Digital marketing is vast, and there’s always something new happening. New trends and emerging technologies quickly change the game, and adapting your strategy can make all the difference.
Upskilling and a general thirst for knowledge are great, but there’s one secret weapon that can supercharge your career: networking.
As technologies and consumer behaviors shift, staying ahead demands meaningful connections. Networking is a bridge between knowledge and opportunity. It opens the door of access to:
- Mentorship
- Collaborators
- Career-defining relationships
- Continued education
- Networking events
Yup, good old-fashioned connecting with people. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for your next big move, building a strong network of peers is a game-changer.
Networking in Digital Marketing – What’s the Big Deal?
Networking isn’t just about awkward small talk at conferences or spamming people on LinkedIn. It’s about making genuine connections. 80% of professionals agree that networking is essential to their success.
Whether you’re a beginner marketer or an industry veteran, the professional network should be composed of people who can:
- Guide
- Educate
- Support
- And last but not least → open doors
Digital marketing is all about continued education and relationships – whether with clients, audiences, or industry pros – so what have you got to lose by building your support system?
Seems like a win-win. The sad part is… not a lot of people do it.
In fact, less than 48% of global professionals regularly stay in contact with their network, despite 79% of them agreeing that networking is beneficial for career progression. Here are some ways you can get started:
Online Networking → LinkedIn, industry-specific forums, and social media groups can help professionals build and engage in meaningful conversations.
In-Person Events → Looking for a stronger connection? Conferences, workshops, coffee dates, and mixers provide valuable face-to-face interactions.
According to a Forbes study, in-person meetings offer significant advantages over virtual networking.
- Stronger, more meaningful business relationships – 85%
- A better interpretation of body language and facial expressions – 77%
- Greater bonding opportunities with colleagues and clients – 75%
- Enhanced capacity for complex strategic thinking – 49%
- More effective environment for making tough, time-sensitive decisions – 44%
- Fewer unnecessary distractions – 40%
- Improved decision-making quality – 39%
- Increased focus – 38%
- Fewer disruptions and delays – 23%
Community Engagement → McKinsey called it the community flywheel. Today’s fastest-growing brands use the agile test and learn method to gain engagement and loyalty through digital communities – with little risk and great returns. Also, participating in professional organizations or local digital marketing groups improves access to opportunities and your credibility.
The Importance of Mentorship
Mentorship isn’t just a buzzword – at Optidge, it’s in our DNA. This passion for guiding others led us to create ODEO Academy as a way to open doors for aspiring digital marketers everywhere.
A mentor is more than just an advisor – they are a guide who helps navigate industry complexities and build confidence while developing needed skills.
Mentors play a crucial role in digital marketing careers and can be far more dynamic, according to insights from How to Mentor a High Achiever and What High Achievers Need from Their Mentors.
While experienced professional guidance can fast-track learning and career progression, both parties should gain from the partnership – and the relationship should be mutually beneficial.
How Mentorship Can Accelerate Growth:
- Mentors provide insights into emerging trends, best practices, and hands-on experience.
- Learning from someone who has already navigated industry challenges offers invaluable wisdom – and can save a lot of time.
- Mentors can introduce mentees to influential figures and increase access to digital marketing career opportunities.
Networking Avenues for Beginners and Where to Start
If you haven’t been the “new kid” at school, you didn’t miss much. Jumping into networking as a beginner can feel quite like that – intimidating, confusing, and full of “what do I even say?” moments.
There are plenty of easy, beginner-friendly ways to start building your network. Here’s you can begin:
Online Platforms – Your Digital Handshake
If you’re not ready to go to in-person events, online networking is a great starting point.
Think of LinkedIn as your professional highlight reel. Make sure your profile is complete, and write an engaging headline to start – like “Nike: We make sports stuff.”. After that, start posting your thoughts on industry trends.
When your profile is set up, commenting on other people’s posts and engaging in discussions can help you get noticed by the right people.
Podcasts
Another fantastic way to facilitate networking is through podcasts. They foster a sense of community among listeners who share common industry interests.
The Digital Marketing Mentor podcast is a valuable networking resource where industry leaders and experts talk about their journeys. It creates a platform for meaningful marketing-related conversation and community.
Social Media Groups & Forums
- Facebook groups
- Reddit threads
- Slack communities
Online communities buzz with digital marketing professionals – they share work advice and industry updates – sometimes even job opportunities!
Make sure to join relevant groups, ask questions, participate, and contribute to discussions – just don’t be that person who only pops up when they need something!
Industry Events and Conferences
Nothing beats the energy of a room full of like-minded professionals who get what you do.
Look for local workshops and webinars. These are great for learning and networking at the same time. Make sure to get noticed by asking thoughtful questions during Q&A sessions and connecting with speakers and attendees afterward.
Networking mixers are also a great idea. Instead of awkwardly standing in the corner sipping your drink, go in with a plan. Set a goal – maybe you want to meet three new people – and remember to follow up with them later to keep the conversation going.
Local Meetups and Professional Organizations – Build Connections IRL
If you prefer smaller, more intimate networking settings, local groups and industry organizations can be the perfect fit.
Find local digital marketing groups. Check out Meetup or Facebook Events for digital marketing gatherings near you. These groups often have casual meetups where you can swap ideas, get advice, and find potential job opportunities.
Join Professional Organizations → Groups like the American Marketing Association (AMA) or Digital Marketing Association offer networking events and mentorship programs.
5 Steps to Actually Build a Strong Network (Without Being Awkward)
Knowing how to network is great for business and can significantly improve interpersonal relationships. The best networking tips apply to not just extroverts but introverts too – here are five simple ways to build a strong network:
- Be Human → People are not Pokemon, so don’t just collect contacts – build relationships.
- Engage & Share → Comment on posts, ask questions, and give value before expecting anything.
- Follow Up → Send a simple ‘Great meeting you!’ message – people remember that!
- Use Your Existing Network → Someone you know probably knows someone you want to meet. Find out who!
- Be Authentic → No fake enthusiasm – genuine curiosity goes a long way.
Common Networking Fears (And How to Overcome Them)
We get it – networking can be nerve-wracking. Here’s how to push through these common issues:
- “I’m too introverted.” Start small – comment on posts, join online discussions, or connect one-on-one.
- “I don’t know what to say.” Ask people about themselves – everyone loves talking about their experiences. This book can be a great help with this → How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
- “I’m new, what can I offer?” Sometimes, enthusiasm is enough. Offer a fresh perspective and join the conversation.
If you’re stuck and need inspiration, a LinkedIn article from Grip can give you a decent pool of questions for you to steal.
Case Studies and Success Stories
Many ODEO students and professionals have leveraged networking to transform their careers. Still not convinced? Here are some real pros who built their careers through networking:
Stacey Piefer: she discusses how she used personal branding and networking to help overcome imposter syndrome and land amazing opportunities.
Bo Bothe: redefined mentorship by using digital tools to build and strengthen his professional relationships.
Success stories from ODEO students further highlight how mentorship and networking can open doors to high-growth careers in digital marketing.
ODEO → Time to Take Action!
Networking isn’t just a checkbox – it’s an investment in your future. Networking is how 85% of jobs are filled. Although in digital marketing, skills and knowledge are essential – networking and mentorship are key catalysts for career acceleration.
ODEO Academy isn’t just another online program – it’s a VIP ticket to mastering digital marketing. Founded by Danny Gavin, the driving force behind the successful digital marketing agency Optidge, it is where real-world marketing meets hands-on learning.
Think of it as a masterclass in digital marketing that goes beyond theory and focuses on actionable strategies used by top professionals every day.
Take the next step in your digital marketing career – to learn from experts and connect with mentors, join ODEO Academy today!