How Online Networking Can Help Shape Your Business

Have you ever noticed how one simple comment online can turn into an unexpected opportunity?

It happens more often than you think — when you know how to network intentionally.

In one of our Global Business Networking LIVE Online sessions, Peter Abrahamsen and I talked about exactly that: how online networking can shape your business in ways you never planned.

Peter shared how a single introduction opened doors in industries he hadn’t even imagined working with.

And that’s the beauty of networking done strategically — you never know who’s watching, listening, or ready to connect until you show up with clarity and purpose.

But most people don’t know how to use online networking strategically.

They join groups.

They attend meetings.

They post.

Yet, nothing changes.

So, let’s fix that.

Here’s how to turn online networking into a business-shaping strategy — one that opens doors you didn’t even know existed.

1. Shift from Networking for Contacts → to Networking for Connection

Here’s the biggest mistake most business owners make: they network to collect people, not to connect with them.

When you chase numbers — attendees, followers, or LinkedIn connections — your visibility becomes shallow.

True business growth happens when your visibility is strategic — when people remember who you are, not just what you do.

How to do this:

• Ask better questions when meeting others.
• Look for how your expertise complements theirs, not how they can “help” you.
• Be curious, not promotional.

Remember: connection builds trust, and trust opens doors.

2. Be Seen LIVE — Because Visibility Creates Credibility

In a crowded digital world, being visible once isn’t enough.

You need to be remembered often — and that requires showing up live.

That’s why, inside Global Business Networking LIVE Online, every session is streamed directly on LinkedIn.

Members introduce themselves in real time, reach new audiences beyond the room, and gain visibility with people who’d never attend a typical Zoom call.

How to do this:

• Participate in events that are streamed publicly.
• Introduce yourself with confidence and clarity — highlight who you help and how you do it differently.
• Repurpose that appearance: share replays, tag others, and keep the conversation going.

Your visibility multiplies when your message travels beyond the meeting room.

3. Treat Networking as Part of Your Marketing Strategy

Online networking isn’t a social activity.

It’s a marketing system — when done intentionally.

When I first discovered networking decades ago, it completely transformed my business.

One Chamber of Commerce meeting turned into an entire customer base.

The lesson?

Networking done well is marketing — with a human heartbeat.

How to do this:

• Plan what you want to achieve before each session (visibility, collaboration, or learning).
• Prepare a 45-second introduction that positions you clearly.
• Follow up within 24 hours of every connection — with a genuine, value-based message.

Networking only works when it’s consistent, planned, and purpose-driven.

…and if you’d like to know more about a great intro, check out this post, click here

 

4. Combine Online and Offline Networking for Maximum Reach

Peter and I agreed in our discussion: the magic happens when you blend both worlds.

Your online visibility builds recognition; your local interactions build personal trust. Together, they create authority.

How to do this:

• Use online networking to meet globally diverse professionals.
• Use local events or LinkedIn Local meetups to strengthen trust in person.
• Cross-promote — mention your global network in local conversations and vice versa.

That’s how you turn small introductions into big opportunities.

5. Be Consistent — Because Networking Is a Long Game

• Networking is like planting seeds. Not all sprout overnight, but when you nurture them — through follow-up, value-sharing, and consistent visibility — your business grows organically.
• In every Global Business Networking LIVE Online session, I remind members that the results of today’s conversations often appear months later.

But they do appear — when you show up consistently, intentionally, and authentically.

How to do this:

• Schedule networking as a recurring activity in your calendar.
• Keep showing up even when results aren’t immediate.
• Value each introduction as a potential door — not just a name.

Because consistency builds familiarity, and familiarity breeds trust.

In Summary

Online networking, when done strategically, doesn’t just grow your contact list — it shapes your business.

It expands your visibility, sharpens your message, and connects you with people who open doors you never expected to find.

If you’ve been posting on LinkedIn and not seeing results, maybe it’s time to stop trying to be everywhere — and start being seen strategically, with people who matter.

Ready to Experience the Difference?

If you understand that real business growth comes through trusted relationships and global visibility — not random connections — here’s your next step.

Join our next Global Business Networking LIVE Online event and experience how strategic networking turns conversations into collaborations, opportunities, and clients.

See how to gain your Guest Pass below this post.

You see, no matter how advanced technology becomes, business still grows through human connection.

And when you network globally — intentionally and visibly — you’re not just expanding reach.

You’re building authority, trust, and clients.