Not everyone enjoys networking online. Some people find it uncomfortable and awkward, especially if you’re technologically challenged. Even if you’re an extravert, there are times when you don’t feel like getting online and networking with strangers, or even friends and connections.

Sometimes you don’t feel like putting yourself out there, and there’s a networking event that you have to attend. You’re zoomed out, but you have to go.

You can make it easier for yourself by changing your self-talk, using these helpful tips.

You’ve had enough

Maybe you’re feeling a bit burnt out and you don’t want to attend. Sure, if you’ve been doing a lot of them, maybe you do need some time off. But if you’re feeling negative about the whole thing, step back and think about why you thought it was a good idea in the first place.

What’s the opportunity cost of not going? How will the people that invited you feel?

Maybe there’s a connection opportunity for you online that could make a massive difference for your business. Perhaps it’s the important connection you’ve been looking for, and instead of being their perfect referral partner moving forward, you choose to skip it.

Make a deal with yourself. Get online, be your best self and then connect with all the attendees if you can and figure out how you can help them. Best of all, and you won’t be left wondering what might have been.

It doesn’t feel right.

Networking online can be like watching TV: you definitely don’t feel connected in the same way you would in person. But have a look at how you’re approaching the virtual realm. Do you switch off your video and mute yourself, waiting to escape, or do you make the most of the opportunities there might be?

At a large networking event, you may be lucky to connect with 2, 3 or 5 people to talk. Online, you can see everyone that's there at the same time and decide who to connect with as you scan the screen.

Get a grip, get engaged, look like you’re paying attention and make eye contact. Let other people talk while you actively listen. Focus your attention on the other person and not how self-conscious you feel, and your engagement will be noticed.

One of the easiest ways I found to feel connected is to actually look directly at the person that’s talking so it feels like you’re part of a conversation, rather than just watching a screen. However, the flip side of this is they think you're looking somewhere else. So, if you can train yourself to do it, look directly at the webcam. It will be noticed.

It doesn’t feel real.

One of the aspects of networking online people dislike is the inability to feel part of a group and the disconnect from “reality”.

I get that. Depending on the size of the meeting, it can definitely feel that way.

Sure, you’re online to network, but make it your mission to find something else you can do to connect with the people in the meeting and follow up afterwards. It doesn’t have to be about work; in fact, it will be easier to make a genuine connection if you find a common interest or hobby.

If you see a great introduction or elevator pitch from someone at the event, try to get their contact information and send them an email and let them know how great it was.

Finally...

Online networking doesn’t have to be a pain or struggle: you can make more meaningful connections with the people you meet online. Make it your goal to help at least one person you meet to give the event a purpose and make it more enjoyable.

There’s nothing like a little challenge to make things more enjoyable.

And maybe, just maybe, we’ll get holograms or virtual worlds to make it easier to network virtually in the future. I mean think about it. Horizon Rooms by Meta looks pretty cool.

Have you adjusted to meeting online, or do you avoid them completely now you don't have to?

Let me know in the comments below and if you are networking online, where are you doing it?