The benefits of online networking
The benefits of online networking
The events of 2020 saw a huge rise in online working. From 2010-2020, there’s been a 400% increase in the number of employees who work from home at least once a week. The most obvious obstacle with this is the lack of in-person meetings. How can we get to know people and expand our networks without being able to meet with each other?
The answer: online networking. Not only did it solve what quickly became a universal dilemma, but it came with a lot of other benefits too. This blog is going to take you through a few of them.
Connect with more people over a wider area.
One of the great things about the internet is that it’s international. You’re not limited to how far your car can take you. As long as you’ve got a stable internet connection, you can meet with people all over the world. The opportunities to expand your network are huge.
Save time and money.
Being able to network from your own home means you save a lot of money. You no longer have to commute to your weekly networking group. Businesses who use web conferencing can save up to 30% in travel expenses.
Not to mention the time you’ll save travelling as well. All of a sudden you’ve got a much more open timetable with those extra couple of dedicated ‘commute-hours’ a day freed up.
Establish yourself as an authority in your field.
The fact that your network has the scope to be so much bigger online than in the physical world opens you up to more opportunities to build your reputation and share your expertise in your field.
For example, you can build your reputation as an expert by writing guest posts for blogs, contributing to forums, or landing a guest spot on a podcast. Not only does this establish the authority you have in your field, but it also strengthens your network connections, giving you opportunities to collaborate with other professionals and get more referrals.
‘Break the ice’ before an in-person meeting.
Networking meetings can be daunting, especially if it’s your first time. Networking through the screen can take that pressure off slightly, especially for people who are more introverted.
It also means you can get a real sense of what the networking group is like before you physically meet the other members. This could save you time and money if you decide not to go with that group, because you can make the decision without doing any of the travelling. For more tips to help you with your business networking, download our Networking Checklist now.
Want to join an online networking group?
Does it sound like something that would be good for your business? Even when all the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, there’s still going to be a big space in the business world for online networking. Because what it’s about is expanding your network across all over the country, even the world, which online networking lets you do much more easily.
So if you’d like to join an online networking, group, get in touch with In Business today and let’s have a chat.