Online Networking Events

You don’t need to attend awkward networking events to build connections. Here are 10 ways to network online (from your couch) to land your dream job, mentorship or just to stay in touch: 1. Start with warm calls, not cold DMs Reaching out to strangers is intimidating. So, begin with people you already admire or respect: past colleagues, old classmates, mentors, or anyone you’ve gotten value from. Reach out, share your goals, ask for advice, or simply reconnect. — 2. Build (or join) a 3-6 person mastermind Invite people you admire to check in monthly or quarterly. Ask 3 simple questions in each meeting: • What’s your biggest win? • What’s your biggest challenge? • How can we help each other? This becomes your personal board of advisors, and their networks become yours, too. — 3. Make intros within your own network Instead of always trying to add new people, try connecting two people you already know. It builds goodwill, and often sparks reciprocity. Some of my best opportunities came from introductions I made first. — 4. Be the tortoise, not the hare Strong networks aren’t built in a week. They come from consistency, trust, and staying top of mind. Check in. Celebrate small wins. Be helpful, even without asking for anything.  — 5. Send snail mail Want to stand out in a sea of LinkedIn messages? Send a handwritten card or even a fun comic with a note. The person will always remember your “extra” effort. — 6. Elevate the interaction • Only chatted with someone online? Try a call. • Had a few calls? Try a Zoom meeting. • Know them over Zoom? Meet up in person. Each upgrade strengthens the connection. — 7. Pick one platform to dominate Instead of being everywhere, go deep somewhere. For example, if it’s LinkedIn: • Endorse people • Write thoughtful comments • Share niche insights your network actually values   This depth pays off more than shallow visibility. — 8. Curate, don’t just connect Curate the best insights, tools, or articles in your niche, and share them regularly. You’ll become a trusted source people keep coming back or referring to. — 9. Do something fun together Shared activities build bonds. This could be as simple as playing a game, joining a sweepstakes, or co-hosting a webinar.  People remember who made them feel something. — 10. Swipe right (yes, really) Apps like Shapr or Invitly are designed for warm outreach — you match with people who want to meet others. It’s cold networking without the awkwardness. Networking isn’t about pitching. It’s about planting seeds. Start with one person. Reach out. Reconnect.  Then keep showing up, helping others, and making connections that count.

LinkedIn is now breaking down where your content views actually come from. 📊 The platform has rolled out new metrics that show how many impressions come from within your network (followers and connections) versus outside of it (people discovering your content through the Feed, recommendations, reshares, and Search). You can find this breakdown in the Discovery section under Impressions. Why this matters: Impressions alone have always been a blunt metric. Two posts can generate the same reach, but one might be reinforcing existing relationships while the other is reaching entirely new audiences. These new insights help clarify where your visibility is actually coming from, which is especially important because success on LinkedIn isn’t one-size-fits-all. 🤝 For relationship-driven users: In-network reach may matter more, since you’re strengthening existing connections and credibility. 🎯 For creators and thought leaders: Out-of-network reach is a key signal that your content is breaking into new audiences and expanding your influence. By understanding which topics and formats perform within your network versus beyond it, you can make more intentional decisions about your content strategy. This is part of LinkedIn’s broader push to expand post-level analytics, following updates like visibility into saves, shares via message, and post-driven profile visits and follower growth. And with more brand-creator partnerships happening on the platform, these signals also give marketers a clearer view into how creators perform beyond just surface-level impressions. Anyone noticing any early patterns in their in-network vs out-of-network reach yet?

“Are you Karla?” Someone asked me that in my gym in Bali. But it’s also happened: → On a street in Manchester → In a bathroom in Amsterdam → At a wedding in Valencia → And again, in London, Paris and Glasgow Being recognised on the other side of the world is a surreal feeling 🥹 But every time it’s happened, it’s been because of one thing: Showing up on LinkedIn and building a meaningful & strategic personal brand. Each of them recognised me from photos. They had read my posts. And knew parts of my story. They were aware of my business journey. My marketing knowledge & expertise. My ADHD. My love for health and wellness. Where I've been- and where I'm going. When they saw me in real life, they felt like they already knew me. It opened the door for conversation. And immediately built trust and connection. That’s the halo effect in action. In psychology, when someone forms a positive impression in one area... They subconsciously assume you're credible in others too. It’s a powerful cognitive bias that works in your favour. Here's how I've seen it compound: → I share authentic, story-driven content → That builds emotional connection and authority online → When people meet me IRL, there's already trust → They feel safe enough to: Say hi, ask questions, share their own stories → Then they go back online and engage even deeper → That builds a stronger connection → And creates more inbound opportunities (from them directly or through referrals) That’s why building a personal brand is such a valuable business asset. It takes you from: > Silent lurker / unknown founder To: > Someone your dream clients already recognise & resonate with That’s why I don’t work with clients who just want virality. Trends and overused templates can get attention. But they rarely build connection. Emotion sells, so make people feel something. Don't believe me? The cold, hard data doesn’t lie: System1 found that emotional advertising is twice as effective as rational. It’s exactly why every LinkedIn strategy I create includes: • Real, raw storytelling • Intentional positioning • Deep emotional resonance • Value-led content that shows, not tells Client example of the halo effect in action: A founder of a high-growth agency spoke on stage at Cannes. It completely elevated their personal brand. Their ICP were: - Tagging them in posts - Engaging with older content - Visiting their LinkedIn profile - Connecting with & DM'ing them - Sending them PR & business opportunities Their offline presence fuelled their online credibility. And their online content pre-sold their value IRL. = true amplification and authority So if you're building a personal brand... Don’t just aim to “perform” online. Aim to connect online offline. Because perception comes first. With it comes trust, opportunities and growth! P.s. book recommendation: ‘Key Person of Influence’ by Daniel Priestly

I think we’re measuring the wrong stuff… and it’s quietly killing momentum. 2026 has to be the year we fix it. Impressions. Clicks. MQLs. “Engagement.” The real game is happening in DMs, Slack threads, forwarded newsletters, and meetings. Here are 6 metrics I’d focus on in 2026 GTM (and why they matter). 1) Conversations → conversions What it is: Of the conversations your content starts, how many turn into a real next step (intro, meeting, opp). Why it matters: Content doesn’t “generate leads.” It generates conversations. Pipeline comes from what you do next. How to track: Tag every inbound convo (DM/email/reply) and mark the outcome: no fit / nurture / meeting / opp. 2) REAL ICPs engaging with content What it is: Not “engagement.” Engagement from the right people (titles, seniority, company tier, intent). Why it matters: 1 CFO at a target account > 1,000 random likes. How to track: Maintain an ICP list (titles + account tiers) and measure: % of engagers who match ICP of target accounts engaged per week repeat ICP engagers (X touches in 30 days) 3) Brand mentions inside ICP-relevant conversations What it is: How often your brand comes up when your ICP is discussing the problem you solve (not when you post). Why it matters: This is the difference between “content that performs” and a brand that gets recommended. How to track: Collect signals: customer calls (“we heard about you from…”), community moderators, partner chatter, dark social screenshots, and sales intel. Even a simple monthly “mention log” works. 4) Conversation velocity What it is: The speed from publish → first qualified conversation, and from convo → meeting. Why it matters: Velocity is the earliest indicator your messaging is landing. If it’s slow, you’re not sharp enough yet. How to track: time-to-first-ICP-convo after a post/report time-to-meeting after first touch “conversation depth” score (comment → DM → problem share → meeting ask) 5) Brand + category position What it is: Are you being associated with a clear “lane” (category/point of view) or just “a vendor who posts”? Why it matters: In 2026, positioning is distribution. If people can’t summarize your POV in one sentence, you’re invisible. How to track: Quarterly “message recall” check: ask prospects/customers: “What do we do?” “What do we believe?” “What are we known for?” 6) Dark social + word-of-mouth What it is: The off-platform sharing that actually drives deals: forwards, screenshots, Slack drops, “my friend sent me this.” Why it matters: A huge percentage of B2B buying happens in private. If your GTM can’t see dark social, you’re flying blind. How to track: “How did you find us?” (mandatory field) inbound screenshots / Slack mentions private replies after posts If your 2026 GTM dashboard doesn’t include conversations, ICP quality, dark social, and category position, it’s going to keep optimizing for attention… while someone else captures intent.

If you want to grow on LinkedIn, focus less on collecting connections and more on building meaningful ones. Most people treat LinkedIn like a numbers board: “Let me hit 10,000 connections.” But the truth is- growth comes from depth, not quantity. Here’s what actually helps you build worthy, long-term connections 👇 1️⃣ Stop sending cold requests. Start sending context. “Hi, let’s connect” rarely works. A simple one-line reason why you want to connect- changes everything. People respond to intention, not randomness. 2️⃣ Comment before you connect. Thoughtful comments get noticed faster than connection requests. Engage with their posts, add a real perspective, that’s how you become memorable. 3️⃣ Share value consistently. People connect with those who help them grow. Share insights, experiences, frameworks, mistakes, lessons, and value build credibility. 4️⃣ Reach out without expecting anything. The best relationships start with curiosity, not demands. Don’t lead with “Please refer me” or “I need a job.” Start a conversation. Opportunities follow naturally. 5️⃣ Be patient and consistent. Meaningful networks don’t grow overnight. A few weeks of consistent posting + genuine engagement can change your entire reach. 6️⃣ Be authentic, not perfect. Your real voice, real experiences, and real thoughts will attract the right people into your network. LinkedIn isn’t about how many connections you have. It’s about how many you genuinely connect with. Build relationships that feel human- not transactional.

By now, you already know: the best roles are rarely filled through job boards. They’re filled through relationships. Over the years, I’ve refined a method I call the “Strategic Access Framework.” Here’s how it works: 1️⃣ Identify the right people inside your target company Don’t just think about recruiters. Instead, ask: Who has insights about the team, culture, and challenges I want to be part of? These are the leaders and decision-makers worth building a connection with. 2️⃣ Initiate a conversation to learn, not to pitch Set up meetings with genuine curiosity. Ask about the company’s direction, leadership priorities, and what success looks like in their roles. When you focus on learning, you naturally leave a stronger impression. 3️⃣ Position yourself for a referral Referrals don’t happen by accident. They come from thoughtful conversations. By asking the right questions and sharing relevant experiences, you’ll naturally open the door for them to connect you to the right opportunity. 4️⃣ Nurture the relationship long-term A single meeting isn’t the end. It’s the beginning. Stay in touch, share insights, and keep the dialogue going. That way, when opportunities arise (and they will), your name is already top of mind. I’ve seen professionals land interviews and offers within weeks by applying this approach. The key is to stop relying on online applications and start investing in the relationships that drive hiring decisions.

Build relationships and not a network. "Networking" is cringeworthy for many, especially those who feel it is selfish, wrong, or uncomfortable. The good news is that nobody wants to be at the receiving end of your networking efforts too. If you are trying the same old networking tips that promise to boost your connections but leave you feeling more disconnected than ever, that is because networking is killing relationship building. Stop networking and build genuine relationships. You can do that by thinking about a few things. ➡️ Be genuinely curious - Be interested in learning more about the other person in the conversation. ➡️ Find commonalities - Find common topics like books, kids, dogs, and food but remember that while discussing such common topics can be a good icebreaker, relying solely on these surface-level interests can hinder deeper connections. Dig a little deeper into shared passions or experiences to foster a more meaningful bond. ➡️ Relationships over transactions - Don't treat networking as a transaction. Look for ways to help others genuinely without expecting an immediate return or any return. Building a network based on mutual support and generosity fosters authentic connections that go beyond mere self-interest. ➡️ Notes of gratitude vs. genuine appreciation - Sending notes of gratitude can be powerful, but they lose their impact if they become a routine gesture. Instead, express genuine appreciation when someone has truly made a difference. Personalized and heartfelt acknowledgments go a long way in building lasting connections. ➡️ Public networks vs. personal connections - Investing in public networks can widen your reach, but don't neglect the importance of personal connections. Balancing both public and private networks ensures a well-rounded and authentic approach to relationship building. Remember fostering genuine relationships is important. By avoiding the common pitfalls of networking and focusing on authentic connections, you will be building a network that truly matters.

🤝 Networking feels awkward? You’re not alone. If the idea of reaching out to someone for “networking” makes you cringe, you’re not the only one. Many of us associate networking with forced small talk, sales pitches, or feeling like we’re asking for favours. But here’s the truth: Networking doesn’t have to feel transactional. When done right, it’s about building authentic, mutually beneficial connections that can open doors and provide value to both parties. Here’s how to make networking feel natural and effective: 1️⃣ Start with Common Ground When reaching out, mention something you genuinely admire or have in common. This could be their work on a specific project, attending the same school, or even shared connections. 👉 Example: “Hi [Name], I recently read about your work on [specific project], and I found it fascinating! As someone interested in [related topic], I’d love to hear about your approach.” 2️⃣ Shift the Mindset from “Getting” to “Giving” Instead of asking for favours, think about how you can offer value. Sharing helpful insights, articles, or even thoughtful comments on LinkedIn posts can create goodwill and start a genuine conversation. 👉 Example: Commenting on their post: “I really appreciate your take on [topic]. It reminded me of [specific example/experience], and I’m excited to apply this in my own work!” 3️⃣ Ask for Advice, Not Favours People love to share their expertise, and asking for advice shows respect for their knowledge. It’s a low-pressure way to connect while learning something valuable. 👉 Example: “Hi [Name], I’m exploring opportunities in [industry/role], and your career journey is inspiring. Would you be open to a quick chat to share advice on [specific topic]?” 4️⃣ Follow Up with Gratitude Networking doesn’t end after one conversation. Send a thank-you note, share how their advice helped, or engage with their updates online to maintain the connection. 👉 Example: “Thank you for taking the time to chat with me! Your advice on [topic] was so helpful—I’ve already started applying it and am seeing progress. Let’s stay in touch!” 💡 Final Thought: Networking isn’t about collecting connections; it’s about building relationships. Approach each interaction with curiosity, authenticity, and a genuine desire to add value, and you’ll find it feels much less awkward—and a lot more rewarding. How do you make networking feel natural? Let’s share ideas below! 💬👇 #NetworkingTips #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalConnections #JobSearch

This week, I had the opportunity to be part of Ajman University ’s Career Fair, where I engaged with so many ambitious students and professionals looking to take their next big step. I was also invited to speak on Ramsa Podcast, where we discussed a topic that kept coming up throughout the event— Networking. Many candidates asked me, “How do I build meaningful connections online?” “What’s the right way to reach out to people?” “How do I network without feeling transactional?” "Does LinkedIn really work ?" The truth is, networking today isn’t just about exchanging business cards or adding someone on LinkedIn—it’s about building real relationships that create value for both sides. The rules have changed, and we need to approach it with more intentionality, authenticity, and strategy. Here are six simple but powerful ways to make better connections online: 🔹 Connect, don’t collect – Quality over quantity. Your network is about depth, not numbers. Do your homework before reaching out. 🔹 Don’t make it about you – The best way to build relationships is to show genuine interest in others. Ask insightful questions and engage meaningfully. 🔹 Become a familiar face – Comment on posts, join discussions, and contribute before you reach out. Visibility builds credibility. 🔹 Bring in-person online – Follow up after meeting someone. Reference a shared conversation or take a photo together to create a stronger memory. 🔹 Be thoughtful – A simple emoji reaction isn’t engagement. Craft responses that add value and spark conversation. 🔹 Follow up or fail – 80% of successful networking is simply staying in touch. A quick DM, a shared article, or a check-in message can keep relationships alive. If there’s one thing I left the Ajman University Career Fair and Ramsa Podcast reflecting on, it’s that our networks are one of our greatest assets—but only if we nurture them. So here’s my challenge for you: Think of one person you’ve been meaning to connect with. Maybe it’s a mentor, a hiring manager, or someone in your industry. Reach out today. The best opportunities often come from the conversations we start. What’s your biggest networking challenge? Let’s discuss! 👇 #Networking #CareerGrowth #PersonalBranding #AjmanUniversity #RamsaPodcast #BuildingConnections

Your LinkedIn success metrics are wrong. What most people focus on: ↳Impressions, likes, comments, shares What actually matters: ↳1. Your ICP connecting with you and DMing you ↳2. Your community showing up for you While vanity metrics "look good" They don't always move the needle for YOU Ask yourself what your dream outcome really is Here's an example for me at Creator Match 🧩 1. Are Creator Partnership Managers at Brands (my Ideal Customer Profile) either connecting with me or messaging me? It could be the Creator Partnerships Manager at Teachable sending me a connection request. Or the Head of Partnerships at a CPG company messaging me if I think that a campaign around LinkedIn Creators promoting a beverage company could work (which leads to a call booked). 2. When someone posts about the topic/industry I am in (i.e. LinkedIn Creator/Influencer Marketing), is my community tagging me or mentioning Creator Match in the post? So many of our Brand Partners have come through LinkedIn simply because Creators or previous Partners tagged us in posts related to our niche. Knowing this, I make it a point to return the favor by tagging relevant people and companies in my network in posts that align with their interests. The power of a single mention on a relevant post can’t be underestimated. It's enabled us to stay bootstrapped and not spend $1 on marketing. While neither is easy to track, it’s more about the overall sentiment. As you post more, both 1 & 2 should naturally increase, and you’ll start noticing a positive correlation. Takeaway: Show up for your community, and they will show up for you. *** 🔔 If you found this helpful, you would love my other content - be sure to follow me AJ Eckstein 🧩