Social Media and the Power of Networking

Now more than ever, social media is becoming a powerful means of communication for individuals, teams, and businesses worldwide.

We are living through strange times: physical meet-ups are limited, social gatherings are on hold and the entire world has safe-distancing measures put in place.Through this pandemic, social media has played a vital role in nourishing human interaction.

Meet Me Online

As many of you may know, social media has had a huge influence on our sense of community and connecting with others. When we were unable to meet in person we could reach out to others via social media platforms which allowed us to continue to have conversations with friends, family and even meet new people! Virtually of course.

During the pandemic social media usage soared. According to Statista, “among social media platforms being used during the coronavirus pandemic, Facebook was the most used with 78.1 percent of adults in the United States using the platform as of March 2020.”

Ultimately we need social interaction and many people struggled with the isolation of quarantine.

Career Opportunities

Let’s face it: people need people. When you are are committed to achieving your dreams you can really benefit from the support of people around you who can help you thrive. That’s why Alumni Direct presents a networking platform to bring together like-minded individuals who can assist one another. Whether you are a student, recent graduate, or a mature-alumni, Alumni Direct has options for you.

With remote work becoming the new ‘normal, there is now a sea of networking opportunities online. You can connect with employers through Alumni Direct or other platforms and even interviews are virtual! A huge bonus of social media networking is that it’s free. Deep insights, helpful guides, and informative videos can guide you in the right direction towards your biggest dreams. The sky is the limit! Social media presents endless opportunities to network from Facebook to Twitter and LinkedIn to Youtube.

Statistics show that In 2021, 82% of the U.S population have a social networking profile. Just think of how many people there are out there waiting to connect with people just like you.

Harness the power of social media to build new relationships with individuals in your chosen industry. Connect with inspiring individuals and those who are already successful in the area in which you want to enter. Ask questions and explore your curiosity around your field of interest.

Here are 5 top tips for using social media for networking:

Have an idea of your purpose. Why are you reaching out to these people?
Be authentic. When communicating through social media, authenticity is key. Keep it raw, keep it real by allowing your true voice to shine through. No one wants to read a message that comes across as too ‘sales pitchy.
Find a common ground to build trust.
Feel shy to reach out to someone that you don’t personally know? Put yourself on the receiving end of the message and think of the type of message you would like to read. Try to add a personal touch and just have fun with it. After all, that’s what networking is all about — meeting new people!
Be open-minded and have fun!

Social media can invite meaningful opportunities into our lives, whether it’s for business or leisure it presents a platform to interact with others and spark some joy. The power is in the intent.