How Do You Network in Today’s World?

Lately, I’ve been stuck on a serious question...

How do we network in a world that is predominantly virtual?

How do we network in a world where everybody is always on their phones?

How do we network in this world where we can't ascertain people's identity unless we verify on Instagram?

And now that we form our opinions of people based on their online profile (or lack of one) how do we truly connect?

It seems to be easier to talk online than meet people in person. But here's the truth: we need people. Not just virtually. In real life. In real time. We need relationships, not just for business, but for personal well-being.

If the only time you ever interact with others is over Zoom, WhatsApp chats, or Microsoft Teams, your doctor may soon diagnose you with chronic loneliness and cite a long list of studies to prove that we need human community for a good quality of life. Relationships are golden.

So yes, we need people.

We need to connect with them. And in business, people are keys: they open doors and introduce you in rooms you couldn’t enter by yourself.

But how do you do that in this online, please-send-an-email world?

Here’s how:

✅ Get into the right rooms. Physically:

People need to see your face, feel your energy, and hear the conviction in your voice.

That means show up, attend events, conferences, meetups, industry dinners—even if it’s just once in a while.

Position yourself. You never know who’s in the room until you show up.

And before you convince yourself that someone is unreachable or too far above your level, try. You might be surprised how open people are when you show up with authenticity and value.

✅ Keep in touch:

Relationships fade without consistent contact. So, nurture the relationships you form.

After meeting someone, follow up. Send a short message to say it was a pleasure meeting them. Follow their work. Check in from time to time, not just when you need something. You don’t need to be best friends. Just be present. Be thoughtful.

Sometimes, just remembering someone’s birthday or sending them a helpful article can keep a relationship warm.

✅ Let them know what you do:

If people don’t know what you do, they can’t refer you, partner with you, or bring you into the rooms you should be in.

Without being pushy or salesy, make it easy for people to understand how you add value. Maybe it’s sharing your latest work or wins in a conversation. Maybe it’s your bio at an event.

Whatever the case, let your network know your zone of expertise. Help them remember how and why to call your name when opportunity knocks.

✅ Add value without being asked:

You want to stand out in any network? Be the one who helps without keeping score.

Did someone mention they’re struggling with a hiring decision? Send them a relevant resource. Did you hear a podcast that reminds you of a friend’s project? Forward it.

Offer your help. Make useful introductions. You're also someone's network, right? Well, sound their horn too. Celebrate their wins.

Value is the soul of good relationships. When people see you as a giver, not just a taker, they’ll want to keep you around.

✅ Curate your digital presence:

Yes, we're talking about physically networking right now but it's somewhat ingrained in us to check people out online. So come correct on your personal and business pages too. If we type your name or business into Google—who's our very trusted investigation engine these days—let's see something that matches what you said.

Does your LinkedIn page reflect what you actually do? If we scroll through your posts, will we get a feel of what you can do for us? Can someone land on your Instagram or Twitter and feel like they know you?

Your online profile is your digital handshake. Make it firm. Make it warm. Make the page visitor think, “Yeah, I can do business with this person.“

When your real-life and online selves match, it builds trust. And trust is the currency of strong networks.

In conclusion, I’m not saying you should desperately thrust your business card into people's faces with your eyes screaming, “Hire me!”

But I am saying:

• You need to meet people.
• You need to stay in touch with the people you meet.
• You need to cross the virtual line and intentionally connect
• You need to be seen to be remembered.

So start the conversation. Attend that event. Tell someone in church what you do. Tell the parent you meet as you pick up your boy from school. Send that message.

Go.

Go form amazing networks.

Have a great week ahead!

- Nkechi