Looking Beyond LinkedIn for Real Business Relationships
LinkedIn is the go-to platform for professional networking, and with good reason. It connects you with industry peers, potential clients, and thought leaders from all over the world.
But if it’s the only tool you’re using to build relationships, you might be missing out. A quick connection request or a comment on someone’s post isn’t the same as a real, lasting connection.
Authentic relationships come from conversations, shared experiences, and trust—things that can’t always be built through a screen. One great way to foster these connections is by engaging in real-world networking at a Social Club London, where professionals can connect in a relaxed yet professional setting. So, how do you move beyond LinkedIn and forge connections that actually matter? Here’s how.
The Problem with Relying Only on LinkedIn
LinkedIn makes it easy to reach out, but it has its limitations. A polished online profile can’t replace the impact of a face-to-face conversation.
In fact, research from the University of Buffalo suggests that in-person meetings lead to successful business outcomes 40% more often than online-only interactions.
People are naturally more inclined to trust someone they’ve met in real life than a name on a screen. If your networking is limited to LinkedIn, you could be missing out on opportunities to build deeper, more valuable connections.
How to Build Business Connections Beyond LinkedIn?
1. Attend Industry Events and Conferences
There’s no substitute for meeting people in person. Conferences, seminars, and networking events offer the perfect environment for organic conversations. Suddenly, you’re more than just a profile picture, you’re a real person with ideas, insights, and expertise to share.
Maximise these opportunities by actively engaging. Ask insightful questions, participate in discussions, and if you get the chance speak at events. It’s one of the best ways to establish credibility and expand your network.
2. Join Professional Associations and Groups
Professional organisations offer something LinkedIn can’t: an engaged community that shares your industry’s interests. These groups provide exclusive resources, in-depth discussions, and valuable networking events.
By joining committees, attending roundtables, or even taking on leadership roles, you’ll build meaningful relationships through shared experiences and collaboration.
3. Explore Alternative Networking Platforms
LinkedIn might be the biggest professional networking platform, but it’s not the only one. Depending on your industry, other platforms may be better suited to your needs:
- Meetup: Find and attend local industry-specific events and informal gatherings.
- LunchMeet: Arrange coffee chats with professionals in your area.
- Clubhouse: Join live, audio-based discussions with industry leaders.
Trying different platforms helps you sidestep the crowded, sometimes impersonal nature of LinkedIn networking.
4. Get Involved in Volunteering and Community Projects
Shared passions create strong connections. Volunteering for causes you care about can introduce you to like-minded professionals in a relaxed, low-pressure setting.
Whether you’re helping out at a charity event or supporting a community initiative, these experiences often lead to meaningful professional relationships.
5. Host and Attend Informal Gatherings
Not all networking has to happen in boardrooms. Some of the best connections are made over coffee, at networking dinners, or during industry happy hours.
Hosting your own small meetups especially in unique settings like a private members’ club positions you as a connector and helps you cultivate a strong, personal network.
6. Find a Mentor (or Become One)
Mentorship is an often-overlooked networking strategy. Whether you’re looking for guidance or offering it, mentor-mentee relationships can develop into long-term professional connections.
Beyond career advice, these relationships provide valuable insights and often open doors to broader networks.
7. Build a Strong Personal Brand
People naturally gravitate toward those who share valuable knowledge and insights. Writing blog posts, contributing to industry publications, speaking at events, or even starting a podcast can help you attract like-minded professionals.
By consistently providing useful content, you’ll establish yourself as a thought leader someone others want to connect with beyond surface-level interactions.
8. Be Authentic and Listen More Than You Speak
Networking isn’t about selling yourself—it’s about building trust. People appreciate authenticity and genuine curiosity.
Ask thoughtful questions, actively listen, and show a real interest in others. This makes conversations more engaging and leaves a lasting impression.
9. Keep in Touch Without Being Transactional
Following up is essential, but it shouldn’t always come with an agenda. Instead of reaching out only when you need something, try:
- Sharing an interesting article related to their field
- Congratulating them on an achievement
- Simply checking in to see how they’re doing
A relationship built on genuine interaction will always be stronger than one based on transactions.
Final Thoughts
LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool, but it’s not the only one you should rely on. The strongest business relationships develop through real-world interactions, shared experiences, and meaningful conversations not just online engagement.
By stepping away from the screen and diversifying your networking strategy, you’ll build a network that’s more authentic, resilient, and rewarding.
So, take that extra step, attend an event, host a meetup, or start a conversation beyond LinkedIn. You never know where a real connection might lead.
