... either I'm doing it wrong, or some of the fundamentals just don't seem to translate.

 Seeking out and growing your network seems to be fairly straightforward, but the other elements of networking are where I seem to be really falling down.

 Take for example the traditional meet and greet, a lunch time get together, or a sharing of ideas over a drink. I can sell an idea well (at least I believe I can and have historically). I can pitch and build excitement in the least excitable, but trying to do this online, trying to sell myself (all jokes aside) where tone of voice is taken out of the equation, body languag etc. - I have to admit I'm finding it really tough.

 Admittedly I'm new to the entrepeneurial space, and still feel like a bit of a poser, or even an imposter, pretending to co-exist here, but in order to bring my ideas to life I'm stepping up. I believe in what I'm doing, the ideas and the ideals of it, and I think I am doing it for all the right reasons.

 So the question is, How do I build trust online?

 I know the textbook answers of course - participate in a community, demonstrate thought leadership, become visible etc - and am setting about doing this. But for my mind you just can't beat the old faithful - looking someone straight in the eye and telling them with all sincerity that you believe in what you are doing.

 Does this just make me old?

In my experience, you can't.

You can maintain relationships online. But to create them it has to be in person.

And networking results are as much about focusing on the right people as it is hard work. Who can help, who is smart, who can get passionate about what you're doing.

Guess that's what I thought.