Networking In Public Relations

Let’s be clear, when it comes to business success, one truth stands tall: Your network is your net worth. But you and I both know, networking is no longer about collecting business cards at events or sending cold messages on LinkedIn. It’s about leveraging the right platforms and opportunities that put you in front of the right people—consistently and impactfully. And that’s where the power of strategic networking comes in. Because Visibility is Not Just About Being Seen—It’s About Being Remembered. Let's say, you might be an expert in your field, have years of experience, and offer incredible value, but if people don’t see you, hear you, and experience what you bring to the table, you’re the best-kept secret in your industry. So, how do you make sure you’re not just another name in the crowd? The key…leveraging the right networks, BUT where are they? In a world that has changed and is changing, constantly, traditional networking events, while still valuable, are no longer the only way to build relationships that lead to business growth. My discovery of Virtual Expos, which I’ve experienced as living, breathing networking and expertise presenting spaces where you’re not just showing up for an hour, or a day, but where you are creating an ongoing presence—available 24/7 for the right people to see and connect with you. Think of it in this way: Instead of hoping someone remembers you from a fleeting networking or speaking event, your expo booth offers deeper levels of connection, building familiarity and trust. Instead of spending time and money traveling to conferences, you can connect globally without leaving your office. Instead of one-time interactions, the expo creates multiple touchpoints—people see your videos, book calls, attend your live presentations, and keep engaging with you. So, for example, let’s say you’re a Nutrition Expert and you’re looking for more recognition in new ways. You’re helping women balance their hormones and feel their best, here’s how you’d leverage the expo platform: - Host an interactive workshop on “How to Eat for Energy & Hormonal Balance." - Offer a free assessment where visitors get personalized tips. - Display downloadable PDF’s and success stories inside your booth. - Use live networking sessions to connect with potential clients or partners—other exhibitors and they may not even be within your industry. So, you see, traditional networking is like throwing a business card into a room full of people, hoping it lands in the right hands. While being and exhibitor at a Virtual Expo is like setting up a powerful, interactive business hub that does the heavy lifting for you and you’re part of a network of high-value connections. If this resonates and you’d like to explore if there’s a seat at the table of my May Virtual Expo, DM me today and we’ll check how you can leverage this opportunity. …and if you’ve not attended a virtual expo yet, what questions do you have, now that you read my post?

In today's interconnected world, virtual networking has become an essential tool for professionals seeking to expand their horizons and forge meaningful connections. As we navigate through digital spaces, the ability to make a great first impression is more important than ever. So, how can you ensure that you leave a lasting impact in the virtual realm? Let's delve into some strategies that can elevate your professionalism and make you stand out in virtual networking events. Before diving into any virtual networking event, take the time to curate your digital persona. This encompasses everything from your profile picture to your bio and even your background. In virtual networking, active engagement is key to making a memorable first impression. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to others in the event, utilizing features such as chat boxes or breakout rooms to initiate conversations. Remember to actively listen to what others have to say, offering meaningful contributions and fostering authentic connections. One of the most effective ways to make a great first impression in virtual networking is by showcasing your expertise. Share valuable insights, industry knowledge, or relevant experiences that highlight your unique perspective and capabilities. The true value of virtual networking lies in the follow-up. After the event, take the time to follow up with individuals you connected with, whether it's through a personalized email, LinkedIn message, or virtual coffee chat. Lastly, remember mastering the art of virtual networking requires a combination of preparation, engagement, expertise, and follow-up. By implementing these strategies, you can make a great first impression that resonates with your audience and sets the stage for fruitful relationships and professional growth. So, the next time you find yourself in a virtual networking event, seize the opportunity to showcase your professionalism and leave a lasting impact. Your future self will thank you for it. #virtualnetworking #professionalism #networkingtips #expertiseshowcase #careergrowth #businessnetworking National University of Singapore

Most people approach networking as if they’re trying to unlock a door. They think the trick lies in the “right message,” the “perfect ice-breaker,” or the “best line to stand out.” But networking isn’t a lock to be picked — it’s a relationship to be earned. Here’s what I’ve learned that goes beyond engagement, value, and personalization: 1. Lead with curiosity, not strategy. Don’t try to impress. Try to understand. I’ve had the most meaningful conversations not by showing how much I know, but by asking questions that show how much I care to learn. Curiosity disarms people. It makes them want to share — and when people share, bonds form. 2. Make your digital presence your warm handshake. Before you message someone, ask yourself: If they land on my profile, do they see a person worth knowing? When your content reflects your values, expertise, and personality, people feel like they already “know” you. That’s powerful. It turns cold DMs warm — even before you hit send. 3. Make it less about networking. And more about net-giving. Stop asking: “What can I get from this connection?” Start asking: “What pain can I solve? What spark can I ignite?” If your message adds joy, insight, or opportunity, people remember. Not because you stood out, but because you gave first. 4. Be unforgettable in your follow-up. Most people follow up with “just checking in.” But memorable networkers follow up with relevance. Did they post something new? Refer to it. Did you read an article that reminded you of them? Share it. Contextual follow-ups say: “I care.” And that’s rare. In short: The secret to strong networking isn’t being strategic. It’s being human. Be someone people want to talk to again — not just someone they agreed to connect with. #LinkedInNewsIndia #NetworkingTips #FinanceCommunity #PodcastingJourney #YoungProfessionals #CareerGrowth #LinkedInPremium #StockMarketRead LinkedIn News India

Remote networking isn’t a weaker version of in-person. It’s a different game with a much bigger ceiling.   Most founders assume real relationships only happen in person. They wait for conferences or designated networking events.  But that approach is limiting your growth. I’ve built partnerships, clients, and long-term relationships via LinkedIn and Zoom. What changed wasn’t effort. It was understanding that remote networking has its own rules. The founders who win use it strategically to create trust, visibility, and leverage. Here's what actually works if you want remote networking to drive real growth 👇 1️⃣ Lead with async value Before asking for someone's time, show up in their comments and shares. By the time you reach out, you’re already familiar. 2️⃣ Ask for warm intros properly Be clear about why you want the intro, and draft the message for the connector. Move fast once the intro happens. 3️⃣ Use short video messages selectively A 30–60 second Loom is very effective. It shows them your vibe instantly. Always be specific and human. 4️⃣ Host small virtual roundtables Bring 4–6 people together around a clear topic. You facilitate, and they connect through you. 5️⃣ Build relationships in public Reference people’s ideas in your posts, and tag them. Public respect pushes towards private conversations. 6️⃣ Run virtual office hours Set fixed times that anyone can book. This turns followers into real connections. 7️⃣ Join or create small communities Small, curated rooms create trust over time. Contribute and connect with others. 8️⃣ Reactivate dormant connections Most opportunity lies with people you already know. Keep those relationships warm. And be specific when getting in touch. Remote networking removes in-person barriers. No travel, no waiting for events, and no geography deciding who you build with. The founders who understand this grow faster... And create networks that span the entire globe. Do you prefer in-person or remote networking? Let me know in the comments below. If you want to get better at all forms of networking, I break this down every week in Network to Net Worth. 👉 Subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/gFp5bEbt ♻️ Repost this for someone trying to improve their networking game. And follow me, Rohan Sheth, for networking insights that open doors. 

If you work in comms you’ve probably seen the latest headline from the Reuters Digital News Report – for the first time ever, more people get their news from social media and video platforms than from TV or traditional media. I don’t think this surprises anyone at this point, we’ve watched this trend unfold for years. But I do think many mission-driven organisations haven’t caught up yet. They still operate in the old media paradigm where the communications strategy revolves around traditional PR and writing op-eds, while social media comes afterwards, mainly to amplify the “real” communications work. But that’s no longer how information flows. Online platforms are now the primary distribution system, while traditional media has become a credibility layer that ensures legitimacy. Getting covered in a major newspaper still matters, but it no longer guarantees reach. For many mission-driven organisations, it’s long past time to adopt a digital-first communications approach. And while progressives are still figuring this out, the far right has spent years building an entire media ecosystem: creators, podcasts, YouTube and TikTok channels that reinforce the same narratives. So, what do we do? 🗞️ Expand media relations beyond traditional outlets and prioritise media brands that have strong digital fluency and operate beyond articles. 🫶 Support content creators, work with them, trust them, pay them. Train new voices and help experts become better communicators online. 🌱 But the biggest gap is the infrastructure. As a movement, progressives need to invest in developing the media ecosystem itself - supporting emerging creators, identifying and developing new voices, across more platforms and communities. And there’s a helluva lot work to do here. 💬 How is your organisation adapting to this shift?

"It's not what you know, it's who you know" is only half true. It's who knows you and whether they think of you when it matters! Networking is the most underrated career skill there is. The right relationships open doors your resume never will. Here's how anyone can build a network that actually works: 1. Optimize Your Profile: Your profile is your digital first impression. Make it count. Use a professional photo, write a headline that reflects where you're headed (not just your current title), and craft a summary that tells your story and goals. Highlight the skills and experiences that show what you bring to the table. 2. Join Communities That Fit Your Goals: Find groups tied to your industry, interests, or ambitions and actually show up in them. Participate in discussions, share your perspective, and ask questions. Visibility compounds. 3. Reach Out Strategically: Always personalize your connection requests. Mention a shared interest, a mutual connection, or a specific reason you're reaching out. A thoughtful message turns a cold request into a real conversation. 4. Engage with Content: Don't just scroll, interact. Like, comment on, and share posts from people you admire and want to learn from. Thoughtful engagement gets you noticed, and it often leads to conversations, collaborations, or mentorship. 5. Ask for Informational Chats: Request brief conversations with people whose careers you admire. Most people genuinely enjoy sharing how they got where they are. Come prepared with a few good questions and you'll walk away with insight you can't Google. 6. Show Up at Events: Webinars, meetups, conferences, local industry gatherings - these are goldmines for meeting like-minded people and established professionals. Don't just attend. Introduce yourself, ask questions, and be part of the room. 7. Follow Up: After you meet someone, send a thank-you note or a connection request. Then keep it warm - like share a relevant article, congratulate them on a win, or check in now and then. Relationships die from neglect, not distance. 8. Share Your Journey: Post about what you're learning, building, or figuring out. Authenticity attracts the right people. You never know who will resonate with your story and reach out. 9. Tap Your Alumni Network: Your school or college's alumni network is one of the most underused assets out there. Fellow graduates are often happy to offer advice, introductions, and a foot in the door. 10. Be Patient and Persistent: Networking is a marathon, not a sprint. Genuine relationships take time to build, so stay consistent. The more you invest, the more it pays off down the line. Your career isn't just about what you know, it's about the community you build around your growth. Now's the time to invest in the relationships that will carry you forward. Follow for more such content! #networking #finance #career

For the past few weeks, I have been engaging my circles in conversations around Marshall McLuhan’s enduring insight: If you misunderstand the medium, you weaken the message before it is even read. Decades ago, McLuhan stated, “The medium is the message.” Yet many leaders still concentrate on drafting the perfect statement while overlooking the strategic implications of the platform carrying it. In today’s communication ecosystem: • A press release communicates institutional formality. • A LinkedIn post communicates professional accessibility. • A live broadcast communicates immediacy and accountability. • An AI-generated response communicates efficiency — but may also raise questions about authenticity. The content may be identical. The perception will not be. Platforms are not neutral conduits. They shape authority, trust, urgency, and ultimately public reaction. For Public Relations professionals, strategy must extend beyond message construction. It must incorporate platform intelligence — a deliberate understanding of how digital environments influence interpretation before audiences engage the substance of the message. In an algorithm-driven era, medium selection is no longer a technical decision. It is a reputational one. Are leaders paying sufficient attention to the medium they choose? #PublicRelations #StrategicCommunication #LeadershipCommunication #DigitalPR #MediaTheory

The problem in digital PR isn’t that building a media list is hard. Anyone can access a database. The real issue? We’re not building better lists. 👇 Over the past year, I ran three studies that spotlight some of the biggest problems: 🤔 PRs still rely on spray-and-pray tactics—even though our data shows smaller, targeted lists get much better open and reply rates. 😞 Email lookup tools often fail to return correct or current journalist info. 🧐 PR pros say the #1 problem with media list-building tools is outdated contact details. So what does that mean? You need to take the time to: ✔️ Reach out to people actively covering your topic ✔️ Find accurate emails (not just guess and hope) ✔️ Send fewer emails—with more intent BuzzStream’s new tool, ListIQ, can help with this. But even without tools, the mindset shift matters: 👉 Stop building lists to check a box. 🔥 Start building lists that actually lead to relationships and coverage. #digitalpr #linkbuilding #emailoutreach #publicrelations

Mastering the art of meaningful connections—both in person and online. Social Media: An Extension of Your Face-to-Face Networking Efforts In today’s digital world, social media isn’t just about amassing followers or chasing viral trends—it’s an opportunity to extend the power of your face-to-face connections into the online space. Done strategically, your social media presence can amplify your networking efforts, deepen relationships, and position you as a leader in your field. Here’s how: Treat Connections as Conversations, Not Numbers In the same way you wouldn’t exchange 50 business cards without a follow-up, don’t chase after meaningless follower counts. Instead, engage in thoughtful online conversations. Aim to connect with 10 real people who align with your goals—whether they’re clients, partners, or collaborators. Share Stories That Resonate Just like in face-to-face networking, your audience wants to connect with the real you. Skip the generic posts and focus on authentic content that: Answers their burning questions. Shares personal stories that demonstrate your journey. Highlights case studies or examples of how you’ve helped others succeed. By providing value, you’ll attract the right people who truly connect with your mission. Build Trust Through Expertise Think of your social media like a digital handshake—it’s your first impression. Instead of aiming to become a social media celebrity, aim to become a trusted expert. Post content that showcases your knowledge, demonstrates how you solve problems, and builds confidence in your brand. Quality Over Quantity An online profile full of disengaged followers is like a Rolodex of people who never pick up the phone. Focus on building a small, highly engaged community. These are the people who will read your posts, respond to your ideas, and refer your services. Social Media as a Networking Multiplier The best social media strategies mirror what works in real life: authenticity, trust, and meaningful relationships. When your social media presence is built on these principles, you’re not just growing numbers—you’re scaling real opportunities for your business. How do you currently integrate social media into your networking strategy? Let’s exchange ideas in the comments!

People are finding life partners over Internet without going out, why not business partners? In today’s interconnected world, leveraging technology can revolutionize how we network and build professional relationships. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and professional networking apps offer unprecedented opportunities to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential collaborators globally. Here are some ways to use technology for enhanced networking: 1. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile: Craft a compelling LinkedIn profile that highlights your skills, experience, and professional interests. Regularly share updates, articles, and engage with industry discussions to increase visibility and attract connections. 2. Join Online Communities: Participate in online forums, LinkedIn groups, and industry-specific communities. Contribute valuable insights, ask thoughtful questions, and network with like-minded professionals who share your interests. 3. Attend Virtual Events and Webinars: Technology enables participation in virtual conferences, webinars, and workshops across the globe. Engage actively in discussions, ask questions, and connect with speakers and attendees via social media platforms. 4. Utilize Networking Apps: Explore networking apps like Shapr, Meetup, or Bumble Bizz to discover professionals with similar interests or career goals. These apps facilitate one-on-one meetings, group discussions, and networking events tailored to your preferences. 5. Virtual Coffee Chats: Initiate virtual coffee chats or informational interviews with professionals in your industry. Platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams make it easy to schedule and conduct meetings from anywhere. 6. Follow Up and Nurture Connections: After making new connections, follow up promptly with a personalized message. Maintain relationships by sharing relevant articles, congratulating on achievements, or offering assistance when appropriate. 7. Use AI and Automation Tools: Leverage AI-powered tools for lead generation, personalized outreach, and scheduling meetings efficiently. These tools can streamline your networking efforts and maximize your outreach potential. By harnessing technology effectively, professionals can expand their networks, stay updated on industry trends, and cultivate meaningful relationships that enhance career growth and opportunities. Embrace the digital landscape to forge connections that propel your professional journey forward.