Developing a Virtual Networking Strategy

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. 

Most people think 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 networking is the thing. It is not. That is like thinking 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 people to a webinar is the thing. If you were running a webinar, you would never stop there. You would have a process. You would: • identify your ideal client • invite the right people • get other people to invite the right people • set up an email sequence • run the webinar well • follow a clear structure • include a sales process • have a follow-up process Because the webinar is not the whole strategy. It is one part of the strategy. The same applies to networking. Networking is not just about turning up at events. It is part of a wider process designed to help people understand you, remember you, trust you, and eventually refer you. That means you still need the rest of the process. You still need to have: • who your ideal clients are • who your Ideal Client Connectors are • what you want to be known for • how to help people think of you at the right time • how to make it easy for people to recommend you • a clear structure • a sales process • a follow-up process This is where most people get it wrong. They think networking is simply turning up. Then they wonder why nothing much comes from it. Turning up is the start. Not the strategy. The real opportunity comes from what you do before, during and after the event. That is how relationships grow. That is how trust builds. That is how referrals happen. Networking without strategy gives you activity. Networking with strategy gives you momentum. And that is exactly why we do not just teach people to go networking. We help them build a relationship-led process that actually leads somewhere. Friendship Fuels Business. Strategy helps it grow. Stop treating networking like the full answer. It is one part of a bigger growth system.

Most advisors think virtual networking is second-best. They're wrong. An advisor I coach was scanning the attendee list for a virtual wealth summit. He saw something that stopped him cold. A daughter's name. Not just any daughter. The 28-year-old daughter of a $50mm prospect he'd been courting for months. He sent a LinkedIn message. Started a conversation about impact investing. Three weeks later, she introduced him to her father. At an in-person event? She wouldn't even be there. I've coached advisors in the HNW space for 25 years. Virtual networking isn't inferior. It's access to relationships you can't reach any other way. But most advisors blow it. Two ways: They skip virtual events entirely. Or they attend with cameras off, multitasking, half-listening. Both leave massive opportunities on the table. The advisors who dominate virtual networking do something different. They treat every event like intelligence gathering. They capture insights. Market trends. Regulatory updates. Investment themes. Then they share those insights with clients and prospects who didn't attend. Not a generic summary. Specific takeaways that matter to each relationship. "John, you asked about ESG trends. Here's what the CIO at Goldman said yesterday..." This positions them as the advisor who's always learning. Always connected. Always adding value. Virtual networking isn't about replacing face-to-face. It's about accessing conversations that matter. So I'm curious: What virtual events are you attending this quarter? Follow Matthew Curran for topics that resonate with wealth management executives

If you want to build a network in 30 days, read this: Goal: Build a foundation for your professional network by forming genuine connections with 10 individuals relevant to your career goals. Before you start: Define your goals: What do you hope to achieve by building your network? (e.g., career advice, industry knowledge, potential job opportunities) Identify target individuals: Who are the people you want to connect with? Consider their expertise, experience, and potential value in achieving your goals. Days 1-10: Laying the groundwork Utilize social media: Update your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills and experience. Join relevant groups and follow industry leaders. Start small: Reach out to 2-3 people you haven't spoken to recently or connect with 1-2 new contacts. Personalize your message and focus on value. Attend online events: Look for webinars, online conferences, or workshops related to your field. Participate actively and introduce yourself to others virtually. Identify industry influencers: Research thought leaders and key players in your field. Follow their work and engage with their content online. Volunteer your expertise: Research volunteer opportunities related to your industry. This allows you to give back, network, and build your reputation. Days 11-20: Building connections Follow-up with initial contacts: Send a follow-up email or message expressing your appreciation for their time and reiterating your interest in staying connected. Engage in online communities: Participate in relevant online discussions. Offer your insights, answer questions, and build your online presence. Connect through mutual connections: Research your existing network for potential connections who know people you'd like to meet. Seek introductions and personalize your outreach. Attend local events: Look for industry meetups, networking events, or conferences in your area. Prepare conversation starters and actively connect with new people. Leverage alumni networks: If you're a college graduate, reconnect with alumni in your field through professional groups or university resources. Days 21-30: Nurturing relationships Share valuable content: Share relevant articles, industry news, or resources with your connections through emails or social media. Offer congratulations and support: Celebrate your network's achievements and offer support during challenges. Show genuine interest in their lives and careers. Schedule informational interviews: Reach out to individuals you admire and request informational interviews. Use this opportunity to learn more about their career path and gain insights. Be a resource: Look for ways to help others in your network by offering introductions, sharing opportunities, or providing relevant information. Schedule coffee chats: Invite 1-2 people you've connected with for virtual or in-person coffee chats to deepen your relationships and explore potential collaborations. Source: "Reach Out" by Molly Beck

In today's interconnected world, virtual networking has become an essential tool for professionals seeking to expand their horizons and forge meaningful connections. As we navigate through digital spaces, the ability to make a great first impression is more important than ever. So, how can you ensure that you leave a lasting impact in the virtual realm? Let's delve into some strategies that can elevate your professionalism and make you stand out in virtual networking events. Before diving into any virtual networking event, take the time to curate your digital persona. This encompasses everything from your profile picture to your bio and even your background. In virtual networking, active engagement is key to making a memorable first impression. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to others in the event, utilizing features such as chat boxes or breakout rooms to initiate conversations. Remember to actively listen to what others have to say, offering meaningful contributions and fostering authentic connections. One of the most effective ways to make a great first impression in virtual networking is by showcasing your expertise. Share valuable insights, industry knowledge, or relevant experiences that highlight your unique perspective and capabilities. The true value of virtual networking lies in the follow-up. After the event, take the time to follow up with individuals you connected with, whether it's through a personalized email, LinkedIn message, or virtual coffee chat. Lastly, remember mastering the art of virtual networking requires a combination of preparation, engagement, expertise, and follow-up. By implementing these strategies, you can make a great first impression that resonates with your audience and sets the stage for fruitful relationships and professional growth. So, the next time you find yourself in a virtual networking event, seize the opportunity to showcase your professionalism and leave a lasting impact. Your future self will thank you for it. #virtualnetworking #professionalism #networkingtips #expertiseshowcase #careergrowth #businessnetworking National University of Singapore

Let’s be clear, when it comes to business success, one truth stands tall: Your network is your net worth. But you and I both know, networking is no longer about collecting business cards at events or sending cold messages on LinkedIn. It’s about leveraging the right platforms and opportunities that put you in front of the right people—consistently and impactfully. And that’s where the power of strategic networking comes in. Because Visibility is Not Just About Being Seen—It’s About Being Remembered. Let's say, you might be an expert in your field, have years of experience, and offer incredible value, but if people don’t see you, hear you, and experience what you bring to the table, you’re the best-kept secret in your industry. So, how do you make sure you’re not just another name in the crowd? The key…leveraging the right networks, BUT where are they? In a world that has changed and is changing, constantly, traditional networking events, while still valuable, are no longer the only way to build relationships that lead to business growth. My discovery of Virtual Expos, which I’ve experienced as living, breathing networking and expertise presenting spaces where you’re not just showing up for an hour, or a day, but where you are creating an ongoing presence—available 24/7 for the right people to see and connect with you. Think of it in this way: Instead of hoping someone remembers you from a fleeting networking or speaking event, your expo booth offers deeper levels of connection, building familiarity and trust. Instead of spending time and money traveling to conferences, you can connect globally without leaving your office. Instead of one-time interactions, the expo creates multiple touchpoints—people see your videos, book calls, attend your live presentations, and keep engaging with you. So, for example, let’s say you’re a Nutrition Expert and you’re looking for more recognition in new ways. You’re helping women balance their hormones and feel their best, here’s how you’d leverage the expo platform: - Host an interactive workshop on “How to Eat for Energy & Hormonal Balance." - Offer a free assessment where visitors get personalized tips. - Display downloadable PDF’s and success stories inside your booth. - Use live networking sessions to connect with potential clients or partners—other exhibitors and they may not even be within your industry. So, you see, traditional networking is like throwing a business card into a room full of people, hoping it lands in the right hands. While being and exhibitor at a Virtual Expo is like setting up a powerful, interactive business hub that does the heavy lifting for you and you’re part of a network of high-value connections. If this resonates and you’d like to explore if there’s a seat at the table of my May Virtual Expo, DM me today and we’ll check how you can leverage this opportunity. …and if you’ve not attended a virtual expo yet, what questions do you have, now that you read my post?

Step 7: Network Strategically – Opportunities Often Come Through People, Not Just Applications Let’s be real in today’s economy, simply submitting applications and hoping for the best isn’t enough. The reality is that networking plays a crucial role in landing your dream role. I can confidently say that both my roles at Microsoft and Accenture didn’t come just from applications; they came through relationships and strategic networking. Building meaningful connections helped me unlock opportunities I wouldn’t have found otherwise. Here’s how you can network strategically to land your next opportunity: 1️⃣ Leverage LinkedIn Effectively • Connect with recruiters and tech professionals at your target companies—don’t just hit “connect,” personalize your messages! • Engage with content in tech-related groups, share your insights, and participate in industry discussions. This keeps you on recruiters’ radar. 2️⃣ Reach Out with Purpose • Don’t be afraid to send personalized messages to professionals asking for informational interviews or career advice. • Reach out to alumni from your school who are working in your desired industry. A shared connection can go a long way in getting valuable insights or even a referral. 3️⃣ Attend Events and Engage with the Community • Participate in hackathons, webinars, and networking events to meet like-minded professionals and potential employers. • Get involved in communities like Meetup, Stack Overflow, or Slack groups, conferences where you can learn from others and expand your network. Networking isn’t just about asking for opportunities; it’s about building relationships, offering value, and staying visible in your industry. If you’re actively job searching, invest time in strategic networking. The right connection could be the key to your next opportunity. What networking strategies have worked for you? Let’s share tips below! Stay tuned for the next post in this series, where I’ll discuss interview preparation techniques that can help you stand out. #Networking #CareerGrowth #TechCareers #JobSearchTips #MicrosoftCareers #AccentureLife #CareerSuccess #RelationshipBuilding #LinkedInNetworking #Hackathons #NetworkingStrategies #JobHunting2025 #ProfessionalGrowth #TechCommunity #Meetup

Mastering the art of meaningful connections—both in person and online. Social Media: An Extension of Your Face-to-Face Networking Efforts In today’s digital world, social media isn’t just about amassing followers or chasing viral trends—it’s an opportunity to extend the power of your face-to-face connections into the online space. Done strategically, your social media presence can amplify your networking efforts, deepen relationships, and position you as a leader in your field. Here’s how: Treat Connections as Conversations, Not Numbers In the same way you wouldn’t exchange 50 business cards without a follow-up, don’t chase after meaningless follower counts. Instead, engage in thoughtful online conversations. Aim to connect with 10 real people who align with your goals—whether they’re clients, partners, or collaborators. Share Stories That Resonate Just like in face-to-face networking, your audience wants to connect with the real you. Skip the generic posts and focus on authentic content that: Answers their burning questions. Shares personal stories that demonstrate your journey. Highlights case studies or examples of how you’ve helped others succeed. By providing value, you’ll attract the right people who truly connect with your mission. Build Trust Through Expertise Think of your social media like a digital handshake—it’s your first impression. Instead of aiming to become a social media celebrity, aim to become a trusted expert. Post content that showcases your knowledge, demonstrates how you solve problems, and builds confidence in your brand. Quality Over Quantity An online profile full of disengaged followers is like a Rolodex of people who never pick up the phone. Focus on building a small, highly engaged community. These are the people who will read your posts, respond to your ideas, and refer your services. Social Media as a Networking Multiplier The best social media strategies mirror what works in real life: authenticity, trust, and meaningful relationships. When your social media presence is built on these principles, you’re not just growing numbers—you’re scaling real opportunities for your business. How do you currently integrate social media into your networking strategy? Let’s exchange ideas in the comments!