The way we work has evolved and there is no doubt some form of remote work, and thus virtual networking, will remain even after relaxation of the restrictions. Here are some recommendations from managers and directors of companies that appeared on the Management Today portal.
Cat Davis, marketing director of The Mission Group and Krow Group says she is trying to be more active and communicative on social media. She suggests the Zoom platform and similar tools are suitable for video conferencing and business calls, but social networks such as LinkedIn allow her to act more personally and form better mutual relations at a distance. According to Davis, networking in the online space of social media is easier than trying to find and address someone in a crowded room at a conference. Therefore, her advice is not to avoid social networks but instead benefit from them.
The founder of Browser Media, Joe Friedlein, also encourages more intensive involvement in professional groups, especially on LinkedIn. You will thus stay in your professional and interest circles and benefit also from the quality of relevant contacts in the group. Friedlein believes this is much more important than the number of contacts gained at any events. In addition, you can easily preselect in the online space.
Simon Beddoe, Head of Business Development at Imagination, likewise recommends making the most of online webinars and conferences and panel discussions so you can share your expertise, listen to others, and build a community. In contrast to personal encounters, online space offers a unique opportunity to meet people and personalities "face to face" that you would probably not find anywhere in physical space.
Co-founder and CEO of SO SYNCD, Jessica Alderson, concludes that before the anti-pandemic restrictions, conferences were her primary way of expanding her network of contacts: thanks to these, she even made several close friends whom she met at various work events. Later, under the pressure of circumstances, she had to find an alternative way to meet people, so she joined the American online platform Lunchclub, which uses artificial intelligence to help connect suitable interesting contacts and support networking. In the few months since the outbreak of the pandemic, Alderson says she has managed to hold almost a hundred virtual meetings with people in various positions from companies around the world, which has brought her great inspiration.
Don't shut yourself off from the world. Find alternative paths and take advantage of innovative technologies for online networking.
-bb-