Somewhere between “you’re on mute” and “drop your IG handle in the chat,” virtual networking kind of lost its sparkle.

Hybrid events? Same vibe, except now you’re awkwardly waving at a screen while trying not to spill hotel coffee on your blazer.

And yet… this is where the people are.

Your next client. Your next collab partner. Your next podcast guest.

They’re out here in these digital streets – and if you know how to show up right, you can turn one awkward intro into real ROI.

So how do you actually network online or at hybrid events without feeling like a weird LinkedIn robot?

Grab your favorite overpriced beverage. I’m breaking it down.

First Things First: Treat Digital Networking Like Real Networking

Here’s where people mess up:

They show up to virtual events like they’re watching a webinar.

Camera off.

Name = “iPhone User”

Not a single word in the chat.

Babe… you’re not a ghost. You’re a business owner.

Turn the camera on, fix the lighting (just a little), and say hi in the chat like a real person.

You don’t have to be extra. You just have to be present.

Your Zoom Setup Is Your New Handshake

You don’t need a YouTube studio setup, but digital first impressions are real.

Use your real name

Add your website or IG handle after it (e.g., Jennie | jenniewright.co)

Have a decent background (or blur it—it’s fine)

Speak like you’re already the expert they’ve been hoping to meet

It’s not vanity… it’s strategy.

People remember you when you make it easy for them to connect you to value.

Don’t Just “Show Up” – Speak Up

This is not the time to lurk and hope someone messages you later.

If there’s a breakout room? Be the first to say hello.

If there’s a Q&A? Ask a smart (but human) question.

If there’s a chat box? Use it like it’s your personal hype space.

The people who get remembered are the ones who participate.

And if that sounds scary? Just say this:

“Hey, I’m [Name], I help [type of people] do [specific thing]. Happy to be here and excited to learn!”

Boom. You just positioned yourself without the pitch slap.

Focus on Connection > Collection

Listen, you don’t need 30 new contacts.

You need 2–3 meaningful ones.

Stop trying to network with everyone.

Start having real convos with the people who light you up or align with what you do.

Pro tip: Follow up while the energy is still warm.

Send a DM, voice note, or a short email within 24–48 hours. Mention what you loved about the convo or something specific you both talked about.

You’re not closing a sale, you’re opening a relationship.

Use Hybrid Events to Work Both Rooms

At a hybrid event? You’ve got options.

IRL people to grab coffee with.

Virtual folks to connect with during breaks or after hours.

Most people treat it like two separate worlds. But the gold? It’s in the crossover.

Join the event’s Slack, Facebook group, or platform chat

Attend live sessions and pop into comment threads later

Connect with speakers, not just attendees (most don’t bite)

And if you’re the speaker?

Don’t disappear after. Stay for the chats, answer questions, and invite people to continue the convo. That’s where the magic (and the referrals) happen.

Max ROI Tip: Track the People, Not Just the Metrics

You know what gets overlooked a lot?

The actual humans you met.

Create a simple spreadsheet or use your CRM. Track:

• Name
• Contact info
• Where you met
• What you talked about
• Follow-up date

That one small system can lead to big collaborations, podcast invites, client referrals, and long-game results. Don’t rely on memory. You’re too busy for that.

Real Talk? The Internet Isn’t Going Anywhere

Virtual and hybrid events are part of the new normal.

But awkward doesn’t have to be.

When you shift your mindset from “Ugh, I hate networking” to

“How can I show up with value and connect like a human?”

– everything changes.

Because your next opportunity might not come from a big pitch.

It might come from that one DM you sent after someone said,

“Wow, I loved what you shared in the chat.”

So yes, be strategic. But also? Be real.

That’s the combo that always wins.