Hey there! Let's be honest. We're living in a world where emojis are replacing handshakes, "likes" are the new nods of approval and emails or DMs feel like shouting into the abyss (and hoping someone hears you). Sound familiar? Trust me, you're not alone — but the good news is, you can stand out. Today, I'm going to coach you through seven practical and fun ways to build genuine connections in a digital era.

Whether you're trying to get someone to email you back, slide out of the DM void or simply have a real human moment amid all the noise, these tips will get people to actually respond. My Instagram DMs get filled up with so much spam that sometimes it's hard to detect the good from the bad. Learning how to forge trust and connect digitally isn't rocket science, but it does take a pinch of strategy and a splash of effort!

Here's the deal. If you're still opening your emails or DMs with, "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To whom it may concern," STOP. RIGHT. NOW. People can sniff out a generic message from a mile away, and nobody wants to feel like just another box on your to-do list.

Instead, personalize it. Use their name (it's much better). Reference something specific about them, like a recent project, a shared interest or even their stunning Instagram feed. For example, instead of "Hi [Name]," try "Hey Tonia, I saw your recent article about saving money on travel for business, and it really clicked with me!" See how personal that feels? When we show we've taken the time to truly "see" people, they're much more likely to engage.

Related: 9 Ways to Feel Human Connection in a Virtual........

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