Learn effective digital networking strategies to enhance your career.
We’ve moved well beyond using digital technology solely for base business activities like virtual meetings, virtual interviews, and email communications. Today, millions of people around the globe are using digital networking to stay connected with businesses, other individuals, concepts, and ideas. Digital marketing provides us with a powerful tool to build communities, expand our businesses, boost our careers, and enhance our professional networks.
What do we mean by digital networking?
Digital marketing is the use of online digital platforms to connect with others and build relationships. Essentially, you’re able to network with others without the need to be physically in-person or even online at the same time with others.
Before the digital age and online digital networking became accessible, people had to network in person through meetings, events, job fairs, and other types of gatherings. Though not as common, the telephone and conference calls were also used to network with others.
Examples of digital networking
Digital marketing has expanded our ability to connect with others through several types of digital mediums and activities. The right mix of digital networking can help you enhance your professional presence and advance your career. Below are a few examples of digital networking to consider.
Attending digital networking events
There are literally thousands of digital networking events held online at any given time. These include webinars, trade shows, career fairs, speed networking events, conferences, and workshops. You can choose to hold your own online networking event or attend one of the many available that are aligned with your professional goals.
Engaging with others on social platforms
When you think of digital networking, you likely first think of social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Social media sites are an excellent way to connect with others through direct messaging and interacting with their posts. It’s also a viable tool to share your own content and expertise with which others can engage.
When you strategically use social media to network, you can quickly connect with other professionals and build your brand.
Developing an online blog
An online blog is a great tool to share your professional insights and expertise with others. With consistency, it’s possible to build up a following to create professional partnerships along the way.
Connecting in online forums or industry-specific networks
Online forums, like Reddit and TechRepublic, and industry-specific networks are options to expand your digital footprint. Many choose to engage with others and respond to queries that align with their areas of expertise through these types of mediums.
Hosting and being a guest on podcasts
There are millions of podcasts available through online platforms and apps. Many people launch a podcast to develop their brand and network with others, whether it be through engaging with fans or interviewing people. You can also seek out podcasts where you can network with others by being interviewed and sharing your story or perspective.
Tips on how to successfully apply digital networking
It’s possible to spend hours using online mediums to network. To get the most ROI and not waste time or resources, take some time to develop a type: entry-hyperlink id: 3Mcbl2lI2rc9wqYy6Vgt9l that works for you. Here are some tips to help you do that:
Update and align your digital footprint
One of the first steps to take regarding digital networking is to review type: entry-hyperlink id: 3nXTb5DmibXMPCCglqG9yi. Your brand, including your bio, images, and messaging, should be consistent across all platforms. Also do a type: entry-hyperlink id: P3ZG9iT9GYTx7xjsfkqwI on your name to identify what’s out there about you, and take steps to clean up any items that need to be removed or updated.
Align your strategy with your professional goals
Another initial step to take when it comes to digital networking is to determine your professional goals and create a strategy to meet those. For example, the goals of expanding your network of contacts and increasing your expert status online might involve different strategies, including various types of digital networking platforms.
Decide what digital networking mediums are right for you
In the same vein as aligning your strategy with your professional goals, take time and assess the networks that align best with your personality, style, and goals. If you like to engage with people directly, then you might prefer social media type: entry-hyperlink id: 2UyXsiuikfKnvh0chNMdP6 and Facebook.
If you enjoy creating content to share with others, then maybe a blog, podcast, or posting Instagram videos is right for you. Or maybe you like to engage in queries and share your expertise best through online forums and industry networking sites.
Remain current on social media trends
Social media trends and algorithms are constantly changing. Be diligent to remain current on such items to ensure you’re using the right networking tools and applying the best strategies to meet your goals.
Be active and consistent
Building an online network on any single medium requires being consistent. The more consistently active you are with engaging or posting, generally, the faster you will experience growth. That said, it can take time to build a following through mediums like a podcast or an online blog, so patience is also required to build your network to the level you desire.
Digital networking is worth the investment
In a world where getting noticed online can go a long way to advancing your career, it’s worth it to invest at least some in digital networking. Update your digital footprint, determine your goals, create a strategy, and be consistent to build an online network that supports your career trajectory.
Is your resume aligned with your digital footprint? Submit it for a free resume review to get tailor tips to land the interview!
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With a drive to foster safety and expand possibilities through writing, performing, and working with others, Ronda brings 25 years of combined experience in HR, recruiting, career advice, communications, mental and behavioral health, and storytelling to her work. She’s a certified career coach and holds a Master’s in Human Resources, a Master’s in Film and Media Production, and a Master’s in Counseling and Development. As a writer, she’s covered topics ranging from finance and rock mining to leadership and internet technology, with a passion for career advice and mental-health-related topics. When she’s not at her computer, Ronda enjoys connecting with others, personal growth and development, spending time with her beloved pooch, and entertainment through movies, television, acting, and other artistic endeavors. You can connect with Ronda on LinkedIn and through her website.
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