Professional networking is a great way to meet people, build your skills, and advance your career. But sometimes, networking is only for those who are extroverted or have the resources to attend industry events. Thankfully there are lots of new ways to network that don’t involve leaving your house or having any face-to-face interaction with another human being:
NFC Digital business cards
NFC Digital business cards are for more than just use at conferences. They can be used to network with people you don’t know well or even at all. Tap your phone against the card, and it will automatically transfer your contact information (including social media handles) to theirs. The best part is that they’re easy to use. You don’t have to worry about getting out paper business cards or awkwardly asking someone if they want yours while they’re still holding theirs!
Your social media profiles
- Social media is a great way to professional networking. You’ll start by following people in your industry and then engage with them by commenting on their posts and sharing articles that interest you. Other users will notice that you’ve engaged with them, which can help build rapport and trust and get your name out there.
- The more active you are on social media, the more likely it is that other users will follow or friend you back, and this means building up relationships with like-minded individuals who may be helpful down the road (or even right now).
An app for professional networking
You’ve got a smartphone in your pocket, so why not use it to network?
Here are five modern ways to network:
- NFC digital business cards. This is a great option if you want something new and different. NFC digital business cards use radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to transfer information between two devices when they contact each other. You can download an app from Google Play or Apple’s App Store and start immediately!
- Social media profiles. If you want to update your profile on LinkedIn and Facebook with some fresh content (and maybe even land yourself a job), connect with old friends through the power of social media networks like Twitter or Instagram.
- Online communities and forums. If there’s an online community related to your industry that connects professionals within specific fields of interest, check it out!
Online communities and forums
The internet has created a whole new way to network. You can now connect with others online in ways you couldn’t before, whether through chat rooms, forums, or social media.
One of the best ways to network online is by joining a community that shares your interests. If you are interested in music and run an audio production business, join an online forum dedicated to helping other musicians record their albums.
LinkedIn Groups
LinkedIn Groups are a great way to network with others in your industry. Here’s how you can find the right group for you:
- Search for keywords. You can use LinkedIn’s search feature to find groups that may interest you, such as “social media” or “marketing tips.”
- Search by industry, location, or job title. You can also narrow your search by looking at which industries the group is focused on and where its members live (if they’re local).
There are some new ways to network!
- NFC digital business cards
- What are they? Digital business cards are stored in your smartphone’s contact list. When you scan a person’s card, it automatically adds them to your contact list.
- Why should you use them? They allow people to connect digitally, which can be easier than exchanging physical business cards.
- How do I get them?
Conclusion
I hope that you found this article informative and that it helps you professional networking more effectively. There are many ways to connect, and I encourage everyone to try them all.
