How to Make Online Business Friends Without Feeling Awkward
Let’s be real for a second. Running an online business can sometimes feel a little lonely. You are sitting at your laptop, talking to clients or customers, posting content, launching things, and yet somehow, you still feel like the only person doing it. That is where online business friendships come in.
Having business friends changes everything. You get someone to bounce ideas off, celebrate wins with, vent to when the algorithm is a mess, and support you when impostor syndrome creeps in. And no, it is not weird to make friends on the internet. It is magical.
If you have ever wondered how to make online business friends without feeling awkward or fake, this is your guide. We are going to discuss what it truly means to connect, how to initiate conversations, where to find your community, and how to transform casual chats into genuine support systems.
Why online business friendships matter
You do not need to be in a big program or have a massive following to build real connections. You just need a few good people who understand what it is like to run a business online.
Business friends help you:
Stay motivated when you are working solo
Talk through ideas before you launch them
Keep perspective when things are not working
Avoid burnout by having people who remind you to rest
Feel less like a lone wolf and more like part of something bigger
This is not about forced networking. This is about real relationships built on kindness and mutual support.
Where to find your online business people
If you are wondering where all these business friends are hiding, do not worry. They are out there. You just need to know where to look.
Here are some of the best places to start:
Instagram
If you follow someone whose vibe you love, leave thoughtful comments. Respond to their stories. Share their work and tag them. It opens the door to connection.
TikTok
People post about business wins, struggles, and behind the scenes content all the time. Leave a kind comment or message to connect on shared experiences.
Facebook groups
There are groups for every niche. Join a few that match your energy and values. Show up in the comments with encouragement or advice.
Group programs or online courses
You are already learning alongside people who share your goals. That is a natural place to build friendships.
Slack and Discord communities
These are becoming more popular in creative and professional spaces. You can chat casually and make real connections over time.
How to start the conversation without being weird
Sliding into DMs is not weird if you are being genuine.
Here are a few ways to break the ice:
“I have been following your content for a while and just wanted to say I really appreciate how helpful you are.”
“I saw your post about burnout and totally related. How are you navigating it lately?”
“Your reel about difficult clients had me laughing so hard. Thanks for the laugh.”
“Thanks for that tip you shared last week. It actually helped me a lot.”
Lead with kindness, not a sales pitch. You are starting a friendship, not closing a deal.
How to turn internet friends into business best friends
Once you have connected, how do you move beyond occasional likes and comments?
Try one of these:
Invite them to a casual virtual coworking session
Set up a monthly check-in to talk about goals and wins
Start a group chat with a few people in the same industry or mindset
Share helpful links, referrals, or encouragement without being asked
Keep showing up. Consistency builds trust
Friendships grow through small, repeated connection. Not one big interaction. Some of my closest online friends are Michelle Casso-Herr and Lillian Henke.
What not to do when trying to make business friends online
If you want to build meaningful connections, avoid the following:
Do not pitch in the first message
Nobody likes it, and it doesn’t work most of the time. Focus on relationship first, always.
Do not copy someone’s content and act like you are close
Support their work, do not steal it. Respect is the base of any friendship.
Do not overshare too soon
You can be honest and real without dumping too much too fast.
Do not disappear without notice
If you vanish after building connection, it can feel strange. You do not need to explain everything, but a quick “life got busy” message helps.
Why online business networking helps you grow
Online business networking is not just about feeling less alone. It actually supports your business growth. Here is how:
You get honest feedback from people who understand your world
You can collaborate on giveaways, events, or content
You can trade referrals or pass leads to people you trust
You stay inspired by seeing what others are building
You avoid burnout by feeling connected to a support system
This is not surface level stuff. These relationships help you grow with more ease and joy.
Bonus: What to say if you do not know what to say
Still unsure how to start a conversation? Try something like:
“I am working on building a product and saw you launched yours. How did it go?”
“I am trying to connect with more people in the design world. Would love to hear how you got started.”
“Loved your blog about client boundaries. Any tools you recommend for contracts?”
“I am working solo today. Want to cowork on Zoom for an hour?”
Keep it light. Keep it real. That is all it takes.
Final thoughts
Wanting business friends is not a weakness. It is part of what keeps you grounded and growing. No one builds something great alone. And if you are working for yourself, connection matters even more. Theres a reason the saying ‘it takes a village’ exists!
So take the first step. Say something kind. Offer support. Cheer someone on. That is how all great friendships start.
You do not need to be in the same niche. You do not need to be extroverted. You just need to show up and care.
If you are ready to make online business friends but feel unsure where to start, let this be your sign. You are allowed to want connection. You are allowed to ask for support. You are allowed to build something that feels less lonely.
And if you want help creating a brand or online presence that attracts your kind of people, I can help with that too.
Click here to connect or book a strategy session. You deserve community. Not just followers.
Bonus! FAQ
What if I am an introvert?
Some of the best online friendships come from thoughtful, quiet people. You do not have to be loud to connect. You just need to be honest.
How long does it take to build a real friendship?
Sometimes it clicks fast. Other times it builds over weeks or months. Keep showing up. It grows over time.
What if someone does not reply?
Do not take it personally. People are busy. It probably has nothing to do with you. Just try again with someone else. Your people are out there.
Can these friendships ever become in person?
Yes. Many online friends eventually meet up at retreats, conferences, or coffee dates if they are local. But even if you never meet in real life, the connection is still valid.
Do I need to be in the same niche to connect?
No. Some of the strongest friendships come from people in different industries. What matters is shared values and energy, not identical offers.
