Networking online: the dos and don'ts
Want to network more effectively online? Follow these tips on what works and what doesn’t.
Networking used to mean showing up in-person– at conferences, industry events, lunches, and dinners. To get in front of the right people often required taking big chunks out of your day, even week.
Today, you can do it all from the comfort of your computer.
Online networking has become the go-to way for professionals to connect and build relationships–and it’s here to stay.
Here’s why:
- Accessibility – easily connect with people worldwide, no matter where you are.
- Convenience – network on your schedule, without the hassle of travel.
- Wider reach – engage with people from diverse industries and backgrounds.
- Cost-effective – save money on travel, event fees, and accommodation.
- Easy follow-ups – stay connected easily via online platforms, webinars, or email.
However, online networking is a skill—and like any skill, it takes practice.
Although platforms like Zoom and LinkedIn are now part of everyday life, many still struggle to build meaningful connections online.
In this blog, we’ll help make virtual networking easier by breaking down the key dos and don’ts of online relationship building.
Whether you’re new to virtual networking or looking to refine your approach, this guide will help you make stronger, more valuable connections.
What is online networking?
Before we dive deeper, let's first define what we mean by online networking.
Online networking refers to connecting, engaging, and building relationships virtually—without the need for in-person meetings.
There are various ways to network virtually:
- Engaging on social media - liking, commenting on and sharing people’s LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and TikTok profiles as well as posting on your own profile and interacting with people's comments.
- Attending webinars and virtual events - participating in industry-relevant discussions or teach-ins and connecting with people in your industry.
- Participating in online courses - convening with the same people regularly and getting to know people with similar interests.
- Hosting virtual coffee chats - reaching out to people in your network who you’d like to get to know more and setting up casual one-to-one chats.
- Joining networking groups in professional organizations - many organizations host meet ups for members. Most CFA Institute local social societies host coffee chats, webinars and other online events for members - for example in the UK, Australia, and India.
Online networking: the dos
Now that we’ve established the various ways to network online, let’s turn to the dos.
- Stay consistent
Like any habit, success comes with repetition. To gain traction on social media for example, showing up regularly makes all the difference. In fact, consistent posters get five times more engagement per post than those who post sporadically. The more people see your name, the more they start to recognize it.
The same goes for being part of a group or course. When you show up consistently, you stay on people’s radar.
- Pick one or two platforms
When it comes to online networking, quality beats quantity. Instead of trying to be everywhere, focus on where your ideal connections are.
Be realistic about how much time you can commit—networking should feel manageable, not overwhelming. Are your people on LinkedIn? In industry forums? Part of a professional group?
It’s better to show up consistently in one or two places with engaging, relevant content than to spread yourself too thin across many.
- Add value
Whether you’re on a video call, in a group meet up or posting on social media, look for ways to add value to your network. Don’t focus solely on promoting yourself.
Did you read an interesting piece of research recently? Have you heard about an upcoming conference? Do you have a fresh perspective to share? The more you contribute, the more you'll stand out and attract the right connections.
- Personalize your outreach
If you're reaching out to someone new, take a moment to send a thoughtful message instead of a default connection request. People are much more likely to respond when they see you've taken the time to send them a personal note.
Consider these two examples: which one would you be more likely to respond to?
❌ "Hi, I see we're in the same line of work. I’d love to connect."
✅ "Hi James, I really enjoyed your latest article on [insert topic], especially your point about [insert interesting point]. I’d love to hear more about the work you’re doing and look forward to following your insights here."
A little effort goes a long way in building meaningful connections.
- Follow up
After a video call or virtual event, always make sure to follow up. Don’t assume someone will remember you off the back of one conversation.
Send a quick message to let them know how much you enjoyed connecting and tell them you hope you can stay in touch. It’s a simple way to turn a one-time interaction into a lasting relationship.
- Be authentic
As with any type of professional communication, authenticity is key. Always be yourself. People can sense when you're being genuine, and when you're not.
Trying to be someone you're not can also lead to mistrust, which can harm your relationships in the long run. Instead, embrace your individuality, and communicate in a way that reflects who you truly are.
- Stay Professional
Even in casual online spaces, it’s important to maintain professionalism in both your tone and content. Keep in mind that anything posted online will be around forever.
Before sharing something, ask yourself: "Is this in line with how I want to be perceived by my professional network?"
You want to make sure you present yourself in the best light possible.
Online networking: the don’ts
Now to the all-important don’ts. Here’s what you should avoid when it comes to online networking:
- Don’t be too salesy
Yes, it’s important to promote your skills and services, but it’s crucial to build authentic relationships first.
Avoid jumping straight into a pitch. Instead, focus on engaging with others by adding value to conversations or sharing useful content.
For example, if there’s a company you’re interested in working for, don’t send cold emails asking for a job. Instead, connect with their team on LinkedIn, attend events they’re at, and engage with their content. Let the relationship develop naturally before discussing potential opportunities.
- Don’t ignore engagement
If someone engages with your posts or reaches out to you, try to reply promptly. You never know where a connection could lead, so avoid leaving people hanging.
If you don’t think the relationship is a good fit, respond politely and let them know. A simple, respectful message can maintain goodwill and leave the door open for future opportunities.
- Don’t be too passive
Online networking requires some level of productivity. Don’t just wait for others to find you—set aside time each day or week to initiate conversations.
If you’re in a group call or meet up, don’t sit back silently. Chip in when appropriate but be mindful of others. But be careful not to dominate the conversation, even if you have lots to say.
- Don’t overshare
Remember that you’re networking for professional growth. Unless you form a close bond with someone, stick to talking about work, industry topics and career-related matters.
Oversharing can sometimes come across as unprofessional, leading to awkwardness. Staying focused on professional topics helps maintain a clear, respectful boundary between personal and work life.
- Don’t say anything too negative or controversial
It’s okay to have an opinion but it’s important to focus on being positive and stay professional. When discussing sensitive or controversial topics, make sure your approach is respectful and constructive.
Negative comments or overly harsh opinions can quickly derail relationships and damage your professional image.
Embrace the online world
When done well, online networking can open doors and connect you with people you may never have had a chance to meet.
But there’s a skill to it, and getting it right could be the difference between a missed opportunity and a valuable connection that takes your career to the next level.
Looking for more networking tips? Check out the rest of the series:
5 common networking mistakes (and how to avoid them)
How to keep you network warm
How to network – no matter your personality type
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