what is available: Who is seeking skills that I have? What are others discussing that I might be interested in? How are people collaborating with each other already? When starting small, you can answer all these questions and get a feel for the type of network you want to develop in the future. And you won’t have to commit 40 hours a week to do it. Of course, you are always free to devote more time to networking if the opportunity arises. But for new networkers, starting small will get your foot in the door, and let you keep up with your family and work at the same time.
- Take Stock of What You Have
You may have more connections than you give yourself credit for. Perhaps you were friends with your neighbors growing up, but you fell out of touch. Or maybe you’ve seen the same parents a few times at your kids’ birthday parties, but never kept in contact outside of that. Most likely, there are people that you know and even get along with, but that have slipped past the periphery of your network. Reaching out online through a friend request or follow helps you keep up with these people and open the door for further connection in the future.
Obviously, not everyone will be open to connecting. But when you find those that are, you can be a valuable asset to each other. And you will have already the work that helps connections to grow – getting to know them, feeling comfortable around one another, and wanting to see each other succeed – all were put in motion before you even connected online.
And once you have one great connection, that makes it even easier to make more. Once you make one friend or networking buddy, you can both introduce each other to your own connections, expanding both of your circles. This is doubly true online, where you receive recommendations for friends-of-friends, or can join in on a comment thread under your friends’ post.
Quality, growing networks can lead to personalized recommendations for all types of skills, an improved sense of community support, and a bigger net to draw from when looking for jobs or favors. Online spaces can also facilitate this wonderfully – since so many aspects of career and business are digital now, it is incredibly beneficial to have an online space to share important information. Perhaps you share the profile page of a local handyman you know, or maybe your friend offers the email of a great recruiter they’ve used before. Or maybe having a social space online allows you to feel supported, even as you become increasingly busy in your personal life. No matter what your networking goals are, connecting virtually with people you already know is a surefire way to reach them.
- Play to Your Strengths
Each person has developed different talents that might help them build their network.
Think about the skills you are most proud of, or even those you would like to learn in the future. Then, as you build your connections, consider how you could use these skills to connect with others.
If you know yourself and your strengths, you will know which opportunities to look for. Maybe you are great at conflict resolution and can talk a friend through a workplace dilemma, but are a bit shy and struggle at reaching out to new people. Or you might be a coding savant who has trouble making visuals and graphics for your website. You can respond to your networks’ requests accordingly – helping where you can, but also knowing which favors you would appreciate when someone offers.
As you help others, they may be inclined to help you out in return. And if you know exactly what you have to offer (and exactly what you’re looking for), it will be easier to ask.
Additionally, when you know your skills, your network will come to know you for them also. You might become the go-to person for photography projects, or maybe your friends send all the best marketing jobs your way. Or maybe your skill is not having one skill at all, and your group knows to check up on what projects you’re doing next. Regardless, you will benefit from being able to share that information with your online network.
Online, this also gives you a “brand” that you can focus on if you are creating content or looking to reach a specific audience. Since this brand is based on knowing yourself and playing to your strengths, you are bound to create content that is both genuine and purposeful.
Final Thoughts
Overall, networking can be a great asset to single moms, and help them to succeed in their business and career aspirations. However, starting the networking process doesn’t have to be difficult or overly complicated. By appreciating current relationships, using your strengths, and starting small, you can build a network that is both helpful and manageable.
Check out these articles below for further assistance in your networking journey:
Networking for Success: Building Supportive Communities for Single Mom Business Owners
Dating, Networking, & Online Communities
