Networking? Virtually or at the Chili's ?
So... What Comes to Mind When You Hear "Networking"?
Is it swapping LinkedIn profiles like business cards? Or are you a little more old-school, picturing awkward small talk over a margarita at your local Chili's work mixer? (No shame—we’ve all been there.)
In the world of Web 2.0, though, we’re leaning heavy into the LinkedIn, Slack groups, and virtual coffee chats life. It’s not just about who you know anymore—it’s about where you know to go. Being a networked individual means you’ve got the tools, platforms, and hashtags to connect with people, gather ideas, and get what you need. So, what makes someone truly “networked”? Let’s talk about it.
Solo Learning? That’s So Yesterday.
Remember having to dig through a library index just to find a book on your topic? Yeah, no thanks. Now we hop on Instagram, TikTok, or Reddit and search a few hashtags. Boom—instant inspo. #ProductivityHack #DesignTips #Winning
Learning is no longer a solo mission—it’s social, dynamic, and kind of addictive when done right.
Your Network Isn’t Bound by Geography (Or Dress Codes)
Gone are the days when you had to show up in person, shake hands, and swap business cards to make a connection. Now? You can network in sweats from your couch.
Jump on a Zoom call. Slide into a LinkedIn group. Comment on a thought leader’s post.
Your people are just a click away.
Being “in the room” no longer means being physically present. Digital spaces have opened up endless opportunities to connect, collaborate, and level up—without needing to book a flight or fake a smile at a networking mixer.
New Ways to Show What You Know
Let’s be real—exams and grades? So 2000 and late.
Today, it’s all about what you can do and how you show up online. Your digital footprint, the communities you contribute to, the content you create or share—that’s your new report card.
Whether it’s a portfolio, a series of digital badges, or being the go-to person in a Slack channel, performance today is measured in participation, not just points.
But Hold Up—Access Isn’t Equal
As much as we love our tech-fueled, always-connected world, we can’t ignore the truth: not everyone has equal access to these tools. While some are thriving in the networked era, others are still left behind—because of device access, internet connection, or digital literacy gaps.
So while we’re out here flexing our networked skills, let’s also be aware and inclusive. Innovation means nothing if it doesn’t lift everyone.
Lets take a minute and appreciate some throw back tunes.
YouTube. (n.d.). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m48GqaOz90
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