Networking can be tough even in normal times, but today’s remote world adds a whole new set of challenges. Consider these tips to make the most of remote and in-person networking.
Although networking has changed significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains vital at every career stage.
As businesses continue to adapt to the reality of remote work, so too will we adapt the social behaviours that enable us to stay in touch and forge new relationships with co-workers, partners, customers, and potential clients.
Simply, we are human and it’s human nature to interact with others. Most of us have been raised in a person-to-person community from family, education, and the workplace. There is an inherent link between engagement, social activities, community, and health.
Networking online and in-person (when circumstances allow) have been equally important. However, networking in a remote environment differs in approach.
Let’s take the time to review tips for successful networking online and in person.
Remote Networking tips.
Connecting online makes it more difficult to judge body language and facial cues. Many people are also becoming wary of online-only interactions and frequently complain of “Zoom fatigue.”
Networking during a pandemic is the perfect time to reach out to people in new ways! Send a handwritten note, take the time to send a thoughtful article that relates to your customer’s pain point or pick up the telephone to call someone. Networking today should be even more important as people will often be at home wanting to respond and discuss your ideas, topics, challenges, etc. –
Speak With Peers, Reach Out to Old Contacts
Speak to peers and get in touch with old contacts again on LinkedIn, by email or by phone. Ask them if they know of any groups of like-minded people who network online and how they are evolving in the pandemic. Give before you get by asking if you can help at all and people will be surprisingly good at helping you.
Leverage your social media platforms
There’s never been a more critical time to boost your visibility online. If you don’t already have a strong presence on various platforms where people can find you, now is a great time to start. “Become easy to find on Google, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or LinkedIn, and provide information about yourself and your brand.
Once your accounts are optimized, be proactive with them, not only by posting your content but also by interacting with others. Spontaneous comments and replies start many interesting discussions. They may result in new partnerships or teach you how to deal with certain business-related scenarios for example building trust as a new leader, giving and receiving feedback, implementing new software packages etc
Create your own online group.
Not feeling the social media world? Opt for creating your own little online group—perhaps a more private one for insider leadership type discussions. Invite people you know to a group conversation on Slack or Telegram, WhatsApp or create a group on LinkedIn or Facebook to share your experiences, ideas, and skills. Encourage your colleagues to add interested people they know and trust. It’s amazing how quickly a small group chat can snowball to hundreds of involved members exchanging ideas and best practices.
Face to face networking and coordination
Many people given the option, prefer face to face networking. For many of us, it’s been a couple of years since the opportunity to attend. Here are some handy reminders and tips to ensure a successful networking event.
Planning.
- Clear plan as to run sheet, from arrival, seating, food service etc. Ensure that the venue has the latest run sheet and ‘go-to person for any latecomers.
- Printed attendee list with contact details (permission gained first), add a QR code to make it accessible online.
- Audio – make sure that the venue has microphones and speakers.
Name tags.
Good name tags with large type, pre-printed.
Name tags that have the Preferred Name in LARGE letters and the surname can be normal sized font. This enables attendees to read names from a distance.
Table settings.
Round or oval tables, not rectangular, so you can talk to more than just the person opposite. Or consider had everyone change seats with between courses
MC.
The MC’s role is to welcome people, share about logistics, thanks speakers etc.
To ensure a successful event, and put on your host persona. Remind everyone to introduce others and don’t leave solo people alone in a corner.
Introductions.
Consider the host conducting introductions at each table. This enables targeted introductions for all attendees (rather than humble self intros) and the host gets to make connections as they go. Note that this works in small networking groups that are 20 and under.
Catering.
Consider share plates for food rather than alternate drop. The sharing of the meal becomes part of the conversation (breaking bread).
Hint: Ensure that that a team member has been allocated to jump in for food service. Covid has impacted hospitality many places are understaffed and events often have inexperienced people.
Activities- assisting others to connect.
Pairing existing networkers to new attendees. Hosts had paired attendees up in advance. They were looking for specific pairs: boy-girl, one familiar with the event, one new to the event.
Networking for seminars, planning, or connecting new employees to existing workers.
Elevator pitch introductions.
- In pairs, 5 minutes is allocated to get to know each other.
- Then each pair has 30 seconds each to introduce each other.
Speed networking.
Attendees sit knee to knee with people and every few minutes need to move signalled by a bell or music ending. Alternatively consider having attending moving seats at different courses or after breaks.
Targeted networking and match making
Look for pairings of people who have complementary skills / businesses. For example people who could pair up and create something new with each other. This creates immediate value for those attending. Prework of attendee experience, value and skills would need to be provided.
Lastly, If you want to meet people, grab a tray of food and pass it round , people always hover towards food and makes it a great way to connect.
What’s your best networking tip?
About Facilitated Training’s founder and Chief Leaning Officer.
Colleen Condon is one of AsiaPac’s most well-rounded Organisational and Learning professionals. With her finger in every piece of the Human Resources pie, Colleen has trained 1000s of people across multiple industries and countries. She has conducted training department reviews in Soul, Facilitated regional planning programs in Mumbai, deployed leadership programs across Australia, Singapore and New Zealand, just to name a few.
She has written books for learning and development professionals, implemented regional online induction programs for 14 countries, and most importantly, wielded Flipchart Markers like no one else on Earth.
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