By Darren Gilbert

This is not to say that social media can replace traditional networking. There are no substitutes for face-to-face meetings and get-togethers. However, social media platforms provide an opportunity for anyone to go beyond their limited (offline) connections. But does networking online differ from your traditional methods?

Be as personal as possible

Any effective traditional networking begins with a personal touch. It’s what will draw people in. It’s easy enough when you’re meeting people face-to-face. However, it can be a little harder when you’re chatting to someone over an Internet connection.

That doesn’t mean you should stop being personal. In fact, online, you should be even more so, considering that you only have your words to go by.

“By engaging as personally as possible, you stand out from the vast amount of spam and noise that floods people’s direct messages and timelines,” says Jodene Shaer, online strategist and influencer marketer from Chat Factory.

Danny de Nobrega, co-founder and MD of Kilmer & Cruise agrees: “The traditional ethos of networking still applies within social networks. A pushy hard sell will be about as effective as shouting into an empty room.” At the same time, you could run the risk of reputational harm for yourself as well as your business or client.

Instead, you need to add real value by “giving, sharing and contributing” says De Nobrega. “Share your knowledge and expertise and you’ll be rewarded.”

Connect with purpose

Just as you would put your best foot forward when initiating a conversation in person, it’s important to remember that people are flooded with information online too.

“There is networking mayhem out there, with people forgetting that it should be a one-on-one experience,” says Shaer. “People feel overwhelmed and spammed on a daily basis, so the worst approach to take is to send out bulk networking communication.”

This is why it’s important to connect with purpose.

De Nobrega, agrees, advising that you have clear objectives as well as a strategy to achieve them. “Although the hard sell alienates your community, don’t be afraid to ask for what you want when it comes down to crunch-time. Nobody has time for vagueness.”

At the same time, be proactive in your networking. “As with traditional networking, it doesn’t help if both people stand in the corner and neither makes the move to step forward and connect,” says Shaer. “Being the one to follow or engage first has been the greatest asset to my ever growing online network.”

Prepare for offline engagement

As much as you may have met online, the time will come where you need to meet face-to-face. After all, online networking should be viewed as the foundation for any offline meet-ups you manage to organise.

“Just because your network is developed online doesn’t mean relationships stay there,” writes Monster Tech jobs expert, Allan Hoffman.

Sarah Faulkner, principal at Faulkner Strategic Consulting, agrees in an article on Success.com: “Just connecting with someone on LinkedIn does not a valuable contact make,” she writes. ““If there’s someone you want to learn from, get help from or otherwise has something you want, you must actually talk to the person, preferably face to face.”

In saying that, know what you want from a meeting. “Just remember: A face-to-face meeting requires you to respond without the time afforded by email to craft your message,” writes Hoffman.

Do you like networking online? Do you have any advice for someone who wants to try it? Tell us below.