One of the participants in the networking class I conducted recently asked some terrific questions about online networking. 

I don’t pretend to be an expert in online networking.  I certainly am active online, but I’m still learning the ropes and figuring it all out.  My class, which I’m delighted to say got rave reviews, focuses primarily on the dreaded in-person networking – and how to feel a lot less dread about it!

Nonetheless, I think online networking is an important part of most people’s networking arsenal, and for many it can provide a lot of value.  So my class does include an overview of it – what it is, some places and ways to get started, and so on. 

However, every now and then I come across a blog post that basically rants about how no one needs to network in person, because they can do it all online.  

Maybe, but for most of us, not.

I recognize, acknowledge, and sympathize with the desire to stay at home and connect with others through your written words on the Internet.  It’s simpler and a whole lot less scary than having to figure out which event to attend, dress appropriately, get in the car, drive, park, and actually meet total strangers face-to-face. 

If your objectives for networking can be completely met online, by all means, go for it. 

But not everyone hangs out online, and if you’re looking for people who aren’t there – guess what?  You end up like the man in the old joke, hunting for his keys under the street light even though he dropped them over in the dark alley.  Sure, there may be more light there (you may feel more comfortable and at ease online), but he’s not going to find his keys – and you’re not going to find people who aren’t there.

There’s only one hard and fast rule in this life, and it’s not about networking, online or otherwise.  It’s simply that no single solution works for every single person. 

You may find that online networking makes you feel better than face-to-face networking, and also brings you all the results you want and hope for.  Terrific. 

Most people need and want (despite their feelings of dread and uncertainty) a combination of online and face-to-face.

And for some people – like some of my clients who are completely (and legitimately) uninterested – online networking simply isn’t relevant for their needs right now. 

Never say never.  Even if you don’t see any point in face-to-face when you can Tweet, join LinkedIn and Facebook groups, hang out in online forums, or however you like to network on the Internet, don’t assume that everyone can achieve the same success that you have – even if they want to. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the networking class – it’s not currently scheduled, and you can read more about it by following this link.   If you send me an email – either through my contact page or through the link on the networking class site – I will be sure to inform you when I schedule the class again.  And check out the home-study version.  Or just leave me a comment here, and I’ll get back to you.