“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” We’ve all heard some version of this saying before. As cliché as it sounds, it rings true, especially in the era of social media and digital networking. Building connections can open doors and lead to game-changing opportunities in life and career.

But networking is an art that many 20-somethings haven’t quite mastered yet. It can feel intimidating putting yourself out there to make new contacts, whether virtually or in-person. Will I say the right thing? How do I keep the conversation going? Am I bugging them? What’s the follow-up etiquette? The questions are endless.

Luckily, networking doesn’t have to be scary or boring. With some solid strategies, a little courage, and a sense of humor, you can turn small talk into big opportunities. I should know – at 28, connections I’ve made networking helped me land my dream job at a startup!

In this post, I’ll break down my top tips for effective networking both online and IRL (that’s “in real life” for you old souls). Follow this advice to effortlessly grow your social circle and get on the radar of people who can advance your personal and professional goals.

Let’s Get Digital: Networking Online

For generations raised with WiFi and iPhones grafted onto our palms, digital communication comes naturally. Harness the power of your Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter (do people still use that?) and TikTok to make strategic connections and get noticed by the right folks.

Spruce Up Your Profiles

Your social media pages offer a window into your personal brand for the digital world. Make sure they’re working for you, not against you. Showcase your value by highlighting skills, experience, talents and personality in your bio and posts. Have a friend review your pages and ask – would you want to connect with this person? If not, time for an update!

Do Your Homework

Don’t spam people blindly. Target connections relevant to your goals and interests by researching individuals and companies you admire. Follow or friend them on social platforms. Like and comment thoughtfully on their content to organically engage. Share articles or ideas they produce as well. Social media should catalyze 2-way conversations, not one-way sales pitches.

Send Direct Messages

Slide into those DMs respectfully! Introduce yourself, explain your shared connection or interest in their work, and ask to continue the dialogue. Resist asking for favors immediately; build rapport first. Keep it casual and short – you can take the conversation deeper face-to-face. Which brings me to my next topic…

The Power of In-Person Interaction

While digital networking opens doors, meeting IRL forms deeper bonds that drive relationships forward. Conferences, events, informational interviews and casual coffees offer valuable face time with contacts.

Bring Business Cards

Simple yet essential. Having professional cards on hand gives new connections an instant way to access and remember you. Include your name, phone/email, company (if applicable), job title/field and social media handles. Bonus points for cool design with a memorable photo.

Work the Room

Events full of unfamiliar faces intimidate many of us from mingling effectively. Combat shyness by dressing sharp, practicing your handshake and smiling warmly. Arrive early to conferences and talks to settle in. Then get social! Make deliberate eye contact, introduce yourself to a stranger with a compliment to break the ice, and ask friendly questions to find common ground.

Listen Actively

You were born with two ears and one mouth for a reason – effective networking requires more listening than talking. Pay close attention when conversing to pick up on subtle cues about others’ interests and values. Then parlay those insights smoothly to find shared topics for richer discussion. Listening builds trust and affinity with new contacts.

Follow Up

Cement fledgling connections by referencing them in follow-ups. If you really hit it off conversing with someone at a party, shoot them an email the next day acknowledging how much you enjoyed the chat. Share an article related to a topic you discussed or invite them to connect on LinkedIn. Follow-ups keep you top of mind while moving the relationship forward.

Now Put It All Into Practice

Flex your networking muscles in low-stakes environments at first, like casual happy hours or industry talks. Don’t take yourself too seriously – laugh at mistakes and focus on listening over selling. Follow up with new contacts right away while your conversation is fresh.

With practice, networking reveals its rewards. I’ve landed jobs, freelance gigs, mentorships and great friends through contacts made mixing and mingling. The same results await you by putting yourself out there consistently and authentically. Twenty-somethings have so much to offer each other – so get connected!

The door is now wide open for you to build relationships that propel your purpose and passions. How will you start making connections?