How do you network effectively in virtual or hybrid settings?

- 🌐 Choose platforms that align with your networking goals. For niche communities, look for specific forums or groups. - 🎤 For events and webinars, use platforms like Zoom, Hopin, or Remo that enable interaction. - 🤝 To reach partners, funders, or mentors, use professional networking sites like LinkedIn. - 🗣️ Engage actively by participating in discussions, attending virtual events, and connecting with key individuals. - 💼 Follow up with contacts and nurture relationships through regular communication and collaboration opportunities.

Virtual/Hybrid Networking Hacks: 1. Be proactive: Engage in chats, ask questions, & participate in polls. 2. Research & personalize: Tailor your intro to attendees' profiles & interests. 3. Leverage breakout rooms: Use them for smaller, focused discussions. 4. Virtual coffee chats: Schedule one-on-one video calls for deeper connections. 5. Follow-up is key: Connect on LinkedIn & personalize messages after the event.

What are you trying to achieve by networking? Are you looking to connect and collaborate with a local group of people, go nationwide or international. There are options for all of these, ranging from online networking groups to dedicated face-to-face referral based networking groups. Local co-working spaces often organise opportunities for networking. Whichever you choose, you will need to get clear on your goals and take the time to get to know the people within the community. If you turn up, pitch and leave, you are likely to cause the wrong impression and get little return from your time. Focus more on actively listening to people so you can build deeper relationships and develop win-win situations.

I have found dedicated social entrepreneurship networks to be most useful in connecting with relevant people, this includes - Catalyst2030 which has regional/country chapters and topic specific interest groups; Social Enterprise World Forum annual meeting and regular online sessions have helped build the network too. For those in India, Jagriti Yatra network is one to look out for. Though I am not directly been a part of it, another one I know many social entrepreneurs benefitting from is World Economic Forum's Global Shapers Community which again has regional/country level chapters. If there isn't one in your region you could propose to start one and take leadership.

Hackathons, pitch competitions, and accelerator social events are a great way to build communication skills and grow your network. In-person events tend to yield great networking opportunities and the chance to foster a strong personal connection.

It's important to be genuine, particularly when speaking with social entrepreneurs who are purpose-driven. Just as in face-to-face networking, authenticity is key. Be genuinely interested in others, listen actively, and seek to build meaningful relationships rather than just collecting contacts.

One of the most important ways to prep is knowing how to introduce yourself best. Research means nothing if you don't present yourself in a professional and kind manner. Make sure you are someone that people want to maintain a strong connection with.

elevator pitches can be easily forgotten - better to grab people's attention and interest more quickly by appealing to their ego, and thinking about and ask and an offer: "I'm sure one of you lovely people here must know someone who can help us with... which will help us achieve..." and "...and in return, we're known for our excellence in..., and would be happy to offer some time/a chat/etc to anyone who might like some guidance or support with this."

1. Define Your Objectives: Clarify your networking objectives. Whether it's seeking partnerships, job opportunities, or industry insights, having clear goals helps guide your interactions. 2. Update Your Online Presence: Ensure that your online profiles, especially on professional platforms, are updated with relevant information, a professional photo, and details about your expertise. 3. Research Attendees: Before virtual events or meetings, research participants to understand their background and interests. This knowledge can facilitate more meaningful conversations.

Before attending virtual networking events or engaging in online networking, research the participants, topics, and agenda. Prepare your elevator pitch and key talking points to effectively communicate your goals and interests.

Before I meet someone, I pause to think, “I wish for this person to be happy.”   I find this little step takes my attention off my own agenda, so I can be in the moment and focus on how they see the world, what they want, and how I can create a mutual win.   And doing this spreads contagious positive energy. What usually happens is the other person sends positive energy back to me, and we can move our partnership forward more quickly and smoothly.   BTW, people have sensitive BS-meters, so for this to work, I have to really mean it!

The most important component of networking is genuine connection. We live in a world that is constantly trying to sell products, services, ideas, agendas, and more. Before you begin to network, ask yourself "how will I be different?" Focus on the SOUL and not just the SALE, that will help you to thrive in any context whether virtual or IRL.

One thing I always try to do, is think: "how can I give the person a quick value from our interaction" For example, while learning about their work and interests, I try to share an interesting article or a podcast I might remember, or also try to introduce them to someone I think they could be interesting connections to. This creates a "quick win" for them, it positions me as someone who brings value, and stablishes a connection. I always love to become the guy who people come when they want to learn something new or to connect with someone else, even if this has nothing to do with my agenda.

Be authentic in your interactions. Show genuine interest in others, listen actively, and share your experiences and insights transparently.In hybrid or international settings, be mindful of time zones when scheduling virtual meetings. Use tools that help you find suitable meeting times for participants across different regions. Maintain professional etiquette in virtual communication. Dress appropriately for virtual meetings, use clear and concise language, and be mindful of your tone.

Build genuine connections by being authentic and respectful in your interactions. Listen actively, ask thoughtful questions, and show genuine interest in others' perspectives and experiences. Remember to maintain professionalism in all communication, whether it's through video calls, emails, or social media.

In my opinion, more happens outside a networking event (virtual or in-person) than during/in most of them. Connect with everyone at the event on LinkedIn with a note that says “great to see you at X” today. I’d love to stay connected here.” Then, follow up to book 1:1 chats with people of interest who you’d like to get to know better. Expect the same from some in return! Remember, networking is about relationship building, so be thoughtful when you meet. Learn about them while they learn about you and be sure to have equal interest in their goals as in driving your personal agenda. It’ll take a bit of time, energy, and consistency but networking will take you far - for the entirety of your career. And you’ll meet some cool people!

I think it's important to focus on a personalized follow-up. After initial contact, send a tailored message referencing specific conversation points. Maintain regular, meaningful engagement through emails, social media, or virtual meetups

Part of any good follow-up starts in the event itself: do something (in what you say, what you wear, how you appear on screen) that will make you more memorable, and so easier for people to recall you when they receive your 'ping' of a connection request on LinkedIn after the session.

After networking interactions, follow up promptly with personalized messages or emails to express gratitude and reinforce connections. Follow through on any commitments or promises made during the networking conversation. Keep the lines of communication open for future collaboration or networking opportunities.

1. Send personalized follow-up messages after virtual interactions. Express gratitude, recap key points discussed, and express interest in future collaboration. 2. If you commit to sharing information or following up on specific actions, ensure you deliver promptly. This demonstrates reliability and professionalism. 3. Cultivate relationships over time. Regularly check in with connections, share relevant information, and offer support when possible.

In the world of virtual and hybrid networking, getting better is the key. It's like learning a dance – ask your partners (peers, mentors, or network buddies) how you're doing. Their thoughts can be gold! Take a moment to look back at your own moves, see what's working, and where you can polish up. Keep an eye on new dances too – try different platforms, events, or tricks to spice things up. Think of it like trying a new dance floor – you might discover some cool moves you never knew existed. By staying open to learning and tweaking your steps, you'll become a networking maestro in no time!

Absolutely, continuous improvement is key to mastering networking in virtual or hybrid settings. Here are a few practical steps to support your ongoing development: Seek Constructive Feedback: Regularly ask colleagues, mentors, or connections for feedback on your networking approach. Their perspectives can offer valuable insights and help you refine your strategy. Reflect on Interactions: Take time to review your networking experiences, noting what worked well and what didn’t. This reflection can guide you in adjusting your approach for better results. Experiment with New Tools: Explore various networking platforms and technologies. Trying out new tools or participating in different types of virtual events can reveal new opportunities.

Participate in webinars or workshops on effective networking, virtual communication, and professional development. Stay informed about the latest trends and best practices. Request feedback from colleagues or mentors on your virtual networking skills. Use constructive feedback to refine your approach and enhance your effectiveness. Stay adaptable to changes in virtual communication tools and platforms. New technologies and features may offer additional opportunities for networking.

Reflect on your networking experiences. What worked? What didn’t? Continuously refine your approach based on these insights. Networking is a skill that grows with practice and adaptation.

Don't forget to have fun. I think that when we are in a business setting, to often we forget to be relaxed and simply have fun. People love connecting with those who seem to be enjoying themselves and help others enjoy as well. So my recommendation is don't try to be too formal all the time, don't shy away from a joke, having a laugh, and enjoying the experiences you are living with others. We are always humans first, and entrepreneurs second, so don't forget the humanity in you and others.

Focus on adding genuine value without any ulterior motive. It could be your post or comment on someone's article. In any case, check what value you are creating. If required, do some research so that you can ensure there is some unique value added everytime. Your network will value you based on what value you add. Remember content is free nowadays, there's lot of it out there. So focus on value always..

When it comes to virtual networking, having a well-crafted online profile is crucial. Think of it as your digital business card, as it's often the first impression people have of you. Therefore, it's essential to invest time and effort in optimizing your online profile to attract your desired audience. Pay attention to elements such as your headline, bio, and profile picture, as they all play a significant role in shaping your online presence. By doing so, you'll increase your chances of building meaningful connections and opportunities in the virtual world.

Be very clear on your ask and on the value exchange. Also try to keep messages very concise. Everyone is busy and sometimes we don’t have the time to read loads of paragraphs - this has helped me a lot.