Original Article By SCORE At TheSelfEmployed.com
The pandemic had a massive impact on all aspects of life. We went through so many changes in a short amount of time. Many businesses switched to remote work to stay afloat, and that was a great idea. However, they also needed to adapt their marketing strategies to this new environment.
Social media is a phenomenal tool that allows us to create our networks of friends and acquaintances. Every respectable business has an online presence, and the global pandemic reminded them how important it is. Therefore, digital networking found its way into brand new marketing strategies.
It doesn’t matter if you are a marketing expert or want to learn how to use digital networking to increase the reach of your business – always put your online safety first. It means using antivirus software, as well as a VPN for Mac or Windows.
After all, you will be spending a lot of time online, and a VPN can provide you with an extra layer of cybersecurity, especially when on the move. Additionally, you may access geo-blocked content, which is a valuable perk.
Without further ado, let’s dive into digital networking!
What is Digital Networking?
You have probably heard of networking before. For instance, attending various events is a great way to meet other people interested in what you or your brand do. You exchange contacts and possibly form a professional relationship that benefits both sides.
Digital networking is not a new term. It started going hand in hand with offline events in the 2010s. Sharing your social media profiles, blog, and website is an excellent way to present yourself or your company and even go international.
But the pandemic created a real digital networking boom, as most businesses and brands realized it might be the only way to build a solid relationship with the audience. And so, digital networking became a must for every successful marketing strategy.
How to Be Good at Digital Networking
While digital networking could look a bit too complicated to some, it all comes down to three steps:
Discover the Contacts
Digital networking starts with discovering contacts that might be interested in what you or your company do. These contacts might be in the same line of work as your business. Essentially, make sure you communicate with each other and are on the same page when it comes to networking.
Build the Network
And now comes the fun part – building a digital network! Interact with people over social media, especially if they are newer contacts. Learn about them and their brand, and move onto more specific topics related to business.
Daily Interaction
Digital networks can grow fast! Maintain the interaction with your contacts, and you will organically bring in more people to you or your brand.
The Availability of Digital Networking
Digital networking is a part of our everyday lives, especially now. It has never been easier to reach someone on the other side of the planet, organize an online event, and share your work with others.
Most of us already have everything we need for digital networking. A smartphone is an essential tool that allows us to connect and build relationships with the audience. Of course, you or your business need to have social media presence nowadays to be seen.
You can start growing your digital network right now with just a couple of taps on your screen. Networking apps are free to use, and building a network of social contacts that could push your brand into the spotlight is not complicated at all, especially if you already have a marketing strategy.
