Virtual Networking 101: You CAN Make Meaningful Connections Online
Freelancers often work in solitude. We know the key to professional success often involves networking. But making the time and effort to do so is hard, particularly for introverts. So, we find the time (and energy) to meet up with peers in person, at a conference or a local networking event. But what do we do when there are no in-person opportunities?
Writers who grew up online may be completely comfortable making digital connections. Those of us who didn’t may be at a loss as to how it’s done. Though it may feel different than in real life human interactions, virtual networking can be just as real, and valuable, as the relationships you forge in person.
Why are we talking about this now? The ASJA 2026 annual conference, “Freelancers’ Blueprint: Navigating a Shifting Landscape,” will be virtual, and the planning committee is working to make your conference experience the best it can be. We’d love for attendees to take full advantage of all the opportunities to make meaningful connections and build their business. The conference will take place April 20-22, with Client Connections April 23-24. Registration for members and nonmembers is now open; get more details here.
If you are new to virtual networking, or think you have room to improve, you have four months to practice. Here are some tips that could help:
Virtual Networking on Social Channels is Easier Than You Might Expect
You probably have a profile on LinkedIn (and if you don’t, you should). But the platform is more than a place to store your resume. Although different from other social media platforms, LinkedIn is also a great place to meet people in your field.
To start, seek out decision makers at businesses you want to work with and people with similar interests. Look at their profiles, follow them, and consider sending a connection request; if it’s someone you don’t already know, add a note explaining why, for example, you work in the same space or admire them or their work. I’ve learned that many editors post calls on LinkedIn for pitches and explain exactly what they are looking for. Following them means you will be among the first to get this info.
Other social media platforms are also great places to make new connections (and even find new work). You don’t have to join every platform. Choose the one or two that you are most comfortable using and be active there. Seek out groups of like-minded people. Many professional organizations (including ASJA) have members-only groups where people can ask for advice, share information, and celebrate successes.
You can also find interest-specific groups through the Facebook search bar. Type in your interest and choose the “group” filter. In addition to being great places to network, participating in these groups can lead to new story ideas and potential sources. Set your sights beyond professional groups. Look for groups related to your interests, or the topics you write about. You never know who may be looking for a writer or where your next story source may be hiding.
Be Authentic in Your Engagements
Authenticity is important in all relationships, but especially in a virtual environment. Post your thoughts, successes, and even challenges on your own social media platforms, including LinkedIn. You want to share your wins, but not brag; share your struggles, but not whine; be honest, but not overshare. When relevant, tag others to make sure they see your post. Be generous in drawing attention to the great things your colleagues are doing.
On all platforms, if someone’s post resonates with you, let them know: comment, share or click a reaction button. This will not only get you noticed, but will also help keep the conversation going (the algorithms reward any engagement). I like to compare this to sidling up to people at an in-person conference or cocktail party to introduce yourself and join the conversation. Remember to be a good digital citizen: share information and potential leads at least as often as you ask for them, and treat other people’s social pages like their living rooms – avoid arguments with other visitors.
Pay it forward. Share industry news and tips. Refer other writers when appropriate. If you see a call for a project that is not a good fit for you, but you know someone who would be perfect for the job, make an effort to connect people. Everyone involved will appreciate the help, and good karma really is a thing.
Use Video Calls and Online Conferences to Network
In Zoom meetings, webinars, and online conferences, use the chat feature to interact with other meeting attendees. If you worry that keeping up with the chat will mean you miss important content, make a note to follow up with people afterward. Reach out to tell speakers what you liked about the presentation or if invited, follow up with an email: some speakers welcome cold emails, others may find them intrusive. If you have insights others may find interesting, consider posting your thoughts in a group you both belong to, or on your own channels.
Some virtual conferences include social events. Attend them. And use your camera — let people put a face to your name. If there are other networking opportunities stop in and say hi.
The ASJA virtual annual conference will be hosted on the Airmeet online conference platform. Starting on day one, look for the writers’ lounge with “tables” that attendees can use to congregate, even during non-conference hours. At the ASJA’s 2024 virtual conference, speakers used writers’ lounge tables to keep conversations going after a session. We also used the tables for regional groups to meet, and for attendees to chat amongst themselves while they checked email or handled other administrative tasks between sessions. While some tables will be reserved for specific groups, many others will be open for anyone to use; please do.
The concept of virtual networking sounds a little strange and may feel unnatural when you start out, but it is possible to form strong relationships with people without meeting in real life. A bonus–if and when you have the opportunity to meet face to face, it will be more like meeting old friends than meeting someone new.
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Kimberly Yavorski is a co-chair of the 2026 ASJA virtual conference. She continues to resist niching down because she wants to learn, and write, about everything. Common topics she writes about include parenting, education, finance, careers, technology, history, science, social issues and travel, with bylines in The Hill, Next Avenue, Vox, Fodor’s, and many others. She loves being outdoors and often manages to sneak in a hike of some kind on family vacations, almost always with camera in tow.