Effective Networking:

May 3

4 Platforms for Authentic Professional Relationships

by Crunch Ranjani

“95% of your success or failure can be predicted based on the kind of people you regularly hang out with. Build your squad and next-level your success.” – Rachel Rodgers, Author, We Should All Be Millionaires

Networking is a powerful tool for any entrepreneur. When done well, it can provide new leads, referrals, opportunities for expansion, and more. However, effective networking is not just about handing out business cards or having 1,500 connections on LinkedIn. In this article, we explore how we can engage in effective networking to create community and build authentic relationships.

The Basics of Effective Networking

Are you more likely to engage with someone who launches directly into a sales pitch? Or do you prefer talking to someone who takes a genuine interest in you and what you have to share?

At its core, effective networking comes down to building authentic relationships with others and surrounding yourself with uplifting, like-minded people. We can also be intentional about reaching out and making new connections to expand our circle. This doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated.

Rather, we can go in with no expectations other than mutual aid and support. When we remove the idea that every person that we speak to is going to become a client or send us a referral, we can approach conversations with more ease and curiosity. This helps us engage more authentically with others. Support your community directly without keeping score and spend time joining and participating in networking groups. Doing so without expectations or a need to see a “Return on Investment” for your efforts can help you become more effective at networking.

Keeping these basics of effective networking in mind, where can you start making authentic connections and cultivating a community around us?

Channel #1: Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are great places to be social and connect with new people. Groups on social media are an excellent opportunity for you to discover like-minded people and connect with other business owners, wellness professionals, and people working in your niche. It can quickly get overwhelming to keep up with too many groups, so be selective and pick a handful to be active and contribute, comment, and connect with others.

Some of Present Moment Media Founder Sumaya’s favorite groups on Facebook are Digital Nomad Girls Community, The Connected Yoga Teacher Group, and Single Parents Who Travel. On LinkedIn, you can search for and join professional networking groups to start expanding your circle. Discord, an instant messaging community platform, is another option. Sumaya personally enjoys Riot Doll Society with Kimra Luna. Beyond these, there are also groups on WhatsApp, Telegram, Clubhouse, Voxer, and more. Joining a few of these groups on a platform you feel comfortable with is an easy way to begin meeting new people and forming connections.

Channel #2: Professional Organizations

Professional organizations have long been a place for business owners and executives to grow their network and they remain relevant even today. Start by finding professional organizations in your niche or that are local to you and connect with other members of the organization. Take advantage of events organized by these organizations to meet more people and share about your business with them.

Some professional organizations operate on a national or international level and you can often find a local chapter close to you to get started. Try checking out your city chamber of commerce or board of trade, or even a yoga or Ayurveda organization if that is your industry or niche. Attend events like business conferences or professional networking events - these can also be found on Meetup or Eventbrite.

Channel #3: Community Organizations

For people wanting to build authentic connections with others, community organizations may be a good option. Local organizations often organize community events and grassroots projects. These are wonderful opportunities to get involved and volunteer your time or expertise and make new community partners.

Apart from non-profit organizations in your niche or industry, community centers and local grassroots organizations are a great starting point to grow your network. Visit your local community center or ask at the library about organizations in need of volunteers. Checking out community notice boards for events you could participate in or even simply letting people around you know you’re interested in joining a grassroots organization could also point you in the right direction to get started.

Channel #4: Virtual Community

Virtual communities have become increasingly popular in the past couple of years. Bringing people together virtually, these communities allow you to connect with people from around the world, usually through meetings via Zoom or other third-party platforms. Virtual communities can be a helpful space for you to brainstorm with your colleagues for ideas and ask members for their feedback on your new offers or upcoming projects and courses. You can also consider getting a virtual accountability partner. Regular meetings with them can help you stay accountable to your goals and have a support system to move forward.

Some online communities have paid memberships like The Lab, by Digital Nomad Girls, and local professional or community organizations may also host a virtual community, such as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) which hosts virtual networking sessions. Try asking your colleagues what professional memberships have been most supportive and helpful to them to find virtual communities with like-minded individuals.

How to Start Networking Effectively

The first and most important thing to keep in mind to network effectively is collaboration, not competition. Always approach networking with the intention of getting to know more about the other person and how you can support and collaborate with them, rather than making it a competition. This will help you start building authentic connections.

Trying to build 3,274 different communities on 191 different platforms all at once can quickly get exhausting. Instead, pick 1-2 communities to join on your preferred platforms and start engaging actively!

Be open to starting new conversations with your colleagues and members of these communities you are joining. Reach out to them and invite them to chat over a virtual or in-person coffee or tea. Always be open to new possibilities!

Last but definitely not least, be mindful of the company you keep. Not everyone has the best intentions or is there to support you. Be intentional with the people you invite into your sphere, and don’t be afraid to hold firm boundaries.

Interested in building authentic relationships with like-minded professionals? Want to learn more about holistic digital marketing & business development? Please feel warmly welcome to join The Lounge, a digital wellness community for change makers like you across the globe. Grow your network by becoming a part of our virtual community. Build referral networks, meet potential new clients, and make new friends -