You already know that networking is a major aspect of career success, but finding the time to attend regular functions can be a challenge. Many networking events take place right after work, but if your job is really demanding or you’re in a rush to pick your kids up, it’s nearly impossible to make it to most of these gatherings. Thankfully, it’s 2016 and you can now use social media to network in a fraction of the time.
5 Ways to Network on Social Media
Searching for an alternative way to network that doesn’t involve having to physically attend events? Use these five tips to make new professional connections on social media:
Join a LinkedIn Group
LinkedIn groups exist for just about anything you can imagine — from industry-specific topics to those specially created for job seekers. Join a few of these groups and become an active participant in discussions to increase your visibility and meet new people. As of 2015, the social media site had more than 400 million registered users, which means the networking possibilities are endless.
Retweet Great Content
When a professional you admire makes a great point on Twitter — whether it’s a link to an insightful article or a statement of 140 characters or less — retweet it to your own followers and include a comment to show your support. This is a savvy way to get on the person’s radar, as there’s a good chance they’ll return the favor by following you and seeing what else you have to say.
Use Hashtags
Gain extra attention to your career-oriented posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by adding hashtags to maximize exposure. Conduct research to find those specific to your local area or a company you’d like to work for. Some popular general options include #jobsearch, #careeradvice and #jobtips.
Reach Out to Your Extended Network
Search through the networks of your connections to find like-minded professionals who could be helpful to your career. When you find someone you’d like to connect with, send them a personalized message introducing yourself and explaining why you’ve decided to reach out. This is really no different than what you’d do at a networking event — it’s just more efficient.
Post Content Regularly
Position yourself as an industry expert that people admire and respect by frequently sharing relevant content on your social media pages. Start a blog, share your insights on applicable current events and ask your followers to join in the conversation. People are intrigued by those who create a buzz and want to learn more about them.
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