We are now entering a new era of professional relationship-building. The rise of the internet saw connectivity and reach between businesses rapidly advance. Email allowed you to directly reach out to decision-makers worldwide. LinkedIn took this a step further, allowing you to rapidly expand your professional connections.
However, with the rise of AI-driven mass email campaigns, unlawful impersonations (including deepfake personas), and generative AI content flooding professional networks, online trust has eroded. Cold emails are ignored, and social media updates and connection requests are missed due to over-saturation.
The answer to this is being seen across the world: new smaller professional networks built from trusted real-world connections. In one example, buildings that host multiple companies are setting up intranets where the businesses can interact, ask experts for advice, and offer each other improved service rates.
We are excited for this new era as the value of authentic, interpersonal relationships grows and opportunities for in-person networking flourish once again.