Online networking

No, you don’t actually have to meet people face-to-face in order to network. LinkedIn, the social networking software for grownups, makes it possible to network and never leave your office. I’ve been reluctant to recommend this approach to introverts, because most of us will look for any way to avoid getting out and actually meeting people. But after taking Mike O’Neil’s excellent LinkedIn workshop, I have changed my opinion. While online networking is never, ever a replacement for meeting someone in person, I think it’s a great complement to other networking activities. In upcoming posts, look for interviews with LinkedIn users and tips for using this powerful tool to build your network.