Let’s keep it real—entrepreneurship can be lonely. Heck, adulting can be lonely. With the business of being a career driven woman, it can be difficult to make new and lasting relationships in our day to day routines. While social media has influenced the rise of FOMO and social anxiety, it also can be used as a vessel for making new friends both IRL and online. If you’re ready to get social on social media, keep reading for our best tips for creating lasting connections with other creative ladies around the world. 

So, How Do I Even Find Digital Friends?

If you’re wondering where to start, let’s hop on your handy dandy social media apps to get started. When looking for people you might click with, try these techniques:

  • On Instagram, look at the comments of your favorite influencers, small brands, and local spots.
  • On Facebook, search for Facebook groups related to your hobbies and interests. 
  • On Instagram, check out top and recent posts for your local Location tag.

Now that we’ve figured out the “where”, let’s dive into the “how” techniques that have helped me find my business BFF and IRL cycling class partner. 

Engage with Their Content Authentically

Social media is inherently built to be social, so start by being engaging with their content to start a relationship. This means comment, like, reply, and share the content they create that you love. Especially if you’re an entrepreneur looking to build connections for referrals and partnerships with a new biz bestie, they’ll be sure to notice the effort. The key here is authenticity—don’t engage just to engage. It’s just like any in-person friendship: you start with small talk, you then talk about things you have in common, and the relationship grows from there. 

For example, one of my business friends came from us following each other, commenting on each others posts and stories, and eventually being like, “We need a virtual wine date!” That friendship led to collaborations and venting sessions that would’ve never started if we hadn’t put in the effort to get to know each other. 

Send Genuine Direct Messages

They’re right to say it goes down in the DM’s because it’s the best way to directly reach out to someone. If you’ve been following someone for awhile and you have an inkling that you’ll hit it off, well, send a short but sincere message.

“Hi, Sally! I absolutely love [your taste in clothes / the same coffee order as you / to do yoga as well / insert compliment or commonality]. I just wanted to connect and say hello since you always brighten my feed!”

Or even something like this…

“Hi, Sally! I absolutely love [your taste in clothes / the same coffee order as you / to do yoga as well / insert compliment or commonality]. I’d love to have a casual coffee chat [at my favorite local coffee shop / on a virtual video call] if you’re free this month! What time works best for you?”

And if both of those options feel like a leap, start by replying to a story. This is a great way to start a conversation related to something relevant and organically starts a direct message thread together.

Put Out What You Want to Attract

Now that you’ve put in the work, make sure your accounts are optimized to make you appear, well . . . friendly. When someone does their background research to see what you’re all about, make sure your grid represents you well. If you’re not looking for a drinking buddy, maybe refrain from posting a photo from your wild night out. If you’re looking for a yoga partner, start posting more about your yoga practice. It’s easy to see why bright photos and smiling people often attract positive people. 

I’ve used these three techniques to foster professional and personal relationships online. Some friends I’ve only met over Zoom calls, while others are always down for a co-work and coffee sesh. As a solopreneur, it’s easy to feel alone, so making the extra effort to “network” online can make for incredible friendships. 

There’s a secret formula to being one of those gals with online friends—it’s as simple as putting yourself out there (even if you’re a bit uncomfortable) with the expectation of creating lasting connections!