Online networking can be a powerful tool for building relationships, expanding your professional circle, and growing your business. But just like in-person events, it comes with its own set of unwritten rules. Whether you’re hopping on a Zoom call 💻, joining a Facebook group 📱, or interacting on LinkedIn, how you present yourself online can make or break a connection.
In the fast-paced digital world 🌍, first impressions happen in an instant, and standing out for the right reasons is key. From keeping things professional to fostering genuine connections 🤝, a few simple steps can take your networking game to the next level.
Ready to level up your online networking skills? 🚀 Let’s dive into the 5 essential etiquette tips that will help you leave a lasting, positive impression on your next virtual encounter.
Table of Contents
Come Prepared
One of my favourite business mantras? “Fail to Prepare, Then Prepare to Fail.” 💥 It’s not just a cute saying—it’s so true. Because when you’ve put in the time to prepare, your chances of success skyrocket. And guess what? The same goes for networking! 🎯
To get the best results from your online networking meetings, you’ve got to show up ready. That means having a crystal-clear understanding of your business goals, core values, vision, and mission. These are your non-negotiables and should form the foundation of what you talk about when it’s time for your big moment—aka your elevator pitch. 🗣️ Keep it sharp, snappy, and straight to the point. No one has time for waffle!
And let’s be real—showing up late to a networking meeting is a big no-no. If you’re regularly rolling in halfway through, you’re sending out major “I’m unreliable” vibes. 🚫 Not a good look! Avoid the embarrassment by popping that meeting into your digital diary. Let it ping you a reminder 10 minutes before, so you can stroll in cool, calm, and collected. A few minutes of prep can save your rep! 🕒✨
Be Courteous
One of my biggest pet peeves? When inconsiderate networkers ramble on and on like they’re the only ones in the room—totally oblivious to everyone else. 😤 Online networking usually runs on a tight schedule, and it’s the host’s job to make sure everyone gets their moment to shine. But, of course, there’s always that one person who takes a 1-minute pitch and turns it into a 5-minute self-obsessed monologue. Frankly, it’s just selfish. 🤷♀️
You can spot these types a mile away—the ones who butt into conversations and talk over you like it’s their personal show. They’re all ego and no interest in anyone else, pushing the hard sell while ignoring the fact that networking is about building relationships, not dominating the room. So, word of advice: don’t be that networker. Seriously, just don’t be a dick. 🙅♀️
Instead, be mindful of time ⏳ and when you’re in a break-out room, make sure everyone gets their fair share of time to speak. Be friendly, smile 😁, and show genuine interest in what others do. Respect goes both ways, and when you give it, you’ll get it back tenfold—which will do wonders for your business in the long run! 🙌
Don’t Be Too Salesy
The biggest misconception about networking? That it’s a place to sell, sell, sell—wrong! 🚫 When someone tries to pitch to me right off the bat, especially in our first introduction, it gives me major ick vibes and flashes a big ol’ red flag 🚩. Networking isn’t about making quick sales; it’s about making genuine connections.
The real formula for successful networking? It’s all about the ‘know, like, trust’ model (aka KLT). The KLT model is a powerful marketing concept that’s more important than ever. Your job in networking isn’t to be a pushy salesperson, but to help others get to know, like, and trust you. People don’t buy from strangers—they buy from brands they believe in. So, ditch the sleazy salesman act because nothing turns people off faster. 💨
Instead, focus on asking deeper, more meaningful questions like, “What inspired you to start your business?” or “What’s the story behind your business name?” You can even throw in non-business-related questions to get to know people on a human level. When you connect with someone authentically, you’re not just another face—they’ll remember you. 💡
Stay Engaged
This is by far the BIGGEST etiquette tip I need to hammer home because, honestly, there’s nothing worse than being stuck in a Zoom break-out room with someone who’s clearly distracted and showing zero interest in what you have to say. 🙄
Not long ago, I had the displeasure of trying to engage with someone who was clearly checked out. She thought it was totally fine to reply to emails, answer her phone, scoff her breakfast, and even file paperwork during the call! Like, why even bother showing up?! You wouldn’t dare do this in an in-person meeting, so what makes it OK to do it online? Spoiler alert: it’s not. It’s fcking* rude! 😡
This person completely ignored the ‘know, like, trust’ model and left me with zero interest in her or her business. Am I gonna like her? Nope! Am I gonna trust her? Absolutely not. Will I refer her? Definitely not! In fact, she probably lost herself business because of that careless attitude. So, if you take anything away from me today, let it be this: stay engaged! 🙏 Even if you’re bored senseless, at least make eye contact, fake a smile 😃, and throw in a nod now and then to show you’re listening. It makes all the difference!
Be Authentic
As an empathic business owner, I can instantly tell whether someone’s showing up to an online networking meeting with good or bad intentions. 😏 Sure, we all know the ultimate goal of networking is to grow our business and make money—but it goes way deeper than that. If you’re just thinking “What can they do for me?” you’re already missing the point. 🙅♀️
Networking is about more than just advancing your business—it’s about expanding your horizons and learning from others. It’s not about collecting a bunch of superficial connections like trophies on a shelf. Don’t just link up with people who you think can serve you. Instead, make genuine connections with those you can help or learn from. Trust me, that kind of authentic connection will do more for your business than any hard sell ever could.
The secret to fast-tracking your business growth? Just be you and show up authentically every time. 🪄 When you’re genuine, you’ll build a community of like-minded people who want to connect, learn, grow—and, yes—refer you. That’s where the magic happens! ✨
Do You Love Online Networking?
Networking is a bit like Marmite—you either love it or you hate it. 🍞❤️🙅♀️ But when done right, it’s an absolute powerhouse in your business plan. Sure, there are always a few female entrepreneurs out there giving networking a bad name (looking at you, etiquette offenders 🫣), but don’t let the silly few put you off! Networking has been a game changer in growing my business and meeting new clients. 💼✨
Not everyone starts out as a natural networker—and that’s totally OK! It takes time, practice, and sometimes just a shift in mindset to make networking work for you. It can definitely grow on you once you get the hang of it. 🌱
So, I’m curious—what do you think of networking? Love it, hate it, or somewhere in between? Drop me a comment below! 👇 I’d love to hear your thoughts!
…
Follow for more tips & tricks…👇✨
Instagram | The Canva Coven | YouTube | Newsletter
∞
