Creative Networking Approaches in Virtual Settings

Remote networking isn’t a weaker version of in-person. It’s a different game with a much bigger ceiling.   Most founders assume real relationships only happen in person. They wait for conferences or designated networking events.  But that approach is limiting your growth. I’ve built partnerships, clients, and long-term relationships via LinkedIn and Zoom. What changed wasn’t effort. It was understanding that remote networking has its own rules. The founders who win use it strategically to create trust, visibility, and leverage. Here's what actually works if you want remote networking to drive real growth 👇 1️⃣ Lead with async value Before asking for someone's time, show up in their comments and shares. By the time you reach out, you’re already familiar. 2️⃣ Ask for warm intros properly Be clear about why you want the intro, and draft the message for the connector. Move fast once the intro happens. 3️⃣ Use short video messages selectively A 30–60 second Loom is very effective. It shows them your vibe instantly. Always be specific and human. 4️⃣ Host small virtual roundtables Bring 4–6 people together around a clear topic. You facilitate, and they connect through you. 5️⃣ Build relationships in public Reference people’s ideas in your posts, and tag them. Public respect pushes towards private conversations. 6️⃣ Run virtual office hours Set fixed times that anyone can book. This turns followers into real connections. 7️⃣ Join or create small communities Small, curated rooms create trust over time. Contribute and connect with others. 8️⃣ Reactivate dormant connections Most opportunity lies with people you already know. Keep those relationships warm. And be specific when getting in touch. Remote networking removes in-person barriers. No travel, no waiting for events, and no geography deciding who you build with. The founders who understand this grow faster... And create networks that span the entire globe. Do you prefer in-person or remote networking? Let me know in the comments below. If you want to get better at all forms of networking, I break this down every week in Network to Net Worth. 👉 Subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/gFp5bEbt ♻️ Repost this for someone trying to improve their networking game. And follow me, Rohan Sheth, for networking insights that open doors. 

The traditional networking event of a room full of people making small talk isn’t right for everyone. Introverts may feel overwhelmed. Folks with mobility or health issues may feel uncomfortable in crowds. Individuals in remote or rural areas may not have as many event opportunities. Fortunately, traditional networking events, while still valuable, are no longer the only avenue for making meaningful connections. Here are 5 alternative opportunities for business networking that can set you apart in today’s competitive environment. 1. Virtual Reality Conferences Virtual reality (VR) is not just for gamers; it's a burgeoning platform for professional networking. VR conferences offer a unique, immersive experience that allows for a more personal connection than traditional video calls or webinars. Attendees can virtually "meet" and interact in a 3D environment, making these events memorable and engaging. This digital approach breaks down geographical barriers, making it possible to network with global professionals in a whole new way. 2. Podcast Guest Appearances Becoming a guest on relevant industry podcasts is a fantastic way to share your expertise and connect with both the host and their audience. This platform provides an opportunity to showcase your knowledge, share insights, and discuss industry trends, which can attract potential partners, clients, or mentors. Moreover, it establishes your voice in the industry, opening doors to new networking opportunities. 3. Online Forums and Discussion Groups Online forums and discussion groups are treasure troves for niche networking. Platforms like Reddit, Quora, and industry-specific forums allow professionals to engage in deep, meaningful conversations, solve problems, and share expertise. By actively participating in these communities, you can build credibility, establish thought leadership, and connect with peers who share your interests and challenges. 4. Social Impact Volunteering Engaging in social impact projects or volunteering for causes related to your industry can open up unique networking opportunities. This approach allows you to meet like-minded professionals who are passionate about making a difference. Such connections are often more profound and can lead to collaborative projects, mentorship, and partnerships based on shared values and goals. 5. Creative Online Workshops and Classes Participating in or hosting online workshops and classes related to your field is an excellent way to meet others who are eager to learn and grow. These settings foster a collaborative environment where attendees are not just passive participants but are actively engaged in learning and sharing experiences. It’s a fantastic way to demonstrate your expertise, learn from others, and form connections based on mutual interests and professional growth. #networking #alternatives #business

How Improv Turned My Relationship with Networking Networking often feels like a necessary evil in professional life, but what if I told you it could be a fun and fruitful activity? Let me share how improv transformed my networking approach and led to the birth of WYSH - What's Your Story (huh)? Backstory: Years ago, while pursuing my interests in Washington, DC, on Social Impact Storytelling, I attended various meetups without a clear career path. To make these events more interesting, I decided to treat networking like an improv game. It wasn't just about making connections but about enjoying the process. Here’s how you can do the same: Embrace the Improv Spirit: Start every conversation with a "yes, and..." attitude. It encourages open, expansive interactions and can lead to unexpected opportunities. Invent Creative Introductions: Instead of the usual titles, I used playful introductions like "kombucha chemist" or "aspiring comic." This not only broke the ice but made conversations more memorable. Listen Actively: Improv is about building on the dialogue. Listen intently, and use what you learn to add depth to the conversation, showing genuine interest in others' stories. Offer Unique Value: At one event, I introduced myself as a “storyteller” to a startup founder, leading to a discussion about how I could help weave personal narratives into his company’s mission. This chance interaction sparked the idea for my current business. Follow Up Thoughtfully: Connect on LinkedIn with a personalized message that references something unique from your conversation. It shows you were listening and valued the connection. This approach led me to a startup founder who became pivotal in my career and helped me create a business that aligns perfectly with my passion for storytelling. Networking doesn't have to be drudgery. With a little creativity and genuine engagement, it can open doors you never expected. Have you ever found unexpected opportunities through networking? Share your story; I’d love to hear it! #whatsyourstory #storytelling #networking #communicationskills

For introverts (or shy extroverts like myself) in product management, building a broad and diverse network might seem challenging. But in a recent conversation with Su Belagodu, she insipired me with some ways to make it more approachable and rewarding. ✨ A strong network leads to more opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow. It opens doors to career opportunities, new perspectives, and creative problem-solving while ensuring we stay connected in a field that can sometimes feel isolating—especially in smaller teams or companies. 🤝 Leverage Second and Third-Level Connections Focusing on second and third-level connections can make networking feel less daunting. Instead of cold outreach, ask for introductions from mutual connections. These “warm introductions” create familiarity and help break the ice. 👂 Be a Listener First Introverts excel at active listening, which is key to building meaningful connections. At networking events or online, focus on understanding others’ challenges before offering your perspective. It’s a great way to create an authentic connection. ☕ Utilize One-on-One Connections Instead of large events, focus on deeper one-on-one relationships. Casual coffee meetings or short Zoom calls allow for more intimate, focused conversations. ✍️ Use Content to Connect Sharing insights via articles or posts (like this one!) can establish your voice and spark conversations. It’s an organic way to build connections with like-minded individuals. Respond to commenters and connect with them. 💻 Join Online Communities and Slack Groups Introverts can thrive in niche online communities. Start with smaller, product management-specific groups where you can engage slowly and at your own pace. 📊 Focus on Quality, Not Quantity Instead of trying to meet everyone, focus on building a smaller, engaged network. Deeper relationships often yield better results. 🎨 Get Creative with Networking Explore networking activities that spur creative thinking and collaboration. Roundtable discussions, think tanks, or webinars are excellent ways to connect over shared interests, especially around impactful, inclusive product-building. 💡 Networking doesn’t have to feel forced. With the right strategies, it can be a rewarding and growth-inducing practice, even for introverts. I've been trying these, and not only is it working, but it's fun and rewarding. How do you build meaningful and diverse connections? I’d love to hear your thoughts! #ProductManagement #NetworkingForIntroverts #ListeningSkills #Community #BuildingMeaningfulConnections #Growth

A senior cloud architect sent me a connection request last week with this message: "I'm interested in roles at AWS. Do you have any openings that fit my background?" No context. No relationship.  And no research into the roles I might work on. I see versions of this 30–40 times a week. And I know the intent is good — people are trying to follow the advice they're given: "Network to land your next role." The problem? Most people are confusing outreach with networking. After a decade in technical recruiting, I've noticed a clear pattern: The people who land roles faster aren't sending more DMs. They've built visibility before they ever hit send. Here's what commonly shows up in my inbox: "I recently interviewed — can you follow up?" "Do you have 15 minutes for a coffee chat?" "I'm seeking a Solutions Architect role." People are taking action. That's not the issue. The issue is that recruiters and hiring managers get dozens of these messages daily — all from people they don't know. At that volume, it's almost impossible to know how to help. At the senior level, transactional networking rarely turns into opportunity. Sound familiar? So what does strategic networking actually look like? It's less about who you message — and more about who already recognizes your name when you do. Here are five true networking approaches I’d recommend to senior-level tech professionals: 1️⃣ Engage in tech-specific LinkedIn groups  This creates one-to-many visibility. Hiring managers and recruiters are often in the same spaces — credibility builds through contribution. 2️⃣ Comment meaningfully on posts from leaders in your space  Skip "Great post." Add perspective based on experience. Do this consistently and your name starts showing up in the right feeds. 3️⃣ Share insights from your own work  You don't need thought-leadership essays. A poll about a challenge you're navigating. A short reflection on a lesson learned. Even adding your take to someone else's post. The goal is visibility, not virality. 4️⃣ Write recommendations for former teammates  In addition to helping a teammate out, your name will appear on their profile. This is passive visibility that compounds. 5️⃣ Engage with hiring managers before messaging them  Comment on what they share. When you eventually reach out, you're not a stranger — you're familiar. I've seen this shift change the trajectory of job searches. Not because someone's resume suddenly improved — but because the right people already knew who they were before a role opened. 👉 Which of these five are you already doing or planning to start? Drop the number below. And if someone in your network is in search mode, feel free to share this with them.

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 ... 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 Let’s be honest folks … Most Virtual Coffees are a masterclass in wasted potential. Two people smile, chat politely, swap bios… And walk away with nothing new, nothing learned, and nothing gained. If that’s happening, it’s not the platform …  It's the approach. Yesterday, after having a wonderful introductory conversation,  I got to thinking about what makes a VC that people actually remember… And maybe even talk about later. 1️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 … 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥é𝘀𝘂𝗺é If you open with job titles and LinkedIn headlines, you’ve already lost them. People connect to why you do what you do, not the bullet points. Try asking a question something like this. “How did you end up doing this work?” “What’s the part of your job you’d never give up?” If they light up, you’re on the right path. 2️⃣ 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 Everyone has “goals.” Everyone has “challenges.” But the real leverage is in what they aren’t saying yet. Ask questions that cut through the surface and go deeper. “What’s the thing in your business that would change everything if it got solved?” “What’s keeping you from your next level right now?” This is where real opportunity hides. 3️⃣ 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 ... 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Most people walk out of a call with another name in their CRM. Try being the person who walks out having created something. Maybe ask … “Who should you be talking to that you aren’t?” “What kind of person moves the needle for your business?” Then flip through LinkedIn together. Make an intro while you’re still on the call. Yeah I know … It’s bold. That’s exactly why it works. 4️⃣ 𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 “Great chat!” is the networking equivalent of a participation ribbon. Instead, consider saying … “I’ll send that intro this afternoon.” “Let’s regroup in 30 days and see what moved.” Clear commitments set you apart from the sea of nod-and-ghost. 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 ... Stop treating them like polite conversations. Start treating them like opportunities to create momentum for someone else. Because the person who brings value fastest? That’s the person everyone remembers … and recommends. ************************************************************************ I work with business owners ready to move forward with Purpose … clear Vision, aligned Values, and a Strategy that‘s built on your Foundation. #PurposeDrivenBusiness #BusinessDevelopment #RelationshipMarketing #LeadershipMindset #VirtualCoffee

Feeling like there are no networking opportunities? When I first started my business, I felt completely isolated. No local meetups, no events—just me, my computer, and my ideas. But then I realized something: Networking isn’t limited to events. I started getting creative: 1. LinkedIn became my stage. Instead of waiting for others to reach out, I made the first move—engaging with posts, starting conversations, and offering value. 2. Webinars & Virtual Events. I hosted my own and joined others, connecting with like-minded people who were open to sharing insights. 3. Community-building. I created my own small group of entrepreneurs, where we shared resources, challenges, and victories. The results? I stopped waiting for opportunities—I created them. Networking is everywhere, you just have to go out and find it. Networking is about mindset and consistency, not proximity. PS. How do you create networking opportunities? Share your strategies! 👇 #Networking #thesociallab

What if networking wasn’t about pitching or agendas, but simply having genuine conversation's over coffee?" Last week, I learned about a Swedish concept called Fika. It’s not “networking” as we usually think of it. It’s a relaxed conversation, no agendas, no pitches, just two people connecting. It’s a game-changer for someone like me, an introvert who often finds traditional networking draining. This idea stuck with me because it flips the script on how we approach connection. Here are a few takeaways to make networking feel effortless: → Try a "Fika" mindset: Focus on relaxed, agenda-free conversations → Ask about their favorite topic (hint: it’s themselves!) → Be curious, not scripted. Ask what excites them, what challenges they’re tackling → Don’t fear talking about yourself. We’re all experts in our own stories, and sharing yours can spark meaningful connections. Who’s up for a virtual Fika this week? Let’s connect the Swedish way. P.S. - I talked a lot more about Fika in today's issue of 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙧. This is my weekly newsletter where I teach you to be a better networker. Not a subscriber? Sign up for FREE when you hit the link under my headline at the top of the post ☝️

Networking doesn’t have to be face-to-face to be effective—especially in today’s digital world … Over the years, I’ve learned that building genuine connections online isn’t just about adding people to your LinkedIn—or joining virtual events. It’s about showing up with authenticity—and offering value in meaningful ways! For me, it started with engaging in the right conversations. Instead of just sending connection requests, I began focusing on thoughtful comments on posts, sharing personal experiences, and even offering help when someone was stuck on a problem. One of my best tips? Approach online networking like you’re talking to a friend. Be genuinely interested in their thoughts—and share what you’re working on without expecting anything in return. It’s all about fostering trust and showing up as a real human. → So, what about you? How do you build genuine connections on LinkedIn? Let’s hear YOUR tips in the comments! 👇 #VirtualNetworking #NetworkingTips #NetworkingStrategy #RelationshipBuilding #Authenticity

Your next career-changing connection could be just a click away. Here’s how I make sure to maximize virtual networking events: Have you ever logged into a virtual conference, only to feel like just another face in a sea of tiny squares? That used to be me. When I first started attending online events, I thought it was enough to just show up. But I was wrong, the real magic happens when you engage, connect, and follow through. So if there 3 things to do at every event it would be: 🔹 Prepare like it's in person → Research speakers, topics, and attendees. ↳ Know who's in the room and what you want to learn or achieve. 🔹 Leverage social media → Follow up with speakers or fellow attendees on LinkedIn. ↳ Reference something specific from the event to spark conversation. 🔹 Join breakout sessions → Smaller groups mean more meaningful interactions. ↳ Don't just listen; participate and offer your perspective. ⭐️ Bonus tip: follow up ⭐️ → Send personalized messages to people you connected with. ↳ Mention specific discussions to stand out from generic follow-ups. Virtual conferencing might lack the handshake, but it offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect globally without leaving your desk. Every interaction is a chance to grow your network and learn something new. Are you ready to make your next big connection? Share your experiences or tips in the comments! #SoftwareEngineering #Startups #Entrepreneurship #RemoteWork #DutyVentures — 👍 Like and ♻️ Repost if you found this post interesting! 💻 Follow me for daily software development-related posts.