🌎 Aquaculture Networking Made Easy: How to Grow Your Presence on the AIE

Networking is awkward. Who doesn’t feel nervous approaching strangers at a conference? On the Aquaculture Information Exchange (AIE), we make networking easy. You can send connection requests to others just like on Facebook or LinkedIn, but here you already know everyone’s interested in American aquaculture. No noise, no ads – just aquaculture people.

In a recent member poll, 70% of AIE users said networking was the most valuable part of our platform, and the data backs that up. Since we launched in October 2023, AIE members have made over 3,600 connections. With more than half (54.7%) of connection requests approved, it’s clear that our online community is friendly and welcoming to all.

In this post, we’ll go over what you stand to gain from networking on the AIE, how to start connecting, and why we’re building an online community focused on American aquaculture.

Why do AIE connections matter?

Aside from enabling private messaging with other members, making connections on the AIE has a big impact on how much engagement your posts on the platform receive. We analyzed user activity and found that people with more connections were more likely to receive reactions (such as likes 👍) when they posted.

Even a small number of connections increases engagement. But users with 6 or more connections receive dramatically more reactions. It’s a strong sign that building your online network helps you get your ideas, questions, and updates noticed by the right people.

Of course, you’ll also need to post in order for your connections and others to react. Check our past tutorials to learn tips on how to get more engagement, like posting in AIE groups. There is no algorithm on the AIE, so your post will appear chronologically in the feed, and all the reactions you get will be organic.

How to make connections on the AIE

It’s simple. On your AIE homepage, you’ll see a widget on the left sidebar that suggests members to connect with based on your location or field of work.

You can also view our entire membership directory and search to find others with similar interests. But one of the best ways to grow your aquaculture network is by connecting with people in your AIE groups.

Our data shows that 79.4% of connections are between people who belong to at least one AIE group together. Groups act like a funnel, making it easier to find like-minded professionals.

Here’s how to send connection requests to fellow group members:

1. Go to any group you’ve joined.
2. Click on the Members tab.
3. Send a connection request with one click using the buttons to the right of members’ profiles.

Take the next step in your aquaculture career

Every connection made on the AIE helps shape this community into something more vibrant, useful, and human. So if you’ve been reluctant to connect, you can ease into networking by joining a group and send a connection request to a fellow member. You’ll be surprised how many people will be happy to meet you, and before you know it you’ll be breaking the ice and having new conversations about aquaculture.

In a world where big social media platforms can leave you feeling isolated or invisible, at the AIE we’re working toward something different—something more grounded. Rather than broadcasting into the void, with each post you’ll be participating in a community that’s built for and by people who care about aquaculture.

The network map above shows every approved (blue) and pending connection (gray) on the AIE. Each dot is a person, sized by the number of connections they have. Together, they form an amazing constellation—one that visualizes the growing strength, reach, and potential of American aquaculture when we connect with each other.

Let’s keep building it. A stronger network starts with you.