Photo by Nicola Styles via Unsplash
Everyone's constantly online now, right? So, what's a better time to develop new relationships with people in our respective industries than when we are more connected virtually than ever? Spoiler: there really isn't a better time.
On this week's episode of my IGTV series, Network From Home, I FaceTimed with my friend Cortne Bonilla, who currently works at Vox Media and previously at Refinery29, Moda Operandi, Harper's Bazaar, and more (and surprise! We met through Instagram). She shares all the tips she’s learned from using social media as a networking tool and her best advice for fostering virtual connections. Here's what she suggests for turning social media connections into real-life connections.
1. Network before you need to network
- Interact with their posts
- Show interest in the person by asking them questions about what they do
- Compliment them on things other than their work
Reminder: Worst case scenario you don't get a response, they don't follow you back, or they simply say they don't have the time.
2. Develop relationships without expectation
That's not to say you shouldn't network when you do need something but at that point, you don't want to set high expectations. It's great to make connections at any point but you also don't want it to be a one-sided relationship in which you are only taking from them and not giving anything in return.
3. Keep initial interactions light
Too many compliments or messages before you have an established relationship may come across as a bit pushy and end up cutting the connection before it even begins. Avoid constant messages or follow-ups and just be chill about it — if they haven't responded it's likely because they've been busy or got side-tracked. Don't take it personally or overthink it.
4. Follow the "rules" of professional DMs
- Keep them appropriate
- Don't send them constantly, especially if you haven't even received a response
- Ask if they prefer to connect via email and then get their email address
5. Don't follow and unfollow those who don't follow you back
If you follow someone and they don't follow you back immediately, don't unfollow them. Follow the networking tips above (tip #1: interact, show interest, compliment, and #5: DM) to begin natural exchanges. Eventually, once you have a rapport, they'll probably follow you back.
6. Practice "mindful engagement"
This is key, Cortne shares, because if you're too pushy or forward it'll be a turnoff. Going overboard with comments and DMs will go from professional and friendly to inappropriate and weird really quickly. Use your best judgment to set boundaries.
7. Look for new people to follow in your industry
- See who your industry friends are following
- Check mastheads or author pages to look up writers whose work you read
- Find your favorite companies' LinkedIn pages to discover employees to connect with on social media
8. Use Twitter to engage more one on one without having to DM
9. Ask your new industry friends to connect over Zoom, FaceTime, or even coffee (post-pandemic or outdoors)
10. If people in your industry tend to interact less on Instagram or Twitter, connect on LinkedIn.
11. Use LinkedIn as a tool to find things to bond with future connections over
12. Join relevant LinkedIn and Facebook networking groups
13. Remember that "people respect boldness because most people aren't bold."
Check out my IGTV to watch the full interview with Cortne Bonilla.
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