Why Networking and teamwork are More Important Than Ever—and How to Do It Virtually
There are numerous ways to forge key professional connections, even when you’re stuck at home.
While networking is helpful in essentially every professional industry, it’s particularly advantageous in head hunting and human resource industry, not only for meeting new clients but also for building team who are willing to share their contacts, and can be turned to for support or collaboration.
Of course, the pandemic has thrown a wrench into traditional networking tactics, such as attending conferences, networking events. But the industry’s recent pivot toward the virtual might not be such a bad thing for networking.
The virtual world removes geographical hurdles, people grew accustomed to meeting onlineou could actually form an inspiring, valuable, helpful cadre of colleagues around the world in a single evening.
If the world of virtual networking is still a bit foreign to you, here are some expert tips for maximizing your presence online to build your professional connections.
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, work content that showcase your experience and expertise on those platforms.
Once your accounts are optimized, be proactive with them, not only by posting your own content but also by interacting with others. Sharing, comment, reply, engage in interesting discussion.
Create your own online group
Not feeling the social media world? Opt for creating your own little online group. Invite people you know to a group conversation on Slack, Telegram 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.”
Take online classes
While some online classes on platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning are just collections of videos for you to watch, others allow you to interact with your professors and your fellow students, which is a great way to build a network. You would be surprised who you will rub shoulders with virtually in those online classes and discussions.
Engage in thought leadership by participating in panels or writing white papers
Assert yourself as an authority in the field, start to write white papers in your industry, you can later on distribute to clients, friends, media, share it on social media. It will be beneficial for you long pass the pandemic.
Just reach out
“It may sound simple, but it’s important to remember that you do already have a network in place—big or small—and that you shouldn’t hesitate to call on it,now it’s time to pick up the phone to call them, or schedule a virtual meeting. Share your resources or contacts with colleagues who might be in need, and don’t be afraid to just reach out if you want to expand your network. Set up the online meeting could provide the insight you need to build a deeper connection post pandemic.
Source: AD RPO