Once upon a time, networking meant awkward handshakes, coffee meet-ups, and business card swaps. Today? It’s a click, a DM, a well-placed comment. Social media has turned networking into an ongoing, 24/7 opportunity—if you know how to use it right. But just like in-person networking, there are ways to win and ways to waste time. Here’s how to make online networking work for you.
Where to Network Online
Not all social media platforms are created equal when it comes to networking. Some are goldmines, others are just distractions.
✅ LinkedIn – The undisputed champion of professional networking.
- Optimise your profile: A complete profile (with a strong headline, clear bio, and professional photo) gets more visibility.
- Connect strategically: Start with people you know, then branch out by engaging with industry discussions and groups.
- Give before you take: Comment on posts, share insights, and offer value before reaching out cold.
✅ Twitter (X) – The fast-moving cocktail party of the internet.
- Follow industry leaders and jump into conversations.
- Use Twitter lists to categorise connections and keep track of valuable discussions.
- Share thoughtful content to attract like-minded professionals.
✅ Facebook Groups – The hidden gem of online networking.
- Find your niche: There’s a Facebook group for every profession, interest, and industry.
- Be active: Answer questions, share resources, and contribute before promoting yourself.
✅ Other platforms to explore:
- Instagram – Great for creatives, personal branding, and industry storytelling.
- Reddit – Anonymity makes this a great place for learning, but not always for direct networking.
- Discord & Slack Communities – More interactive, real-time engagement for deeper professional discussions.
Protecting Your Privacy Online
The internet never forgets. Before diving into networking, do a quick audit of your online presence.
🚨 Keep these rules in mind:
- Separate business and personal accounts: Keep things professional where they need to be.
- Lock down private information: No need to share your phone number or home address.
- Google yourself: Would you hire you based on what’s online? If not, clean it up.
How to Make the Most of Social Networking
📌 Be intentional – Randomly adding people won’t get you anywhere. Engage, comment, and build relationships with purpose.
📌 Post with purpose – Thought leadership posts, valuable insights, and industry discussions make you stand out.
📌 Engage consistently – Networking isn’t a one-time event. Show up regularly.
📌 Follow up – Just like real-world networking, a quick follow-up message makes all the difference.
Social Media Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Do:
- Keep your accounts professional and valuable.
- Post consistently, but only when you have something meaningful to say.
- Offer value before asking for favours.
- Personalise connection requests and follow-ups.
- Respond to messages and comments promptly.
❌ Don’t:
- Spam people with DMs and cold pitches.
- Write in all caps (seriously, stop yelling).
- Overuse hashtags or repeat the same content endlessly.
- Post personal rants that could damage your reputation.
- Forget that everything online is permanent.
Final Thoughts: Build Connections, Not Just Contacts
Social media is a tool, not a magic bullet. It can open doors, introduce you to game-changing opportunities, and build relationships that matter—but only if you use it wisely. Be intentional, be professional, and above all, be human. Networking isn’t just about collecting connections, it’s about creating conversations and opportunities that drive you forward.
Want to make your networking efforts even more effective? Presso Network helps event organisers create smarter, high-impact networking experiences. Let’s connect! 🚀