29 Apr How to Become Better at Networking Online When You’re Stuck at Home

Networking online is on the rise

During self-quarantine, we’re practicing social distancing and have far fewer interactions than before, no matter how strict your country’s measures are.

Business meetings are happening over Zoom, happy hours become Facetime calls, and instant messaging is the new small talk. People are going digital with most of their social life.

Following my previous article on in-person networking best practices, nowadays networking is still a powerful tool for both job seekers and professionals looking to expand their contact base. But it’s becoming harder to meet new people.

Thankfully, online networking is on the rise.

While self-isolating, networking online is a way of laying the foundation for future growth for when the quarantine and social distancing measures come to an end.

So with conferences and networking events canceled or transferred to a digital landscape, how can you network online?

Well, pretty much the same rules apply. Except, we’ll base most conversation starters on LinkedIn profiles and content being shared on the internet. Sure, people are home, but that doesn’t mean they’re not hella busy. Here a few tips to get you started with networking online:

Diversify your contact base when networking online

We’re all going through this pandemic together, and we’re all more willing to help each other out during a crisis. Companies and executives are elbowing each other to find ways and promote social impact initiatives to help professionals and communities impacted by the virus.

Take advantage of this surge of goodwill and positive initiatives to reach out and add value to others outside your network.

Reaching out to people virtually can feel intimidating. We can’t guarantee “that spark” as with in-person interaction, but it’s important to connect with people outside of your comfort zone.

Search for mentors and experts in different sectors and industries from you. These people can add value by providing knowledge and a different perspective about an initiative, topic, or news update. Reflect on and identify knowledge gaps you’d like to fill and start networking online by scoping out potential contacts.

Craft and share quality content to maximize your networking online

Now more than ever people are online. They are reading and consuming media, so whether you write an article on LinkedIn or share an insightful update, now people will listen.

So, the more quality content you post, the greater your visibility. Also, it will be easier for you to stay top-of-mind and strike up a conversation without having to buy anyone a drink offline.

Not a savvy social media user or content creator? Take a look at what gets the most attention and engagement. Follow hashtags and influencers in topics you’re both interested and an expert in for inspiration.

And even if you’re panicked about coronavirus, try to limit posts about it. People are already nervous. Share topics that are fun, informative, and have potential traction. Popular content now revolves around topics such as keeping positive, productivity, and online networking (wink wink).

Networking online: research potential contacts

Before reaching out to a new person, read up their profile, explore their background, and get a sense of what they’re interested in. What type of news or content are they sharing? What causes do they care most about? What companies or influencers are they following?

By doing a little research, you can identify potential commonalities and ice-breakers. Also, try to comment or share some of their content to increase the likelihood that they’re already familiar with your name or who you are. Then you can begin approaching with confidence.

When networking online your introduction is important

Ok, the next step in successfully networking online is to approach the new contact. Once you’ve established some legitimacy and have researched their background, craft a killer introduction.

Introduce yourself by either making the person feel important, like they matter to you, or that you can add value to them. Do not send a one-size-fits-all one-liner hoping they notice your impersonal or stalker-ish message.

Find some common ground prior to reaching out. Having a reason to back you up will provide some legitimacy and genuineness to the conversation, especially when dealing with people who receive tons of messages a day.

Start with something like “I’ve been following your work because I’m also passionate about XYZ” or “I see that you’re an expert in this domain, I’d love to get some on [topic]” or “this particular article of yours caught my attention“. These approaches all put forth valid reasons and make the person feel more appreciated.

If you send an impersonal and abrupt note out of nowhere, you may end up negative or non-existent responses. Address the person by their name and provide some context to your outreach for best results, maybe even toss in a few shared connections if you have any!

Short and concise is best when networking online

No matter how information-hungry you are or how many pressing questions you may have, it’s always better to keep your first message short. Don’t write paragraphs about who you are or what you do immediately. Ultimately your goal is to get a reply back.

There are many things you’d like to say, many things you’d like to know,

Put yourself in the other person’s shoes: would you spend heaps of time reading a long, dense paragraph from someone you don’t know? Probably not. Your title may look appealing to them, or not. The point is to keep the message short and sweet to maximize your chances of being read. Find a balanced way of concisely mixing who you are, what you expect from the person, and what value you might add to them in the event they interact with you.

Gratitude is important when networking online

Before hitting send, be extra polite and thank them for their time.

Hopefully, you get an amazing reply. They may become an essential contact that could help you in the future or will provide you some cool knowledge in your domain.

This is the best-case scenario.

Sometimes it may not go that way.

If you don’t get a response, accept it with confidence and don’t take it personally. There are countless reasons why someone may not answer immediately, many of them have nothing to do with whom you are or your approach. Moreover, you never know if someday this seed you have planted may unexpectedly flourish, and surprise you with a late response.

Or maybe you got a reply back, but it wasn’t what you were hoping for. Foster a positive relationship, say “thank you” and again—move on. Maybe this person will remember you at a later time. You never know what the future might bring.