Tips for Virtual Networking

The COVID-19 pandemic escalated at an unprecedented speed, leaving businesses with little time to prepare and relocate to their homes, or in some cases, shut down completely. Almost overnight, the practice of social distancing — isolating oneself in an attempt to “flatten the curve” and prevent the spread of disease — became the new norm.

However, even for some of those fortunate enough to be working remotely at this time, it may feel like anything but.

Gone is the atmosphere of a physical office space wherein you and your coworkers are free to socialize, collaborate in-person and attend meetings in person for networking and professional development opportunities. “Work” right now might look less like a bustling hub of productivity and more like you sitting alone at a desk in the corner of your room – with nothing but a laptop and a cup of coffee to keep you company. While this setup certainly gets the job done, it can also become incredibly lonely, incredibly quickly.

So how do you cope? How do you continue to network and build the relationships that are so vital to your professional livelihood when everyone is in isolation? The answer is a matter of adaptability: finding a way to fit your regular communication skills through the keyhole of technology and maximizing your digital resources to keep in contact with the people in your circle.

Here are a couple tips to help you make and maintain your work-relationships in virtual space:

Communicate clearly

It can be difficult for you and your coworkers/clients to communicate effectively and come to the same understandings when you’re separated by miles of distance. It’s also harder to read intent when things are said through text and it may feel like you’re (literally) left to your own devices if the people you typically turn to for help and support aren’t directly in front of you.

Workplace messaging apps are in place for a reason: use them, and use them to their fullest extent. Clarify the details of that project. Confirm the date when that deadline lands on. Make sure you’re up to date on recent changes in your office or industry. Speak assertively, voicing and clarifying your thoughts when necessary; don’t just assume things, and don’t leave room for your coworkers and clients to assume things either.

Despite how things physically seem, you aren’t alone in your work efforts, so don’t start treating every operation like a one-man job. Now more than ever, clear and assertive communication are essential to ensuring productivity, avoiding frustration and preserving your relationships at a time riddled with confusion.

Stay professional but make things personal

Before being your coworkers and clients, the people that you work with are still people. You shouldn’t treat work-relationships as mere business transactions. No one is on work-mode 24/7, so don’t be afraid to be open and honest and allow your personality to shine through your discourse.

Do not confine your discussions with coworkers and clients to solely professional topics. Talk about your day and share thoughts regarding what’s going on in the world right now. Chances are, the people you work with share in your anxieties and emotions. Being vulnerable and showing your personal side emphasizes your multi-dimensionality as a human being – and is sure to help you build comfort and trust in each of your relationships. Don’t just be another employee to someone: be a friend. It’s the one thing everybody needs right now.

Reach out and check in.

Though it may be tempting to become complacent as you remotely lounge around at home, now is not the time. Don’t start playing the waiting game in your communications. If someone hasn’t contacted you in awhile, shoot them a quick text or email to find out what’s up. If you think someone’s struggling with an assignment or even a personal plight, let them know you’re willing to work through it with them.

More than being a good coworker, this goes into being a good friend — which is the key to the lasting strength of any relationship. Take initiative and make sure the people in your network are doing alright. Ask them if they have any questions for you, if there’s anything you can do to make this transition from office to home smoother. This will make your connections far more genuine and your job far less lonely.

So seldom are each of us universally united in something as powerful as the fight against this pandemic. Everyone’s world has invariably been turned upside down, but with the right mindset, we can bridge the gaps that have been created by social distancing. We can construct meaningful networks and connections, support systems and friendships — so that we might all emerge from this turmoil stronger, friendler and, most importantly, together.

Cailin Lansang is a Digital Media Intern for Meadowlands Media. She is currently a senior at Bergen County Technical High School in Teterboro, majoring in Digital Media, and will be attending Columbia University this fall as a prospective English major. She can be contacted at cailin.lansang@yahoo.com.