Mastering Virtual Networking at AIIP25: A Key Skill in the Global Business Landscape

By Denise Carter

In today’s interconnected world, virtual networking has become an essential skill for professionals across industries. As businesses expand globally and remote work is holding ground, the ability to forge meaningful connections online is crucial for career growth and business success.

Why Virtual Networking Matters

The global business environment demands adaptability and the capacity to build relationships beyond geographical boundaries. Virtual networking allows us to:

• Connect with other information professionals worldwide, ones we might otherwise never have met
• Expand our knowledge and perspectives
• Discover new business opportunities
• Stay updated on information industry trends by interacting with colleagues
• Build a diverse and robust professional network

By mastering virtual networking, info pros position themselves to thrive in an increasingly digital and globalized business landscape.

Effective Virtual Networking Strategies

The program for our upcoming virtual symposium for information professionals & solopreneurs – AIIP25: Proudly Independent & Globally Connected, April 8-10, 2025 – offers fantastic opportunities for you to hone your virtual networking skills. Here are just a couple of our networking events:

Speed Connect: Ignite Your Professional Network

This speed networking event will offer a fast-paced and efficient way to meet new contacts. With one click from the virtual platform, you will meet five randomly selected attendees for 6 minutes each and:

• Share key information about your business with potential business contacts
• Make that serendipitous connection that can be tricky at a virtual event
• Connect directly on the platform later and arrange a follow-up meeting

To make the most of the structured speed networking:

• Prepare a concise elevator pitch, preferably 1 to 1.5 minutes
• Have 2 or so specific questions ready for the remainder of each interaction
• Follow up promptly to record the connection’s contact details

Coffee Catch-up: Casual Networking Sessions

Our daily catch-up sessions will provide a more relaxed environment for virtual relationship-building. To excel in open networking sessions:

• Arrive with a question or observation to break the ice
• Actively participate in group discussions
• Be prepared to share insights or experiences related to the sessions or your business

Engaging with New Online Connections

Meeting new people virtually can feel challenging, but with the right approach, it can be just as rewarding as in-person networking. Here are some tips for meaningful engagement:

1. Be authentically curious: Show genuine interest in other AIIP25 attendees by asking thoughtful questions about their work, experiences, and perspectives.

• Listen actively: Pay close attention to what others are saying and respond with relevant follow-up questions or comments.

• Share valuable insights: Offer helpful information or resources related to topics discussed, positioning yourself as a knowledgeable and generous connection.

• Use the community and messaging features on the virtual platform: Share links, contact information, or additional thoughts with other AIIP25 attendees.

• Follow up promptly: After the event, connect on other platforms with individuals you found relevant or interesting, referencing specific conversation points to personalize your outreach.

• Offer to help: Propose ways you might assist new connections, such as making introductions or sharing appropriate opportunities.

• Maintain regular contact where it makes sense: Schedule virtual coffee chats or send periodic updates to nurture new relationships over time.

And finally …

By taking part in speed networking, open catch-up sessions, and effective online engagement strategies, we can build powerful professional networks that transcend geographical boundaries. The key to successful virtual networking lies in authenticity, active participation, and consistent follow-up. As you hone these skills, you’ll find that the digital realm offers boundless opportunities for meaningful connection and professional growth.

Denise Carter is the  AIIP25 Symposium Chair and serves on a number of other committees. Denise started DCision Consult in 2013, providing research and analysis to support the competitive intelligence activities of pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients. Denise is based in Geneva, Switzerland, but her clients are located all over the world.