Building Authentic Connections in a Digital World

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, networking has transformed from handshakes at conferences to virtual meetings across borders. As someone who started in Costa Rica and later expanded my business to Los Angeles, I’ve seen firsthand how the dynamics of networking have changed. The shift to digital networking has opened up incredible opportunities for entrepreneurs like me to connect globally without ever leaving the office.

However, the core principle of successful networking remains the same: authenticity. As Porter Gale famously said, “Your network is your net worth,” and I couldn’t agree more. Whether you’re building relationships face-to-face or through a screen, the value you bring to each interaction is what will truly set you apart. In this article, I’ll share how I’ve navigated the world of digital networking, offering tips on how to foster genuine, lasting relationships in a digital age.

Why Authenticity Matters in Networking

In a world where connections can be made with a simple click or a message, it’s easy to fall into the trap of viewing networking as a numbers game. However, the key to building a successful network—one that supports your growth both personally and professionally—is authenticity.

When I first started expanding The Varela Group from Costa Rica to Los Angeles, I quickly realized that the relationships that lasted were the ones built on trust and genuine interest, not just professional convenience. Whether you’re connecting with someone in-person or online, people can sense when you’re being authentic. It’s about showing up as your true self and having real conversations instead of just exchanging business cards or LinkedIn connections.

I’ve always approached networking with a mindset of building relationships, not just expanding my contact list. It’s not about what you can get from others; it’s about creating mutual value. One of the best partnerships I ever formed for my business didn’t come from a cold pitch—it grew out of a simple conversation where I showed interest in someone’s work, shared my passion, and looked for ways we could collaborate.

As Oprah Winfrey once said, “Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher.” And that’s what authenticity in networking is all about—surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision and values, and in turn, offering them the same support and encouragement.

Leveraging Technology to Expand Your Network

One of the greatest advantages we have today is the ability to connect with people across the world, thanks to technology. Platforms like LinkedIn, virtual conferences, and social media allow us to reach out to industry leaders, potential clients, and collaborators who we may have never met otherwise.

Personally, I’ve found that LinkedIn is an incredible tool for expanding my professional network. It’s not just about sending connection requests but engaging meaningfully with the content and achievements of others. Commenting thoughtfully on posts, sharing insights, and celebrating others’ successes is how you stand out. Over the years, I’ve grown The Varela Group’s presence by consistently offering value to my network, whether through shared knowledge or support.

Matt Mullenweg, the founder of WordPress, once said, “Technology is best when it brings people together.” I believe this wholeheartedly. Technology is only a tool—it’s how we use it to create meaningful interactions that truly matters. Whether it’s a Zoom call with a potential partner from another continent or a virtual conference chat that turns into a long-term business relationship, the goal should always be to build authentic connections.

Here’s how you can start leveraging technology effectively in your networking efforts:

1. Be Proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out, comment, and engage with people who inspire you.

2. Personalize Your Approach: Avoid sending generic messages. Instead, mention something specific you admire about their work or something you have in common.

3. Follow-Up Consistently: After making a connection, keep in touch. Share relevant content, ask for their opinion, or even invite them for a virtual coffee chat.

Networking for Entrepreneurs: Creating Value in Every Interaction

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as an entrepreneur is that networking isn’t about what you can get—it’s about what you can give. For me, every interaction is an opportunity to offer something valuable, whether it’s a new idea, a piece of advice, or even a connection to someone else who can help. This mindset has been instrumental in my journey with The Varela Group and has allowed me to build strong, lasting relationships in both the tech and business worlds.

Many people approach networking with a “what’s in it for me?” attitude, but the truth is that creating value for others is what sets you apart. When you focus on providing value first, people naturally want to reciprocate. This is especially true in digital networking, where genuine relationships can often feel harder to establish.

In my experience, offering help without expecting anything in return has often led to the most rewarding business opportunities. For instance, I once connected with a fellow entrepreneur at a virtual conference who was struggling with scaling her operations sustainably. Instead of pitching my services right away, I offered her some insights from my own experience balancing growth and sustainability at The Varela Group. A few months later, she not only became a client but also introduced me to other potential partners, all because I provided value without an agenda.

As Richard Branson said, “Succeeding in business is all about making connections.” The stronger and more genuine those connections are, the more opportunities will come your way. As an entrepreneur, it’s crucial to remember that every conversation, every interaction, is a chance to build trust and add value.

Here are a few ways you can create value in your networking interactions:

1. Offer Help First: Whether it’s sharing your knowledge, making a helpful introduction, or providing feedback, always look for ways to support others.

2. Listen More Than You Speak: Understanding the needs of the person you’re connecting with allows you to offer more meaningful value.

3. Be Generous With Your Network: Introduce people who could benefit from knowing each other—it strengthens your relationships with both parties.

Maintaining Personal Connections in a Digital World

One of the biggest challenges in today’s digital networking space is maintaining the personal touch. With so many interactions happening online, it’s easy for relationships to become transactional or fade away over time. But the key to a strong network is not just making connections—it’s keeping them alive.

In my experience, staying connected with people in a personal and authentic way is what makes a network truly valuable. Whether it’s a quick email to check in, sending a thoughtful note on LinkedIn, or simply sharing an article that reminded me of a conversation we had, these small actions go a long way in maintaining relationships.

It’s also important to remember that while digital tools make it easier to connect with more people, quality always trumps quantity. Instead of trying to build the biggest network, focus on nurturing the connections that matter most. I’ve found that some of the most impactful partnerships in my career have come from just a handful of key relationships that I’ve nurtured over time.

One strategy I’ve used to maintain personal connections is to regularly schedule time for “relationship maintenance.” This might sound formal, but it’s really about setting aside time each week to reach out to people, follow up on previous conversations, or even just send a quick message of encouragement or congratulations. It keeps the relationship warm and shows that you value the connection beyond just business purposes.

As Simon Sinek puts it, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” This applies not only to customers but to your network as well. When you show people that you genuinely care about them, they’re more likely to want to stay connected and help you in return.

Here are a few tips to keep your digital connections personal:

1. Follow Up Thoughtfully: After a virtual meeting or networking event, send a personalized message referencing something specific from your conversation.

2. Share Relevant Content: If you come across an article, podcast, or video that might interest someone in your network, share it with a personal note.

3. Show Appreciation: Whether it’s a thank-you note or a message of gratitude, never underestimate the power of appreciation in strengthening a connection.

Authentic Networking as a Key to Business Success

In today’s digital world, networking is more accessible than ever, but the principles of building authentic, meaningful relationships remain the same. Whether you’re attending a virtual conference, engaging on LinkedIn, or nurturing an existing connection, the key is to be genuine and focused on creating mutual value.

Throughout my journey with The Varela Group, I’ve learned that authentic networking is not just about expanding your contact list—it’s about building relationships that last. It’s about being intentional, offering value, and maintaining personal connections even in a digital space. These are the relationships that help you grow as a leader and entrepreneur, and they often lead to the most rewarding business opportunities.

As I reflect on my experiences from Costa Rica to Los Angeles, it’s clear that networking is one of the most powerful tools for success in business. But as the quote often attributed to Maya Angelou says, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” It’s that personal connection that sets the foundation for long-term success.

So, whether you’re an entrepreneur just starting out or a seasoned professional, my advice is simple: Use the digital tools available to you, but always lead with authenticity and value in every interaction. Your network will grow, not just in size, but in strength.

What’s one step you can take today to make your digital networking more authentic? Let me know in the comments, or feel free to connect with me directly to share your insights!