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The influence of the numerous advancements the Internet has brought is irrefutable. The Web is an integral part of many industries nowadays and has even sprouted entire online trades such as Internet marketing and Search Engine Optimization. This being the case, even industry-old practices such as business networking has taken to the Web to become much more than what it already is.

The Online Edge

Most online innovations have advantages that mostly revolve around ease and convenience, and of course speed. The same can be said for online business networking. In the past networking was done the hard way: through personal introductions and referrals and meet-and-greet dinners with other entrepreneurs. The network spread only as fast as its members can spare the time for the activity, and its reach was limited to the immediate locality. If members had to network with business from out of town a greater effort of keeping up correspondence would be needed, and gatherings wouldn’t take place as often.

But today, with the advent of online networks, business networking can be done from the office, or even from an entrepreneur’s home. He isn’t limited by his geographical area anymore, too. He can easily have a business contact from thousands of miles away within his network. Indeed, the ease, convenience, and speed the Internet and its innovations afford us is fast becoming more than just an edge but an indispensable facet of our daily lives. Correspondence is also made ludicrously easy and fast via various communications media over the Web, and videoconferencing can let company representatives meet without the need to be physically present in one place at the same time. But along with these advantages come disadvantages.

The Risk of Anonymity

Internet fraud and cyber crime have developed almost at pace with the many technological advancements of the Web. The very dynamics of the Internet that affords people or groups anonymity is a hindrance to effective business networking. While it is easier to reach out to other companies worldwide, no deeper business relationships can be fostered purely through online networking.

The referrals and introductions can be done online. Videoconferencing can even be an acceptable substitute to an actual meeting. But beyond that, how can a business owner trust and rely on another business owner he has never physically seen?

The stages of business networking typically follow the same pattern. The first three stages of introduction, follow up, and acquaintance can be suitably done over the Internet. Some business collaborations need not be physical—a joint online project is enough to get to know a business acquaintance better. But further interaction and developing a contact relationship into a commitment between two businesses entail face-to-face tete-a-tetes more than constant emails and instant messaging sessions.

Find business networking opportunities at BNI Staffordshire for more ways to grow your business.