The Big Read: Networking in the digital age – how youths are using LinkedIn, other social media platforms to get ahead

Mr Syukri, the  sales effectiveness specialist who is a “Top Voice ” on Linked In ,  According to him, those who want to join with an online market must “play around a little bit” and share their personalities on their professional networking systems outside of their day jobs.  

He often posts commentary on current affairs, yet on topics that are more “sensitive” , making it a goal to make new connections on LinkedIn and commenting on posts that relate with him. topics like religion and politics, as  that reflects his values and helps him stand out in the “noisy world ” of online marketing.  

He recalled viewing an individual’s “heartfelt”  History about saving up money from his salary to purchase his earliest bed frame, which attracted a lot of viewers  on Linked In.

Being open to posting for content can be the critical to creating connections because others may pertain to struggles like ours, Mr. Syukri said. Being resilient and sharing one’s personal life in a professional setting may seem overwhelming at first.

Additionally, Ms. Pooja from LinkedIn emphasized that building a community on the system is not a “numbers game, ” as having a lot of connections may not always give one an advantage over other professionals.  

You might actually consider following someone if you are considering connecting to someone you do n’t actually know. When you follow one, you will still see any comments they share, ” she said.

She advised experts on its platform to consider connecting with people they have “trusted relationships ” with, such as co-workers, students, and business associates and following global business leaders to see their posts on one’s serve for educational material.

Having the right network will enhance the relevance and quality of your feed, the recipients of your messages, and the recipients of your content. Remember, you and your network are on a professional journey together, and the stronger your network, the further you can go. ”

Ms Do the career coach added :  It is crucial to concentrate on the quality of your connections rather than just boosting your follower count.

“More followers on LinkedIn do n’t automatically equate to more meaningful relationships. Thoughtful engagement is essential to transform these digital ‘names ’ into ‘real connections ’ with potential. ”

ONLINE FIRST, THEN OFFLINE

Experts argued that offline interactions, which still offer nuanced and potentially deeper connections, should not be viewed as a complete replacement for online networking, which has a far reach and is simple to facilitate connections on a large scale.  

Professional networking has become much more dynamic and accessible than it was before thanks to the internet, which allows professionals to break geographical boundaries and form instant connections with others, according to Ms Dass of Randstad.  

“However, messages may lack subtle social cues and ( genuineness ), reinforcing the importance of human connection. ”

Most people still prefer meeting up in person, according to Mr. Ang from ASME, because body language facilitates the growth of relationships and facilitates the flow of conversation.  

“So, these ‘traditional’ modes of networking are here to stay. These so-called traditional networking modes have been added to, but not yet replaced, with digital platforms and social media. ”

Formal networking events may be more popular in certain fields, such as law and finance, while informal networking events or social media use may be more common; the technology and creative fields, added Ms Do.  

Being in the venture capital industry, Mr John Tay, a 34-year-old head of partnerships at Tin Men Capital, needs to meet people in the startup ecosystem on a daily basis.  

An online presence is more crucial than ever. In Asian culture, it ’s often frowned upon to stand out or be vocal. But in a sea of noise and signals, out of sight, out of mind.  

“You have to show up at events, and post content online consistently. You’ll start to realize that more people reach out to you once you get used to it. ”

Mr Tay said that he prefers to conduct a “hybrid ” of digital and physical networking, with about 80 per cent of his networking conducted in person.  

He meets at least three new stakeholders each week through follow-ups from networking events, introductions from trusted contacts, or from cold calls over Linked In, which he uses daily.  

This year, he co-founded a Startup Walking Tour with a friend, to bring foreign guests on a walking tour through a typical Singapore neighbourhood, while providing an “insider’s look ” at Singapore’s tech ecosystem.  

Through the three-hour tour, he intends to provide visitors with a “solid understanding of local culture ” and foster connections with local organizations that can support Singapore’s startups in terms of business and investment.