A Personal Approach to Building Real Connections from Anywhere

What Made Networking Feel Different Online

When everything started shifting to remote work, one of the biggest challenges I faced wasn’t adjusting to Zoom calls or home office setups—it was networking. For years, I had relied on in-person events, casual chats after meetings, or simply bumping into someone at a conference. Those small, spontaneous moments made staying connected feel easy and natural.

Suddenly, those moments disappeared. I found myself staring at a screen, wondering how to build new professional relationships without sounding too formal or too salesy. I still needed a network. I still wanted to meet people in my industry. But doing it through messages and video calls required a different mindset.

So I started approaching networking like any other habit—something I could learn, practice, and improve over time. I didn’t want to just collect names. I wanted to build connections that felt real.

The Shift Toward Intentional Networking

What I realized early on was that remote networking requires more intention. You can’t rely on being in the same room as someone anymore. That means every message, comment, or introduction has to be thoughtful.

I started focusing on:

• Quality over quantity – fewer connections, deeper conversations
  
  

• Adding value first – sharing something useful or relevant
  
  

• Following up consistently – not letting the conversation drop
  
  

• Being human – showing personality, even in professional chats
  
  

Instead of reaching out with a pitch or asking for something, I would start with a compliment on a post, a mutual interest, or a shared experience. One time I connected with someone simply because we were both using the same brand of Jam Monster Salt Apricot while working late, and that turned into a series of chats about productivity and burnout.

It reminded me that networking doesn’t always have to be about jobs or referrals. Sometimes it’s about shared routines, small overlaps, or real conversations that lead to something more down the road.

Tools That Helped Me Stay Connected

Remote networking isn’t just about video calls. There are tools and platforms that helped me stay engaged without overwhelming my calendar.

Some of the ones I use regularly:

• LinkedIn – for industry updates, commenting on posts, and DMs
  
  

• Slack communities – for shared interests or professional groups
  
  

• Virtual events and webinars – to meet people in real time
  
  

• Newsletters – to follow what others are creating or working on
  
  

I also started setting aside a few minutes each week to check in with people. Nothing complicated—just a message asking how they’re doing or sharing something I thought they’d appreciate. These small touchpoints keep the connection alive.

Consistency matters more than frequency. I don’t network every day, but I try not to let a month go by without reaching out to someone new or reconnecting with someone I already know.

How I Keep Conversations Authentic

Remote conversations can feel stiff at first, but I’ve found a few ways to make them feel more relaxed and genuine.

What’s worked for me:

• Ask real questions – not just “what do you do?” but “what are you excited about right now?”
  
  

• Listen more than I talk – staying curious opens up better dialogue
  
  

• Share a bit of myself – like what I’m reading, watching, or even vaping
  
  

• Don’t force it – some connections will click, others won’t, and that’s okay
  
  

Authenticity comes through when you’re not trying to impress—just to connect. I’ve had short chats that turned into collaborations months later, simply because the conversation felt easy and real.

There was one call where we started off discussing a project but ended up talking about flavors of Jam Monster Salt Raspberry. It made the whole chat feel less like a pitch and more like catching up with someone who gets where I’m coming from. Those are the kinds of interactions I remember—and the ones that tend to last.

What Networking Looks Like Now

I don’t think remote networking is better or worse than in-person—it’s just different. It takes more planning, but it also opens doors to people I never would’ve met otherwise. I’ve connected with folks in different time zones, industries, and countries, and learned things I wouldn’t have from my local circle.

Networking today looks like:

• Being visible – showing up in online spaces where conversations are happening
  
  

• Being consistent – checking in even when I don’t need anything
  
  

• Being human – letting personality show, even through text
  
  

• Being patient – not every connection becomes a partnership overnight
  
  

It’s not about instant results. It’s about building trust and being someone others enjoy hearing from, working with, or learning from over time.

If you’re trying to figure out how to network authentically while working remotely, start with small steps. Leave a thoughtful comment, send a kind message, or join one conversation without expecting anything in return.

Keep showing up as yourself. That’s how real relationships are built, no matter where you are.