Reading this blog is a great first step to beginning your online network, but if you’re new to networking online, it can feel like you’re not getting anywhere at all. Levo writer, Avery Blank, gives a great timeline for online networking.

She says that the first step is to establish your goal. Why are you networking at all, and why are you looking online? Is it because the person is far away or maybe it is because you haven’t narrowed your scope to a particular company.

Next step is develop a strategy. This is much easier to do once you’ve established your goal – for obvious reasons. The arena of online networking is to expansive with social media sites, professional associations, and professional networking sites, like LinkedIn. There is no one method that is the best, it all depends on the company, industry, and your own objective.

The last step that Ms. Blank suggests should be the most obvious of all – follow through and follow up. Once you have your goal and strategy targeted, follow though and make your connection. In your first communication, be succinct and specific. Be brief, showing respect to the recipient’s time and title. Also, offer yourself as help to that person. They may see an opportunity that you don’t, in addition to it just being a considerate gesture.

To read more from Avery Blank, read her article here