Building an Online Community in an Increasingly Networked World

These days, networking is less about handshakes and business cards and more about connection and authentic relationships. In my opinion, the old days of networking were more about being seen at the right events by the right people. It didn’t really feel beneficial or impactful in any deep way. And if we’re being honest, the business cards we got from these meetups just ended up in a stack in some forgotten drawer.

With the growth of social media, emerging technologies, and virtual platforms, our worlds have really expanded over the last few years… and along with it, so has the concept of networking. In this post, I’ll discuss the “new era” of networking and talk about why I think companies should encourage their employees to tap into these online opportunities!

Welcome to the “New Era” of Networking

The world has changed and so has networking. Instead of alumni meetups or “lunch and learn” events, people are connecting on LinkedIn or virtual breakout rooms. People are using online networks to bridge gaps and amplify opportunities, which is so much more impactful—especially for those of us navigating the landscape of remote or hybrid work setups.

These digital avenues are more than just an alternative; they are a chance to foster meaningful relationships, share insights across boundaries, and collectively learn in ways that transcend physical constraints. As the professional world continues to evolve, we must embrace virtual networking as a strategy to unlock new doors for growth, collaboration, and success.

Four Ways Companies Can Encourage Online Networking

With my coaching clients, I spend time going over the importance of networking and how to find great networking opportunities, both in-person and online. But I also think it’s extremely important for organizations to create opportunities for their employees to build connections through online networking. Here are some ways they can do that:

#1 - Create a Sense of Belonging and Shared Purpose

Before they feel comfortable branching out into the world of online networking, your employees need to feel a sense of belonging and shared purpose. You want them to walk into these virtual spaces feeling like they can speak on behalf of the organization. You also want them to feel like they can bring anything they’ve learned or any connections they’ve made back to the team.

When you instill confidence and autonomy in your employees, they will feel empowered to show up more, learn more, and do more. And this benefits everyone!

#2 - Leverage Technology for Engagement and Communication

Does your organization have technology in place for teams to communicate virtually with each other? In today's interconnected work environment, these platforms aren’t just about convenience; they’re necessary for productivity and collaboration.

Software like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or even dedicated project management tools have evolved into virtual hubs where ideas spark, feedback flows, and connections flourish. Providing your employees with the right tools for collaboration shows that you want to see them thrive.

#3 - Cultivate Mentorship and Peer Learning Opportunities

In a digital community, professionals from diverse backgrounds and experiences are able to come together and exchange insights, advice, and support. Not only does this create mentorship opportunities, but it also allows for a lateral flow of knowledge (where peers can learn from other peers). These interactions create an ecosystem of growth that can be transformative for all parties, including employers!

#4 - Curate a Live Event

If it’s within your means, consider curating a live event that you can stream online. Whatever your niche, there’s a need for conversation and learning. For example, I’ll be speaking at an event on September 30 specifically for HR leaders. There are so many great events out there!

If curating your own event isn’t in the cards, encourage your employees to attend webinars, conferences, and conventions that are being hosted by outside organizations. What they learn could have an amazing impact on your business and their own future career path!

Conclusion

Building an online community is SO important in our increasingly networked world, and creating an environment where your employees can seek out these opportunities to connect with other like-minded people should be at the top of your priority list.

I believe that it is crucial that employers pay for these kinds of platforms and events and I also think it’s important for job seekers to negotiate this as part of their benefit packages.

If you have any questions about online networking or community building, feel free to reach out to me. I would be more than happy to discuss it with you!