How to Network Remotely
What is networking?
The word “networking” probably conjures up images of happy hours with drink tickets and business conferences, but it really can be any interaction among people to develop both professional and social relationships. Chatting up the person behind you in line at a coffee shop is networking just as much as a business lunch between two people brought together by a mutual connection is, but what happens when you take away the opportunities for in-person connections?
How is remote networking different from in-person networking?
Extroverts may have panicked at the lack of in-person networking due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For introverts, however, the removal of the expectation to mix and mingle as an essential part of any career has likely not been so devastating. As an introvert myself, I have long been searching for effective ways to network that didn’t always require me to try to break into groups of random people at events.
How to network remotely
Networking is always important and necessary but highly critical when starting a new job. Having started two jobs remotely during the pandemic meant I really had to figure out remote networking. I dreaded networking, but I was surprised at how much easier and possibly even more effective remote networking has been for me. Here are some of the key things that have worked for me and can work for anyone working remotely, not just introverts:
1:1s
Set up one-on-one meetings (or 1:1s in Corporate speak) with team members and people you want to build or maintain a connection with. If you’re stressed about the idea of a whole 30 minutes with someone, schedule your 1:1 for 15 minutes. It’s not a big enough commitment for someone to dread, and if the conversation flows, it’s easy to keep talking for a full 30 minutes. Many people are craving connection right now in this time of isolation and are open to short conversations.
Be Engaged/Don’t Be a Lurker
When you’re in a team chat, try to engage at least periodically. Asynchronous communication, especially in a group chat setting, can be daunting if people think they are going to get crickets in response to what they’re saying. In group settings (chats in particular), there are always those people who never engage. Don’t be one of those people.
Even if you don’t have anything to say, consider showing your support by liking or using another reaction emoji for their comments when appropriate. On the flip side, don’t overdo it and go on a liking spree for every message because that can come off as disingenuous.
During in-person meetings, there is an expectation of engagement. Dead silence would be extremely uncomfortable in that setting, so consider that before you leave people hanging in a chat. Being engaged will help you stay connected and likely generate goodwill.
Give More Than You Receive
Sometimes it may feel like you don’t have anything to offer others especially if you are new or at a lower level than the people you are trying to network with. Remember, we all have strengths that we can share whether that be our unique perspective, connections, knowledge, or something else. Show genuine interest in the people you connect with and remember their interests and pain points. When you find something that can help them, share freely.
Read This Book
I read this book before COVID-19 and large-scale remote working was even a thought in the world. While geared toward introverts, many introverts tend to thrive with networking that is not face-to-face. This works very well for our new remote world, and the book is full of actionable and effective tips.
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