Using the Net to Network

Seventy-five percent of American women actively use social networks.

While some only use sites like Facebook to connect with friends and family, others use them to build and manage business contacts.

With social networking, your audience has no boundaries. You can reach out to local professionals or make connections at a global level.

Professional networks, such as LinkedIn and Brave New Talent, narrow the focus and enable users to socialize with a specific purpose.

Maintaining an organized, up-to-date profile is the key to setting yourself apart.

Even in the digital space, first impressions are virtually unforgettable. Your online appearance speaks volumes, so it’s important to ensure your image reflects professionalism.

For MBA student and serial online networker Lindsay Chason, net-networking is the primary way she makes professional contacts. She recommends building your virtual connections three ways:

Local newspaper site

Plug into message boards and communities through local newspaper sites. “You may just find a group that meets regularly in your area that you can network with,” says Chason.

Facebook

“Consider following or ‘liking’ certain groups that you are interested in. Then you will be looped into events and active discussions in real time,” she says.

Meetup

A way to plan niche gatherings from running clubs to professional networking events, “It is a great way to practice online skills and then transfer it to in-person connections,” adds Chason.

Bonus PINK Link: Want more details on successful online networking? PINK has you covered. Read more here.

What online networking techniques got you noticed?

By Shaina Ali

“Technology does not run an enterprise, relationships do.” Patricia Frill