What's your best online networking tip?

Be more interested than interesting. When I connect with other business owners, I always ask how are things going for them. Especially now. I never send links or info without asking if they want to take a look. I’ll usually give them a quick summary of what I offer. When people send me links and don’t even have a conversation, it’s a complete turn off. We’re all human beings here. You wouldn’t ask a woman you just met to marry you, right?

If I’m interested in working with someone or a company, I reach out directly and connect with them. With social media, I engage them in conversation and see if we have any connections. If a company reaches out to me, I’m transparent about what my goals are and if we’re not a fit, I don’t waste their time.

Always be mindful that we each have the same goal.  Keeping our small business not only alive but, thriving.  
Always do exactly what you promise and never be afraid to say, no.  Look for opportunities and win-wins within every conversation.  Perhaps your business cannot help another on a specific item.  That is the time to refer to another small business owner.  Keep the small business community growing by sharing not only your own business information but remember others also have services others need that do not need to be filled by big box stores.  My motto for my Mom & Pop Pharmacy is, "we are the strongest link without the chain" (TM)  This in my opinion separates us from the big chains.  We need to help people remember, we are the backbone of the Community and we need the help of the entire Community to thrive.

My only real tip is NEVER sell online. Try to add value with an interesting article or quote. Determine what the community is entrenched in at the moment and provide real and helpful information that would prompt people to ask you questions or talk to you. You're only real goal with online networking, and also in-person networking, is to build relationships and awareness. 

Just be you...do what you do to serve others unapologetically and make the difference in their life situation that will make all the difference for them.

Show up professionally dressed. So many people are much more relaxed when they network virtually, but don't show up in a bathing suit! 

If your virtual networking is taking place on Zoom, as most are, use the chatbox to not only include your contact information but to have a private conversation with anyone you wish to schedule a one-on-one with. Don't forget to save the chat!

I have tried to help other artists by promoting and sharing their work as much as I promote my own through online networking.  If we all did this, it would help everyone.  

Setup a specific - Online Networking Area - if possible - so you get in the mode of being comfortable on camera in certain space. Make sure the lighting allows for a quality video feed and a good representation of you and your business.  Also, speak a beat or two more slowly than you would in person. We aren't able to process the sound as quickly via online and sometimes the connections are such that the feed isn't instantaneous. This allows your message to come across more clearly and gives everyone a chance to fully process your message. 

Be who you are, whether virtual or in person. The danger of virtual platforms is creating a virtual version of yourself that is not genuine. Connecting in meaningful ways makes for lasting relationships beyond just networking. 

Be truthful and do not try to oversell yourself or products.  Build a good honest relationship.