How to use online networking working to build your business
Online business networking is no longer a gimmick or stop-gap, it has fundamentally changed how people connect, collaborate and build their businesses. And the longer restrictions remain in place, the more people’s habits change and the stronger the shift to online networking will take hold. James West of ONLE Networking explains how to be savvy when networking online.
Given how quickly online networking rose to prominence in 2020, you might imagine that switching on and logging in would be second nature for the whole business community by now. But it’s not. 2020 forced many people to try online networking for the first time and many struggled to adapt. Most networking organisations were similarly learning the medium on the fly. In other words, the majority of people have experienced online networking 1.0 - a tentative first step into a very different way of doing something.
This means that the vast majority of people are still learning how to network online - the differences compared to face-to-face networking, the nuances of communicating and getting your point across through a screen and most importantly, how to build meaningful relationships without the traditional handshake and business card exchange. Plus there there are still plenty of players yet to enter the game - from the new businesses that are springing up every day and th naysayers who realised that their self-imposed exile from networking while they wait for normal to return has been delayed inevitably.
James West, co-founder of ONLE Networking says that now online networking has matured, its value has grown for those who have adapted
So, here’s our top 10 tips to online networking success.
Get software savvy - At ONLE, we use Zoom, but there are several other video conferencing platforms out there, including Remo, Teams, BlueJeans, the list goes on. If you’re not familiar with the platform you will be using, it’s well worth having a look ahead of time. There’s nothing more stressful than scrambling to join and having to disrupt the meeting once it has already started, so give yourself extra time and plan ahead.
Be on time - Isn’t it amazing how long the commute can take from the kitchen to your desk? Without the added hassle of traffic, parking, finding the room, it is easy to take for granted that we’re already ‘there’. Get yourself settled with a few minutes to spare and avoid that last minute panic.
Set the scene - I’ve seen it all - perfectly polished office spaces, extravagant virtual backgrounds, airing laundry and the obligatory bookcases of business guides. Your environment is part of your impression, as is the way you dress, the lighting and camera angle. Imagine that snapshot in the box was actually your image on a brochure; what would you do to make it better?
Avoid tech troubles - Surely one of the most used phrases of 2020 was, “You’re on mute”. Your choice of device can hamper your ability to interact, as can your internet connection, and video quality. Although the rush for webcams initially caused a bit of a shortage, at this stage there are plenty of options out there to enhance your set-up.
Take a note - Whether you use pen and paper on a digital note taking tool, make sure you’ve got somewhere to make notes. It could be a call to action from a fellow networker, a potential supplier or even a spark of inspiration. There’s a good chance you won’t be able to retain that information without writing it down! At ONLE, we provide an A4 page containing the names and contact details of the attendees, with space for notes, which you can print our before the meeting to use for this purpose.
Know your proposition (and your audience) - At the end of the day, networking is a form of marketing. Many business owners spend an awful lot of time crafting and refining their social media post but very little on their networking pitch. If you have more than one focus, do your research beforehand and choose the best angle for the audience. At ONLE, we circulate our attendee list ahead of time, so you can see who you’ll be meeting and decide what will resonate most with them.
Practise, practise, practise – You may have one standard introduction, or several. Whatever you want to get across to the group, it really pays to prepare. This is particularly important if the network is strict on timings. With a limited amount of time to show your stuff, it's vital to be concise, specific and memorable.
Be engaging – You don’t need a gimmick to stand out from the crowd. There’ll always be those characters that seem to radiate enthusiasm, but many of us struggle with this. Nevertheless, if you aren’t passionate about what you do, it’s a bit of a stretch to imagine anyone else will be. Consider what makes you different and why that would matter to other attendees.
Keep it going – After your networking meeting, your next port of call should be LinkedIn. Relationships take time and effort so use it as a networking tool to continue the conversation. Use the attendee sheet, which includes the contact details of everyone in attendance too. It’s your gateway to the wider network so make the most of it.
Enjoy Yourself! - We’re all looking to make connections. So, whether it’s a familiar face or a brand new contact, meeting people should be fun. If you choose to be open-minded and curious, you will inevitably feel more relaxed and others will be more open and engaged in return. You are likely to get the most out of attending networking events if you want to make genuine, meaningful connections and find out about others.
Networking is an invaluable platform for accessing limitless support, camaraderie, and friendship - the intangibles that as your business develops, you will come to value just as much as the hard sales. Whether you are a seasoned networker or a complete newbie, follow our simple tips to ensure you can make the most of the opportunities.