Finding Networking Opportunities in a Virtual World

You don’t need to attend awkward networking events to build connections. Here are 10 ways to network online (from your couch) to land your dream job, mentorship or just to stay in touch: 1. Start with warm calls, not cold DMs Reaching out to strangers is intimidating. So, begin with people you already admire or respect: past colleagues, old classmates, mentors, or anyone you’ve gotten value from. Reach out, share your goals, ask for advice, or simply reconnect. — 2. Build (or join) a 3-6 person mastermind Invite people you admire to check in monthly or quarterly. Ask 3 simple questions in each meeting: • What’s your biggest win? • What’s your biggest challenge? • How can we help each other? This becomes your personal board of advisors, and their networks become yours, too. — 3. Make intros within your own network Instead of always trying to add new people, try connecting two people you already know. It builds goodwill, and often sparks reciprocity. Some of my best opportunities came from introductions I made first. — 4. Be the tortoise, not the hare Strong networks aren’t built in a week. They come from consistency, trust, and staying top of mind. Check in. Celebrate small wins. Be helpful, even without asking for anything.  — 5. Send snail mail Want to stand out in a sea of LinkedIn messages? Send a handwritten card or even a fun comic with a note. The person will always remember your “extra” effort. — 6. Elevate the interaction • Only chatted with someone online? Try a call. • Had a few calls? Try a Zoom meeting. • Know them over Zoom? Meet up in person. Each upgrade strengthens the connection. — 7. Pick one platform to dominate Instead of being everywhere, go deep somewhere. For example, if it’s LinkedIn: • Endorse people • Write thoughtful comments • Share niche insights your network actually values   This depth pays off more than shallow visibility. — 8. Curate, don’t just connect Curate the best insights, tools, or articles in your niche, and share them regularly. You’ll become a trusted source people keep coming back or referring to. — 9. Do something fun together Shared activities build bonds. This could be as simple as playing a game, joining a sweepstakes, or co-hosting a webinar.  People remember who made them feel something. — 10. Swipe right (yes, really) Apps like Shapr or Invitly are designed for warm outreach — you match with people who want to meet others. It’s cold networking without the awkwardness. Networking isn’t about pitching. It’s about planting seeds. Start with one person. Reach out. Reconnect.  Then keep showing up, helping others, and making connections that count.

Applying online is one of the slowest ways to land a job, so try this instead: Digital Proximity. This means being virtually near people at companies you want to work for and getting to know them. It's about building genuine connections in the digital space where these professionals spend their time. Here's how to leverage Digital Proximity: 🍊 Identify your target companies and the key people within them. 🍊 Research which online platforms these individuals frequent - whether it's LinkedIn, Slack, Discord, industry forums, or niche Facebook groups. 🍊 Engage meaningfully with them. Ask questions, share insights, and contribute to discussions. 🍊 Gradually build authentic relationships through thoughtful interactions and direct messages. Your next job is more likely to come through a person than a database. So by focusing on building relationships, you're not just seeking a job - you're creating a network that can propel your entire career forward. This approach requires more creativity and initiative than traditional job hunting, but is faster. You'll gain industry insights, expand your professional network, and position yourself for opportunities that may never be publicly advertised. And if you're ready to land more job offers your job search, I've created a free Job Shopping class that dives deeper into this strategy and other innovative job-seeking techniques. You'll find the link in the comments below! Have you ever used this type of strategy before? #Networking #JobSearch #CareerTips #Inspiration

Did you know that up to 70% of job openings are never advertised online? (It's called the “Hidden Job Market", and how you can tap into it) The "Hidden Job Market" is where many great roles are filled through referrals, networking, and internal recommendations. Here’s how you can tap into these hidden opportunities and uncover roles that others may never see: 1. Leverage Your Network: Reach out to former colleagues, friends, and mentors. Ask them about opportunities within their organizations or fields. Often, companies prefer to hire people recommended by trusted employees! 2. Engage on LinkedIn: Engage with content from companies or leaders in your target industry. Comment thoughtfully, share posts, and connect with recruiters. Consistent interaction can put you on their radar before a role is even posted. 3. Connect with Recruiters: Many recruiters keep a "talent pipeline" of candidates. Build connections, have informal chats, and stay in touch. When a relevant role opens up, you could be the first they think of. 4. Attend Industry Events: Webinars, conferences, and virtual meet-ups are full of hiring managers and professionals who know of internal openings. Strike up conversations, and you may learn about opportunities in advance. 5. Join Professional Groups: LinkedIn groups, alumni networks, and industry-specific forums often post job leads and insider tips. These groups are gold mines for networking and finding unadvertised roles. 6. Cold Outreach: Don’t be afraid to message hiring managers or department heads. Express interest in their team and ask to be considered for future openings. A personalized message shows initiative and can make a lasting impression. Here are the most important networking resources to help you find your next job: 1. Meetup - www.meetup.com 2. Luma - https://lu.ma 3. Fishbowl - www.fishbowlapp.com 4. Blind - www.teamblind.com 5. Iscicle - https://iscicle.com BONUS: Check out BuildML and Break Into Data to find network with Data Science folks. Lastly, remember that being proactive can open doors to roles you’d never see in a job search. Be intentional, consistent, and genuine, and you’ll be surprised at the opportunities that come your way. May you find the right opportunity soon. All The Best! P.S: I post job search tips and resources. Connect with me for FREE resources every week.