Online Networking With Pink Link

Networking is a great way to expand and promote your business. When you attend a networking event, both face to face and online networking, you have the opportunity to make new connections, explore new business opportunities and help spread your brand awareness.

So, as society re-adjusts to life after the COVID 19 Pandemic, you may be wondering how to go about this networking thing. Luckily for you, at Pink Link, we offer both online and face to face networking for women in business. Which means that you can still have access to a supportive network, in whatever setting you prefer!

However, as things return to normal, it is important to remember that COVID 19 is not going anywhere. It is important to take care of ourselves and the people around us to help prevent the spread. This is why our online meetings are perfect. If you do catch the dreaded virus – or indeed any of the other nasties going around, you are still able to crack on with your networking and keep yourself, and others, safe (obviously only if you are feeling up to it!).

COVID aside, there are actually a ton of reasons why online networking can be perfect for you!  

What Are The Advantages of Online Networking?

A great advantage to online networking is the environmental side of it. Online networking is more eco friendly. You won’t have to travel! You can do your networking from the comfort of your home or office. Let’s be honest, our climate isn’t doing too great at the moment. Less traveling means less of the harmful greenhouse gases form cars, trains or buses are being pumped into the air.

Speaking of travel, think about the money you could save on fuel! With the rise in petrol prices, it definitely can’t hurt to skip the car journey.

It’s great when the venue has parking but searching for a parking space or having to install one of the many parking apps can be a real hassle. Quick question – why are there so many different apps for car parks? It feels like I have to install a new one every time I visit a new town!

Less time spent travelling also means you have more time to focus on your business. And although face to face networking is still brilliant, there is always the chance that you could get caught in traffic! Adding on more time to the journey.

It’s also a great way to reach a wider audience and build relationships further afield. The pandemic shifted our approach to the way we work, shop and socialise. Jumping online from your phone or laptop has become second nature. If you’re looking to increase brand awareness and expand your market, it’s a quick and convenient way to discover new customers, suppliers and fans! We’ve seen deals, sales and collaborations from Carlisle to Essex being made. Distance isn’t an issue anymore and I’ve discovered so many businesses I’d never heard about until I met them through the online meetings.

For some people, the thought of face to face meetings can be daunting for a number of reasons. Sometimes it can be tricky joining a conversation or the person you really wanted to talk to has to dash before you manage to talk to them. Networking online is fully accessible and you can do this wherever you feel the most comfortable. You can easily follow up connections from the meeting and call, connect on social media or meet up for a coffee and a chat – sometimes over Zoom – it works!

Another thing to keep in mind is that there is no need to start looking for child care when the kids are at home, as you can attend from any location. Same applies if you’re responsible for vulnerable relatives.

What Are The Disadvantages?

As with everything, there are some aspects to online networking that can be seen as a disadvantage.

For example, you may feel as though you are not getting the same personal connection and social aspects that you would get with face to face meetings. Sometimes there is nothing better than a quick chat with someone!

You might find that you are not the best with technology. And that is absolutely fine. The Pink Link team are always happy to assist you the best way we can! However, we understand that not everyone will feel comfortable relying on technology, that is why we are so happy to have the option of face to face back!

I think that everyone had their fair share of technical issues throughout the pandemic. I know that I have certainly formed a love hate relationship with my internet!! There will always be times when your connection decides to conk out on you. And the great British weather certainly doesn’t make this any easier. The internet isn’t always reliable, and you may find yourself missing out on an online meeting. But don’t worry, you can always attend one of our face to face meetings.

Networking With Pink Link

Overall, online networking can be more convenient. No travel cost, time effective and better for the planet! However, you do not want to completely isolate yourself from the more intimate and social aspects of face to face meetings.

We offer both online and face to face, which means you can attend both!

Take a look at some of our upcoming meetings here, and make sure to get involved.

We are looking forward to seeing you there!