Has networking changed in the digital age? For most of us, yep. In today’s digital age, we all have access to the world literally at our fingertips. But there is one thing that has not changed since the invention of the internet: people still need other people. To be successful in business, you need to build relationships with others who can help you get ahead. And that means you have to embrace networking. Networking is about taking the time to get to know others and building meaningful relationships with them over time. Sometimes even becoming friends.

Networking is a big word

Networking is a big word for something we all do. It’s the act of creating relationships and connections with other people, many of whom you may not know well at first. You can network with anyone: your friends, family members or colleagues; people in your community; or even strangers from around the world.

Networking is not just for job seekers or professionals–it applies to everyone! People who consider themselves introverts often think they cannot network effectively because they don’t like to talk about themselves or sell their skills and experience on a regular basis (or at all). However, this isn’t true–you can learn how to network even if you’re an introvert by focusing on helping others rather than talking about yourself all the time.

Networking can also be done virtually through online platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook groups where professionals share ideas with each other regularly.  However some people do prefer face-to-face interactions over virtual ones.

How to network in today’s digital age

LinkedIn is a great place to start. That’s because it’s the most professional social network out there, and it allows you to connect with people who can help you advance your career or business. You should use LinkedIn as an opportunity not only to build your own professional network, but also as a way of offering help and advice in your field of expertise.

LinkedIn is also useful if you’re looking for work–especially if you’re new in town or have recently changed jobs (or are thinking about changing jobs). If someone sees something on their feed that catches their eye and seems interesting, they can easily reach out. You have options.  Such via email or text message. You can also call and set up an informational interview versus just one conversation through text message or email alone.

^{Also read: How Networking Helped Me Achieve My Health Goals}

The importance of networking in the workplace

Networking is a way to build relationships with others. It’s a great way to find a job, find new clients for your business, or even just learn about opportunities that might be coming up in the future.

If you’re looking for work and have no idea where to start, networking can help! You can meet people who know someone who is hiring at their company or who may be able to refer you once they see how great of an employee/contractor/freelancer (you get the picture) you’d be. They won’t know anything about you unless you tell them.

Networking also helps when starting out as an entrepreneur because it gives entrepreneurs access to other entrepreneurs who already understand what they’re going through and can offer advice on how best implement ideas into practice successfully without wasting time or money doing so incorrectly.”

Take the time to build relationships with others, because it pays off both personally and professionally.

Networking is a great way to learn about other people, especially those in your industry. You may find that one person has the answer to a question you’ve been struggling with or can recommend someone who can help you out. They may even be able to give advice on how to better market yourself or improve your skill set.

Networking also allows you the opportunity to meet new clients, collaborators and friends. If a person likes what they see in you as an individual, they might decide they want to work with or hire you–or at least connect with others who do so!

Wrapping It Up

The bottom line is that networking is an important part of your personal and professional life. Whether it’s meeting new people at a conference, connecting with colleagues at work or making new friends in your neighborhood, there are many ways to get involved! We hope this article has given you some ideas on how to start building those relationships today.

If you enjoyed this blog, please share it. If you’re feeling generous buy me a coffee.☕️

Stop Leaving Money on the Table with Connect & Convert: The Networking Follow-Up Mastery Toolkit. This exclusive toolkit is your secret weapon to turn fleeting connections into powerful partnerships. It’s a step-by-step system that will help you network successfully. Order your toolkit today!

^{Also read: Top 20 Networking Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)}

Twanna Carter, PhD, ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), is a career coach and relationship coach for Twanna Carter Professional & Personal Coaching, LLC. She is a career coach dedicated to empowering Black women leaders, helping them achieve their career goals. With more than 20+ years of experience, Dr. Twanna is recognized as an expert in leadership, personal development, business strategy, career development, and lifestyle balance.  Helping professional women navigate change and uncertainty by providing them with the tools and strategies they need to be successful.

---

Curated Reads: Essential Books to Add to Your Personal Library 

1. Melaninated Magic: 180 Affirmations to Nurture Your Soul and Unleash Your Black Girl Joy by Twanna Carter, PhD
2. “I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace (Successful Black Business Women)“, Elizabeth Leiba.
3. “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler.
4. “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” by Robert B. Cialdini.
5. “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie.
6. “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg.
7. “Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown.
8. “The Memo“, by Minda Harts.
9. “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones“, by James Clear
10. “Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life“, by Jamie Kern Lima

Read these next…

• 
  The Truth About Executive Coaches: Are They Worth the Money?
  In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure work environment, being an executive often feels like walking a tightrope. You’re expected to lead with confidence, navigate… Read more: The Truth About Executive Coaches: Are They Worth the Money?
• 
  The Silent Career Killer: How Imposter Syndrome Shows Up in Leadership
  Even the Most Successful Executives Secretly Struggle with This… Have You Ever Felt Like You Don’t Deserve Your Success? You walk into… Read more: The Silent Career Killer: How Imposter Syndrome Shows Up in Leadership
• 
  Unlock Your True Leadership Potential: The Secret to Thriving in High-Stakes Roles
  Did you know that 42% of women leaders report burnout, struggling to balance high-pressure careers with personal fulfillment? For Black women in… Read more: Unlock Your True Leadership Potential: The Secret to Thriving in High-Stakes Roles
• 
  The Invisible Leader: Why High-Achievers Often Go Unnoticed
  Have You Ever Felt Invisible at Work? Like an Invisible Leader? You’re the one everyone relies on. You lead teams, solve problems,… Read more: The Invisible Leader: Why High-Achievers Often Go Unnoticed
• 
  How to Know It’s Time to Leave a Job: 5 Clear Signs   
  Deciding whether it’s time to leave a job can feel like standing at a crossroads, unsure which path will lead to growth,… Read more: How to Know It’s Time to Leave a Job: 5 Clear Signs   
• 
  Leverage Your Transferable Skills for a Career Transition – Learn How to Pivot Without Starting Over  
  Considering a career transition but worried about starting from scratch? The truth is, you don’t have to! Your transferable skills—those versatile abilities… Read more: Leverage Your Transferable Skills for a Career Transition – Learn How to Pivot Without Starting Over  
• 
  📉Avoid the Layoff Trap! How to Check an Employer’s Financial Health
  Landing a new job offer can be exciting, but before signing that contract, there’s a critical question to ask: Is this company’s… Read more: 📉Avoid the Layoff Trap! How to Check an Employer’s Financial Health
• 
  Empowering Black Women Executives to Thrive in Leadership
  From Barriers to Breakthroughs for Black Women Executives Let’s face it: climbing the corporate ladder as a Black woman isn’t just about… Read more: Empowering Black Women Executives to Thrive in Leadership
• 
  Struggling to Change Careers? This 8-Step System Makes It EASY!
  You Deserve a Career That Aligns with Your Worth Does this sound familiar? ✔️ You’ve built a successful career, but now you… Read more: Struggling to Change Careers? This 8-Step System Makes It EASY!
• 
  Time Blocking 101: Stress-Busting Productivity Hacks You Can’t Ignore
  You’re sitting at your desk, already five minutes late for a meeting, with emails piling up, deadlines looming, and your phone buzzing… Read more: Time Blocking 101: Stress-Busting Productivity Hacks You Can’t Ignore
• 
  What Is Mental Fitness: Why It’s the Key for Our Well-Being
  Imagine this: You’re preparing for a high-stakes board meeting. Deadlines are looming, emails are flooding in, and your team is looking to… Read more: What Is Mental Fitness: Why It’s the Key for Our Well-Being
• 
  How to Identify Your Time Wasters and Eliminate Them Fast
  Have you ever ended the day exhausted but with little to show for it? Your to-do list still has unchecked tasks, and… Read more: How to Identify Your Time Wasters and Eliminate Them Fast