Ways to Maximize Virtual Networking It’s been quite awhile since we could all gather together for handshakes and face-toface conversation and it looks like it’ll be awhile longer before all that happens again. But networking goes on, albeit in a different form—in fact some say it’s never been more important to continue growing your professional contact list. Here are five ways to keep the networking going even when it can’t be over coffee and in-person.
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Show up. It really is that simple says PCMA. If you’re not regularly checking in with your existing network to see how people are and offer a friendly greeting, this is the time to change that. How you treat your network now will determine if you have one when things get back to normal.
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Reach out with kindness, authenticity, and sincerity. Instead of typing “How are you,” consider, “I hope you’re happy and healthy,” say the experts at Korn Ferry. They say, “How are you holding up,” with a note about your own experience can be a great opener to a “let’s connect” note.
Find online networking opportunities. monster.com recommends mining the internet for places to connect with like-minded professionals: Facebook groups, Slack teams, LinkedIn groups, or—our favorite—IPMI’s Forum for parking and mobility professionals. Strike up conversations and build relationships from your own office.
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Build a personal board of directors, recommends CNBC. Reach out online to potential mentors who have a different background than yours. People are eager to connect while isolated and having a diverse network can provide you with terrific advice and perspective going forward.
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Check out your online identity. Is your LinkedIn up to date? Are your goofy Facebook photos set to private? And what are other people saying about you online? Run an audit of your online reputation and start making adjustments so it says what you want it to say about you, says Welcome to the Jungle.
