Professional Development Blog Series: Tele-Networking 101 During COVID-19
Conferences, panel discussions, and, yes, happy hours - socializing during COVID-19 just isn’t the same and is challenging professionals to rethink how to maintain and build their network through this time. If you are someone that misses the good ole’ days of attending events you are certainly not alone. Luckily, social distancing doesn’t have to mean the end of socializing. In fact, this rare moment has revealed the ability of organizations to adapt during a pandemic with the help of the virtual age.
Tele-networking has become one of the best alternatives to keeping your network intact. So don’t feel defeated if your in-person networking muscle isn’t being exercised at the moment, here are some key practices to keep you sharp and refreshed on this vital professional skill-set
LinkedIn, LinkedIn, LinkedIn
Now is the perfect time to give your LinkedIn a professional do-over and explore the features it has to offer. Let’s face it, many of us find it easy to forget about our LinkedIn accounts. However, especially now, think of LinkedIn as the best way for people to professionally identify who you are.
Join groups you find relevant, check in on some of your contacts and spark new mentorships or professional relationships, and post content that you’ve done recently to showcase your talent! Anne Fisher of Fortune said it best:
“The point is to be as visible as you can. Why? These days, recruiters of all stripes—including those looking for possible new board members and future conference speakers, as well as potential hires—are spending even more time combing through social media than they normally do. It’s smart to make sure they can spot you.” - Fortune, March 25, 2020
Make use of Video Conferences
Who says Hill staffers can’t still have our traditional “coffees” anymore? If you had a coffee with someone penciled in before COVID-19, still make an effort to reach out to that person for a virtual alternative. Video conferences can make networking feel that much more enjoyable. Microsoft Teams has emerged as a useful all-in-one tool: video conferences, scheduling, chat rooms - you name it! Or you can even try using FaceBook’s Messenger, Skype, Google Hangouts, Zoom, Facetime, WhatsApp.
Make sure your camera is on and your coffee mug is in hand and you’re ready to go!
Generally speaking, asking people to hop on a video conference call makes the experience that much more, which is important in networking.
Remember the Basics and Expand your Network.
Whether in person or via teleconference, it is helpful to understand how to make the most out of each connection. Taking the time to research the person before your virtual meeting is just as important as it would be in person. Not only can it help expand your networking portfolio it also shows your level of preparedness and leaves a good impression.
In addition to doing your due diligence here are some age-old tips to remember when tele-networking:
Top 10 tips for networking etiquette (From Phil Stella in The Toastmaster)
Respect the time of the people you're networking with.
Listen more than talk.
Ask more than tell
Give more than ask.
Maintain good eye contact.
Don't mix networking, marketing, and selling.
Finesse really pays off—don't come on too strong.
Make other people comfortable.
Ask if this is a good time for a brief chat when following up.
Thank people for their effort on your behalf.
Good luck tele-networking!
CBA