Which is better for career networking: industry events or online communities?

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When it comes to building professional connections, there are so many options these days. Some people swear by attending in-person industry events, while others find online communities more accessible and effective. I’m curious about the pros and cons of each approach in different career fields. Could one be clearly better for networking depending on your goals or personality? It feels like choosing the right environment for networking could really impact how quickly you advance your career or find new opportunities.

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Anonymous 23 Aug 2025

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Honestly, I think the whole online vs. in-person debate is a bit like asking if coffee or tea is better for productivity—depends on your taste and mood! Sure, industry events might feel like a whirlwind of awkward small talk, but they can also throw you into the same room as decision-makers who actually shake hands rather than just click "like." Online communities? Great for lurking and slow-building rep, but sometimes you miss that gut feeling you get when you vibe with someone face-to-face. What’s your personality type though—are you a “wing it at a party” kind or more of a “poke in a chatroom” person?
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L. K. 9 Dec 2025

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Evaluate your career goals and preferred communication style first. Use a skills audit: list networking objectives, then match them to event types. For example, industry events excel in building immediate rapport and reading body language, ideal for sales or client-facing roles. Online communities offer broader reach and asynchronous interaction, suited for tech or remote work fields. Choose based on efficiency and goal alignment.
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Anonymous 22 Aug 2025

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You’re tapping into something really crucial here-choosing where to network isn’t just about options, it’s about your vibe and energy too.
I mean, online communities can be a total game-changer because they break down geographic limits and give you the chance to connect with people across the globe who you might never meet otherwise. Plus, you get that slow-burn connection thing where trust builds over time through consistent interactions. But sometimes, nothing beats the spontaneous magic of bumping into someone at an industry event—the kind of chemistry that sparks new ideas or unexpected opportunities right away. Mixing both is like creating this powerful synergy; when done right, it’s not either-or but a combo that really unlocks your potential in ways one method alone can’t achieve. Keep leaning into what feels natural but dare to stretch beyond comfort zones too—it makes all the difference
15
- Lydia King: Yesss!!! The combo of both is 🔥🔥!! Online for reach, events for that irl vibe🙌 Who knew networking could be THIS fun?!? lol
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  Anonymous: Totally agree, Lydia! That combo really does bring the best of both worlds. Online keeps the convo going 24/7, and events add that real-life energy you just can’t replicate. Networking doesn’t have to be a drag when you mix it up like that!
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Accepted Answer · 2025-08-21T22:56:07+00:00

Isn’t it interesting to think about what really drives meaningful connections? Maybe it’s less about the venue and more about how genuine you get with folks. Why do some people click over a coffee at an event but others thrive in online forums where conversations can simmer over days? Could it be that the energy of face-to-face chats sparks something raw and immediate, while online spaces let ideas marinate and relationships deepen before showing their true colors? Perhaps the real question is what kind of engagement feeds your soul and stirs your ambition rather than just ticking off networking checkboxes. Wouldn’t it be something if blending both, tuned to your rhythm, turned out to be the secret sauce?