If the novel coronavirus pandemic has completely derailed your networking plans (aka every conference is cancelled), there are a few professional, modern ways to start networking online.
Whether you’re networking to get a job, advance your career, or learn more about a new field, these tips will help you stay on track despite everything happening right now.
Also, I just want to stress that I don’t want you to try becoming the Best, Most Productive Networker Ever during this. It’s okay to take extra time for yourself, unplug more than usual, and make time to relax.
If you can commit a couple hours each week or twice a week to networking, you’ll still achieve your goals. Take care of yourself, your family, and your neighbors. Oh, and wash your hands!!
Alright, let’s dive into how to start networking online!
Since people are working from home and practicing social distance, they’re going to be more open to any type of connection. A phone call with an almost stranger could be the exact thing that finally distracts them for 30 minutes.
So, don’t worry about intruding on people- we’re all seeking some form of togetherness during this.
Finally, if you’re an introvert, total newbie, or think you don’t have any connections, you can still network. These tips are about building your confidence, growing your network, and developing your skills.
Start out with just one or two of these strategies, then add in others when you get used to putting yourself out there.
I believe in you!
Work on your elevator pitch
The first step to professional networking online is having an elevator pitch ready to go. When you’re networking, someone will say to you, “Tell me about yourself.” Your elevator pitch is how you avoid any awkward pauses or frozen moments when they do.
Use your elevator pitch to introduce yourself, your work and education histories, and your career goals. Infuse it with passion and excitement for your future, so they know you’re a dedicated, enthusiastic employee.
Of course, make sure you wait to say your elevator pitch until they ask for it. When you’re just starting your conversation, you want to focus more on them and their career journey.
For all of my expert strategies to network with confidence, click the button below! (Psst it’s free… for now!)
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Are online job apps making your career sour? The key to candy coating your career is networking!
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Look up alumni
One of the best, most effective ways to start networking online, making new connections, and finding opportunities is to network with alumni of your school or degree program.
Many colleges and universities have a database you can use to look up where different alumni live and work. If you’re interested in the company, position, or career path they’ve had, you can reach out to them and ask to talk more about their journey.
If your school doesn’t have an alumni database, research them on LinkedIn and other social media sites. Usually, schools have groups on LinkedIn for alumni to join, so there are plenty of ways to find connections online!
Alumni are, usually, super excited to help their fellow graduates, so make sure you put that connection in the subject line of your outreach email.
Once you’ve searched for alumni, it’s time to move on to the other people in your network!
Reach out to current & former coworkers
People you’ve worked with are great connections to reach out to, because they know you and your work style. They’ll also, hopefully, be excited to help you and know that you’ll return the favor when you can.
Contact a few of your favorite former or current coworkers and ask if they have any connections in your field or city. You never know where the conversation could lead!
If you have good relationships with your former bosses, you can also ask them for help growing your professional network! Start by reaching out to the people you usually ask for references, then brainstorm other former employers who’d be excited to help you make new connections.
Your goal is to dip into the networks of people you know, so you can add connections to your own. Remember professional networking is mutually beneficial, because YOU are a kickass person people will be lucky to add to their networks!
80% OF JOBS ARE ON THE HIDDEN MARKET—
LEARN HOW TO FIND THEM IN THIS FREE WORKSHOP
Are online job apps making your career sour? The key to candy coating your career is networking!
In this FREE workshop, I’ll teach you how to ditch your resume & grow the best resource you have as a job seeker: your network!
Talk to family and friends
In addition to coworkers and bosses, your family and friends would definitely be willing to help you! Yeah, they might not be in the same field as you, but you never know what connections they’ll have. Maybe your best friend’s cousin’s roommate is an employee at your dream company! You won’t know until you ask!
Even if all you get is your aunt’s coworker’s niece who also lives in your city, but doesn’t work in your field at all- that’s still a great connection to have!
Seriously, the world is smaller than you realize, so ask anyone you can for connections!
Connect with professors
Professors are one of the best people you have in your network. They want to see their former students succeed and usually know a lot of people.
Check in with them and see how they’re holding up, if they’re still enjoying the semester, and then ask if they have any connections in the city or company you’re looking into.
This is another conversation where it’s key to start by asking about them, then following up with your ask. Unless you’ve been in touch with them often since graduating and have a strong relationship!
If the novel coronavirus pandemic has you worried about your career goals, I’m here to remind you it IS still possible to network online when stuck at home. To get started, prep your elevator pitch so you’re ready to clearly talk about yourself and your goals. After that, start by researching alumni online, reaching out to your former coworkers and bosses, talking to your family and friends, and connecting with past professors. There are plenty of ways to start networking online, so dive in whenever you have time!
Does professional networking totally terrify you? Click the button below to learn all of my expert strategies for networking with confidence!
