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!

Conclusion

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–and don’t forget: there are plenty of resources available online if you want more information (like checking out my Youtube video below about Networking Strategies for Career Growth and Empowerment).

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

The Importance of Networking in Today’s Digital Age

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.

Recommended Books

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