Growing Your Network in a Virtual World
The pandemic has made life anything but easy, but networking does not have to be that way. There are several ways you can expand your network without putting yourself and others at risk.
Take advantage of LinkedIn suggestions!
Connection suggestions make it easy to find someone in your field and connect with them, regardless of geographical area. You can also search for a particular industry or job title to find new connections.
Join LinkedIn or Facebook groups.
Whatever you are interested in, there is a group for it. Groups are a great way to gain insight into your interests, ask/answer questions, and see what’s trending! Whether it’s an actual networking group or a group for animal lovers, it’s an easy and effective way to expand your network.
Message recruiters on LinkedIn!
Whether you’re looking for a job or not, we recommend adding some recruiters to your network. They make great connections because they usually have a vast and diverse network themselves. Plus, the more contacts a recruiter has, the better!
Ask people in your network to introduce you to people in theirs!
For maximum benefit, ask a few of your contacts every week to introduce you to someone from their network. Eventually, the new people you meet will introduce you to people in their network and so on. Before you know it, your network will be full of diverse people and talent!
Attend virtual networking events!
Since we’re living in a virtual world, it only makes sense to have virtual networking events. Just a quick Google search and you can find several events about your interests. Here is a link to different types of events, workshops, and mixers.
What do you bring to the table?
Figure out what you can offer your connections. Someone may need your services or skillset, or maybe they are looking for someone who shares a similar passion. When contacting them, specify what you can do for them, how you can do it, and why they should connect with you.
Keep in touch!
Since we started working from home, most people go days or even weeks without speaking with their co-workers. We suggest finding time in your day to reach out to 2 people you haven’t talked to in a while. Whether it’s a phone call or a quick text asking how they are, it will make them feel good, and it may even remind them of something you could assist them on.
Something great about virtual networking is you can do it any time. Whether you’re calling someone on your lunch break or sending a short LinkedIn message at the end of your day, you don’t have to schedule out much time to do it.
Whether you want to set aside one day a week where you establish new connections and maintain current ones, or you want to do it through the week, you must keep up the momentum.
