Online Networking Without the Cringe – Video
Online Networking Without the Cringe
Online networking can feel like a weird mix of small talk and stage fright — except it’s all happening in your inbox. You’re supposed to be friendly but professional, confident but not salesy, authentic but not too personal. You overthink your opening line, rewrite it five times, then wonder if your little “hope you’re well!” message sounds too desperate. By the time you hit send, your message feels less like a connection and more like a cry into the void.
No wonder so many of us avoid it — or feel gross doing it. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Talk Outline:
This talk will focus on how to simplify online networking. We’ll cover:
- Delivering authenticity and value to reduce the “cringe” feeling.
- Avoiding pitfalls that make online networking feel transactional or uncomfortable.
- Processes and examples you can use in online networking scenarios.
- Building and maintaining long-term relationships that feel human and genuine.
The goal of this talk is to help you feel more comfortable, assertive and at ease when starting conversations with strangers in professional online spaces.
About Our Speaker
Paige Strand
Communications Consultant
With over a decade of corporate experience, Paige founded Strand + Strategy Communications to positively impact her community and local economy. Her ability to navigate multiple industries offers a unique perspective on strategies, problem-solving and business transformation. She has served diverse sectors such as financial services, healthcare, technology, publishing, automotive, hotels, food and beverage, entertainment and life sciences. Her background in change management also makes her a sought-after partner for storytelling through major changes, including mergers and acquisitions, digital transformation and people-centric initiatives.
She was listed on the Women We Admire's '2023 Top 50 Leaders in Vancouver' list and The Peak’s ‘Emerging Leaders of 2022’ list, as well as several podcasts and conference talks.
When she’s not online, she’s mentoring young women at the Prosperity Project, walking kids to school through the Walking School Bus initiative, bench-pressing at Strong Side Conditioning, buying berries at the New Westminster Farmers Market or beekeeping with the New Westminster Beekeepers Association.
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