Photo / Tim Greenway
Nancy Marshall
Updated: May 28, 2025
How To
How to build relationships — both online and in person — for greater opportunities
By Nancy Marshall, Marshall Communications
In today’s interconnected world, the ability to build strong relationships — both online and in person — is critical to success.
Your network is truly your net worth, and the stronger and more diverse your network, the more doors will open to you in life. However, different generations tend to excel in various aspects of networking, and bridging this gap can lead to richer opportunities.
Younger professionals often thrive in the digital sphere while seasoned professionals typically excel in face-to-face interactions, cultivating relationships through personal conversations and traditional networking methods. To maximize your potential, it’s essential to learn from each other and master both types of networking.
I have been a social person my entire life. When I was little, my mom would take me to the grocery store and while she was pushing me around in the cart, I would wave and say “Hi!”’ to all the other customers, sometimes even asking if I could see where they live. My mom would be slightly embarrassed and tell me that it’s not good to talk to strangers.
Not everyone is going to be as social as I am, but everyone can learn to make authentic connections both online and in person by showing authentic interest in other people. If you ask questions of others and pay attention to what they say, you will be able to remember more about them the next time you talk to them. Just remembering a few details like their pet’s name, their child’s name or where they went to school will show that you respected them enough to pay attention to what they said and made an effort to remember.
Face-to-face networking
Many young professionals are digital natives — they have grown up communicating through screens and are fluent in online interactions. While social media is a powerful tool, there is an irreplaceable value in face-to-face connections that younger generations should not overlook.
Meeting someone in person fosters trust, authenticity and a deeper emotional connection. Body language, eye contact and the ability to engage in spontaneous conversation all contribute to a lasting impression. These interactions build credibility and rapport in ways that digital exchanges simply cannot replicate.
To strengthen your in-person networking skills, you should attend industry events, engage in small talk and follow up. After an in-person meeting, reinforce the connection through a follow-up email or message to keep the relationship growing.
Social media networking
For those who are accustomed to in-person networking, learning to leverage social media effectively can significantly expand your influence and opportunities. Social media has the power to connect professionals across industries, geographies and career levels.
A strong digital presence amplifies your personal brand, positioning you as an industry expert. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram allow you to build credibility, share insights and maintain professional relationships effortlessly.
To enhance your social media networking skills, you should optimize your online profiles, comment on posts, share valuable content and participate in discussions to build visibility — and be authentic. While digital connections may seem impersonal, genuine engagement fosters trust and credibility online.
Building a network that works for you
Regardless of your preferred networking style, the key to success lies in consistency and authenticity. The most influential professionals are those who continuously nurture their relationships, both online and offline.
A well-rounded network makes you more recognizable and opens doors to new possibilities — whether that’s career advancement, business opportunities or personal growth. By blending traditional relationship-building with digital engagement, you can create a network that truly works for you.
So, whether you’re a social media expert learning to master face-to-face networking or a seasoned professional expanding into the digital sphere, embracing both approaches will position you for greater success. The more well-known you are, the more opportunities will come your way.
In this day and age, when we worry about AI bots replacing us, it’s more important than ever to build a strong personal brand that is truly irreplaceable. The way to achieve this is by putting yourself out there and getting to know others, both online and in person.
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