Eight steps for better online networking

1. Attend events IRL 

It might sound obvious, but the best way to start networking is by going along to an event in real life. If you can’t face striking up new conversations, then taking a photo of the event and sharing your opinion on what was said, or taking a quote from a speaker, is a good enough reason to start posting online. It gives you a good reason to connect with the other people who attended, start a conversation on a related topic and gradually build a network in an easy-going way. It’s a good chance to start to build an online presence without trying too hard. 

2. Take it one step further 

However, if you’re at an event and you do happen to end up chatting to someone, then always take the opportunity to ask them if you can connect on LinkedIn, Instagram or whichever social media platform you prefer. But you don’t need to connect online instantly – in fact, it might work better to wait until the next day to request a connection. And always add a friendly, personalised message to any connection request. This could follow up on something you talked about or ask a related question. 

3. Keep your profile up-to-date 

Take a few minutes every month to check that your profile on LinkedIn (or whichever social media platform you use) is up-to-date, interesting and relevant to the people you’d like to find you. Be honest (within reason) and feel free to share your life outside work if that is important to you. Also, consider if there is anything that might grab the right person’s attention. Finally, remember to keep your photo recent and clean up any content you wouldn’t want a prospective employer to see. You never know who might be googling you. 

4. Build a presence gradually 

You can create online visibility by commenting on posts and posting regularly – at least once a week if you want to gain a little momentum and make it a habit you can stick to. It can be helpful to find a niche subject and make it your own, before expanding from there. Also, don’t put pressure on yourself to build a presence on all online platforms in one go. Just pick the one you naturally like to keep up with yourself. And remember, it’s better to write a short but interesting post rather than a rambling monologue. Include links to other posts so readers can follow their interests. 

5. Join relevant groups 

Search for work-related and professional groups that are specific to your area or interests. Project management covers a massive range of sectors and subjects, so it’s easy to find an APM Interest Network to join. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a raft of new connections and remain in-the-know about what’s going on within the profession. With a career in project management, it’s easy to find adjacent sectors of interest, like construction or architecture. Be curious! 

6. Reach out (but think quality, not quantity) 

For Instagram influencers, social media is a numbers game, but for anyone with a project to deliver, then think quality not quantity when it comes to cultivating connections if you don’t want to be sucked into a social media abyss! Proactively find those friends of friends or contacts of contacts who might be interested in connecting with you, and organisations or companies you’re interested in. Think strategically about which people you’d most like to connect with and be interested in what they have to say online. 

7. Post carefully 

If you don’t have anything nice to say, then it’s better not to post anything – and be careful when using sarcasm or misplaced humour. You may write your posts with good intent, but others might not see things the way you do. Don’t take company or project politics online – it’s never a good idea. It’s also important to avoid the cringe factor. While US-style enthusiasm can be motivating for some, too much adoration for something work-related can come off badly with more cynical Britons! And remember, it’s far better to be interested in what other people have to say than to agonise about trying to find something clever to say.  

8. Stay engaged 

Nurturing relationships online takes time – but remember, online connections don’t replace face-to-face interactions and work best when complementing real-life relationships. Whenever you get the chance, meet up with your social media contacts.  

 

You may also be interested in:

• Join our Interest Network groups
• Attend our events
• Five networking tips from APM President Dr Yvonne Thompson