If you had asked me at twenty what networking looked like, I would have pictured getting sweaty at a convention centre, handing out business cards in a crowded room. While that still happens occasionally in my work at Strand + Strategy Communications, networking today looks very different: cozy co-working sessions with other business owners, walking meetings with collaborators, even voice notes back and forth about how best to time a go-to-market strategy. This often surprises my mentees, who imagined networking the same way I once did, and it surprises them even more when I tell them that I originally met most of these clients, partners, collaborators, and peers online.
Recently, I gave a talk at Women in Male Dominated Industries (WIMDI), a community for intermediate and senior professional women working in male-dominated industries that want to have exciting, ambitious careers. WIMDI is a community of leaders who do great work, and who love to connect and help each other, offering collaboration and practical solutions to make work better. I’ve been proud to be a member since 2018, and was especially energized in giving a talk about online networking.
We all know online networking is important, but doing it in a way that feels authentic, not awkward or transactional, can be tough. My talk at WIMDI simplified this process, focusing on how to show up authentically online with value, while considering common pitfalls that make networking feel forced or uncomfortable. I walked through a step-by-step process and message templates for attendees to follow when reaching out to someone new.
Watch the full video with WIMDI below
Networking today isn’t what it used to be. It’s less about handing out business cards at stuffy events and more about navigating DMs, comment threads, and virtual coffee chats. Through Strand + Strategy Communications, I’ve spent over a decade helping business owners and community leaders tell better stories, which means I’m constantly connecting with people online: clients, collaborators, community members, basically anyone who doesn’t run away from a LinkedIn message!
When online networking is done with intention and care, it can be one of the most powerful tools for building confidence, making meaningful connections, and unlocking opportunities.
We all have valuable ideas and experiences to share so let’s not let fear, awkwardness, or imposter syndrome hold us back from showing up. If online networking has ever made you second-guess yourself, this one’s for you. Watch the full video with WIMDI below, and let’s make this whole thing feel a lot less intimidating — together.
