Your Money & Business
|
|
Networking with Purpose in the Digital Age
May 2025
By Jenipher Cornelius, DSL, MBA
I recently shared the best advice I have ever received: “Your network is your net worth.” It’s essential to find both in-person and virtual networking opportunities; but today, I’m discussing effective networking in the digital communities we create because your reach in these cases expands to more diverse communities and locations. And this is something I feel passionate about.
In a world more connected than ever, the art of networking has evolved — and for women professionals, this evolution presents an empowering opportunity. No longer confined to conference ballrooms or coffee shop meetups, today’s networking is global, dynamic, and increasingly digital. But in a sea of LinkedIn connections, webinar invites, and virtual events, how can women network with purpose and authenticity?
The answer lies in shifting from passive presence to intentional participation. For women striving to grow careers, lead effectively, or launch businesses, digital networking isn’t just about visibility — it’s about impact.
In a world more connected than ever, the art of networking has evolved — and for women professionals, this evolution presents an empowering opportunity. No longer confined to conference ballrooms or coffee shop meetups, today’s networking is global, dynamic, and increasingly digital. But in a sea of LinkedIn connections, webinar invites, and virtual events, how can women network with purpose and authenticity?
The answer lies in shifting from passive presence to intentional participation. For women striving to grow careers, lead effectively, or launch businesses, digital networking isn’t just about visibility — it’s about impact.
The Power Shift: From Local to Global Connections
Historically, women have built strong community-based networks, often driven by shared values and mutual support, which still hold a strong value in our lives. However, the digital space allows these communities to grow beyond borders. With a single message or post, we can now connect with thought leaders in Japan, mentors in New York, collaborators in Nairobi, or clients in Berlin.
Historically, women have built strong community-based networks, often driven by shared values and mutual support, which still hold a strong value in our lives. However, the digital space allows these communities to grow beyond borders. With a single message or post, we can now connect with thought leaders in Japan, mentors in New York, collaborators in Nairobi, or clients in Berlin.
|
"Women no longer have to wait for the 'right room' to be invited into — we can create our own rooms." ~ Dr. Jenipher Cornelius |
This global accessibility changes the game. Women no longer have to wait for the “right room” to be invited into — we can create our own rooms. Online platforms offer us access, but it’s our intention that determines the depth of the relationships we build.
Networking with Purpose: Start with Clarity
Before logging into another webinar or sending yet another LinkedIn connection request, pause and reflect on these questions:
- What am I hoping to gain from networking right now — knowledge, mentorship, opportunities, partnership?
- What do I bring to the table that might serve others?
- Who do I admire, and where do they spend their digital time?
Purposeful networking starts with clarity. Without it, we risk spreading ourselves too thin, collecting contacts instead of cultivating connections.
Leveraging Online Platforms Strategically
Leveraging Online Platforms Strategically
LinkedIn: Your Professional Powerhouse
LinkedIn is the go-to for professional visibility. But purposeful networking on LinkedIn is more than optimizing your profile — it’s about showing up consistently and meaningfully.
Pro tip: Join LinkedIn groups that reflect your interests; whether it's women in leadership, education, tech or entrepreneurship, this is a great way to see meet others who are players in your field of interest.
LinkedIn is the go-to for professional visibility. But purposeful networking on LinkedIn is more than optimizing your profile — it’s about showing up consistently and meaningfully.
- Comment thoughtfully on posts from leaders in your field. Don’t just "like" — engage with ideas.
- Post your own reflections, not just achievements. Share challenges you’ve overcome or lessons learned in leadership.
- Send tailored connection requests. A personal note goes a long way: "I appreciated your recent post on women in tech — I'd love to stay connected."
Pro tip: Join LinkedIn groups that reflect your interests; whether it's women in leadership, education, tech or entrepreneurship, this is a great way to see meet others who are players in your field of interest.
Instagram, Facebook and X: Niche & Narrative
If LinkedIn is your digital résumé, platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and X (those once thought to be more “social” in nature) are your personal narratives. Women professionals are using these platforms to humanize their brands, share their voices, and build influence.
Communities and Platforms for Women
Purpose-driven platforms like Ellevate Network, Chief, Lean In Circles, and The Riveter offer virtual spaces created specifically for women. Here, conversations tend to go deeper and are designed with unique experiences in mind.
These spaces are also great for finding accountability partners, mastermind groups, and career mentors. These relationships often start online and evolve into powerful collaborations.
There are also plenty of coed groups that are equally beneficial. These organizations include ProVisors, neXco National and Elev8tors. They are typically hybrid in the sense that they have opportunities to meet in person or online depending on your location.
Virtual Events: Show Up and Stand Out
Online conferences, networking meetups, and webinars have become mainstays. But how can you stand out in a sea of black Zoom boxes?
Virtual Networking Tip: Treat each event as if you're walking into a room of possibilities. During any type of networking event, one thoughtful conversation is better than twenty surface-level hellos.
If LinkedIn is your digital résumé, platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and X (those once thought to be more “social” in nature) are your personal narratives. Women professionals are using these platforms to humanize their brands, share their voices, and build influence.
- Use these platforms to share behind-the-scenes insights.
- Follow hashtags that align with your work (#WomenWhoLead, #BlackWomenInSTEM, #EntrepreneurLife).
- Don’t shy away from showing up as your whole self — authenticity invites connection.
Communities and Platforms for Women
Purpose-driven platforms like Ellevate Network, Chief, Lean In Circles, and The Riveter offer virtual spaces created specifically for women. Here, conversations tend to go deeper and are designed with unique experiences in mind.
These spaces are also great for finding accountability partners, mastermind groups, and career mentors. These relationships often start online and evolve into powerful collaborations.
There are also plenty of coed groups that are equally beneficial. These organizations include ProVisors, neXco National and Elev8tors. They are typically hybrid in the sense that they have opportunities to meet in person or online depending on your location.
Virtual Events: Show Up and Stand Out
Online conferences, networking meetups, and webinars have become mainstays. But how can you stand out in a sea of black Zoom boxes?
- Keep your camera on when possible. This humanizes the interaction.
- Introduce yourself with intention. Craft a quick personal pitch that includes who you are, what you’re passionate about, and why you're there, or a concise business pitch if you are there for business purposes only.
- Engage in the chat with thoughtful comments or questions. Speakers and participants often follow up with those who contribute.
- Follow up! After a great conversation in a breakout room or panel chat, send a connection request or message referencing your interaction.
Virtual Networking Tip: Treat each event as if you're walking into a room of possibilities. During any type of networking event, one thoughtful conversation is better than twenty surface-level hellos.
|
"For women professionals, networking must go beyond numbers. It’s about cultivating real relationships rooted in mutual value and authenticity." ~ Dr. Jenipher Cornelius |
Building Relationships, Not Rolodexes
For women professionals, networking must go beyond numbers. It’s about cultivating real relationships rooted in mutual value and authenticity.
- Be a connector. Introduce women to each other who might collaborate well. You’ll be remembered as a bridge-builder. I was once dubbed ‘The Corporate Cupid’ for making so many connections that were not about me.
- Give before you get. Share resources, celebrate others’ wins, and offer help without expecting immediate returns.
- Be consistent. Show up regularly, even if it’s just commenting on a connection’s win or sending a congratulatory message.
Purposeful networking is a long game, but the relationships you nurture now can open doors, spark partnerships, and create ripple effects years down the line.
A Word on Confidence and Boundaries
Many women wrestle with imposter syndrome, something I wrote about in Sanctuary several months ago. This can happen when stepping into new or high-visibility networks. Digital spaces can feel intimidating; so keep in mind that you belong in every room you step into, virtual or otherwise.
Also, not every invitation needs your RSVP. Protect your energy. Be selective and intentional. If an event, group or platform doesn’t align with your values or goals, it’s okay to pass.
Women Supporting Women
At its best, purposeful digital networking becomes a movement — one where women lift each other up, share wisdom, and break barriers together.
Whether you’re an emerging leader, a seasoned executive, or an entrepreneur scaling globally, your network is a mirror of your values, vision and voice.
In this digital age, networking isn't just about who you know. It's about who you grow with. So, show up, reach out, speak up — and do it all with purpose — because your network is your net worth.
Many women wrestle with imposter syndrome, something I wrote about in Sanctuary several months ago. This can happen when stepping into new or high-visibility networks. Digital spaces can feel intimidating; so keep in mind that you belong in every room you step into, virtual or otherwise.
Also, not every invitation needs your RSVP. Protect your energy. Be selective and intentional. If an event, group or platform doesn’t align with your values or goals, it’s okay to pass.
Women Supporting Women
At its best, purposeful digital networking becomes a movement — one where women lift each other up, share wisdom, and break barriers together.
Whether you’re an emerging leader, a seasoned executive, or an entrepreneur scaling globally, your network is a mirror of your values, vision and voice.
In this digital age, networking isn't just about who you know. It's about who you grow with. So, show up, reach out, speak up — and do it all with purpose — because your network is your net worth.
Dr. Jenipher D. Cornelius is an experienced facilitator, writer, and consultant with over 20 years of expertise in leadership development and finance. As the founder of Crescenta Summit Consulting, she partners with organizations to create tailored strategies that foster growth, innovation and resilience. She is the Business & Leadership Editor for Sanctuary.
