Why and How You Should Network, Even in the Age of Coronavirus
I know, networking can be tough, even in the best of times. Walking into a room full of people you don’t know only to have to endure idle chit chat is not many people’s idea of a good time.
Still, networking can be an effective way to grow your business, if you go about it the right. And, it’s an activity you can do even in the age of social distancing and COVID-19.
So, what does networking in the time of Coronavirus look like, and why should you do it?
First, let’s tackle the first question.
Networking while we are practicing stay at home orders means that you do it virtually, either via phone or online via Zoom, Skype, or some other video conferencing tool.
And to some, that can be more difficult than walking into a room full of strangers. Although you don’t have to drive anywhere and walk to the meeting, you still need to pick up a phone or click a link.
You might find the same excuses or distractions that kept you from going to in-person networking events but don’t let those deter you from trying. In no time, it will become easier and easier — kind of like riding a bike.
And, you will find great value in networking from home:
Connect with someone in your network you might not otherwise have
Networking while social distancing will undoubtedly make you connect with someone you already know, but may not have spoken to in a while. It’s a reason to pick up the phone and schedule some time with a former colleague, client, or vendor.
Connect with someone new to your network
At the same time you’re connecting with people who are already a part of your network, you can use this time to expand your network effectively. You can schedule a virtual coffee with that person in your industry that you’ve always wanted to connect with or with someone you had no idea existed.
Learn new things about yourself and others
Networking from a distance will no doubt force you to learn new things about yourself and others. Maybe you discover that you love networking so much, or perhaps you discover that you don’t. Regardless, you will learn something.
So now that we covered some of the reasons WHY you should network form a social distance let’s go over HOW you can go about doing so.
Mine your contacts
Who do you know but haven’t seen or talked to in a long time? Check your contact list, your Facebook friends, and your LinkedIn contacts. Reach out to that person and ask how they are doing. Tell them you’d like to catch up and hear what is going on with them and ask if they’d be interested in setting up some time to talk. Then, set it up.
Mine your contacts redux
This assumes that you are already on LinkedIn. Take a look at the connections of your first-level connections. Is there someone there that you’d like to meet? If you know your fist connection well, you could reach out to him or her and ask them to make an introduction on your behalf. Or you could reach out to that person directly and ask them to connect. Either way, this is an excellent tactic to expand your network with people you actually want to meet.
Engage with your Facebook and/or LinkedIn groups
If you are already a part of a Facebook and/or LinkedIn group, engage with the members. Comment on their posts and query the group with your question or observation. If you see someone in the group who you find interesting, reach out and ask him or her if they want to connect. If they say ‘yes’ (which I’m sure they will), schedule a day, time, and method to do just that.
Join Facebook and/or Linked groups
If you aren’t in any Facebook and LinkedIn groups, consider joining a few. Each platform has groups for just about any industry and interest. Find the ones that speak to you and ask to join. Then, once accepted, engage with the members, as suggested above.
Make an announcement
On a couple of different occasions, I’ve posted to LinkedIn that I want to have coffee with one new person a week, meaning someone I’ve never had coffee with. I made it clear that we could meet in person or virtually via the phone or Zoom. As a result of these posts, I’ve met with about 20 new people with whom I’ve established relationships, passed referrals, and added to my network.
Some reminders
Remember, this isn’t a time to sell your services. You are networking to learn about the other person — what they do, how they do it, and how you can help them. By “help,” I’m not saying sell, but rather, who can you introduce them to? Who do they want to meet? Who is their ideal customer or client?
Ask them how you can help them. Who is a good referral or referral partner for them? Do you know anyone who fits the bill? If so, offer to connect them via email or LinkedIn. And then, do it.
Another thing to remember during this time is that many of us are in the same boat. We are stuck at home craving human contact. This is a great time to “meet” new people and expand your network so that you are in a better place when this is all over.
And finally, networking is about establishing and cultivating relationships, not making quick sales. If you go about it thinking you are going to sell everyone you connect with, you’ll lose. It’s a long game that takes time and effort, but if you approach the right way, it’s a long game that will pay dividends in the end.
Wendy Jacobson is a freelance content writer living and working in Minneapolis, MN. You can learn more about her on her website, wendythepooh.com.
