How to optimize your networking during and after COVID-19

Written by Marion Aufseesser

COVID-19 | Training

0 Commentaire(s)

27 April 2020

How to optimize your networking during and after COVID-19 

Dear Readers,

After the success of my video training 10 days ago, and my other articles on coping with COVID-19, here’s 6 tips for COVID-19 and post COVID-19 networking written for you.

I am sure you know a lot about networking already. Hopefully the info and insights I am about to share with you will add value, supporting you specifically in these pandemic times. 

6 Tips for networking during COVID-19

Tip 1:

You can’t go outside, so go inside: Go on LinkedIn and follow webinars…

If you’re not on LinkedIn, now is the time to join. This platform is catching tremendous momentum and is a must! And free. We can help you with teaching more about LinkedIn in our booster tailor-made virtual and other workshops.

  • How do LinkedIn and “Zoominars” work for networking?  
  • How are we each other’s “net workers”? 
  • Why is it vital to network now?

Networking through LinkedIn and webinars:

  • From the reader’s point of view:
  • You get to share your opinion and also get known and hence grow your network as people will reach out to you too by leaving comments and participating in the chats. Even better, they might even repost your message.
  • From the author’s point of view:
  • The author needs food for thought to keep the fire burning:  Please give me feedback allowing me to know your needs and then respond to those needs.

Tip 2:

Ask yourself: Do you or don’t you like to network? 

  • If your answer is NO you may be more of an introvert, or shy. If it is blocking you, do get in touch and we can work on the issue and help you in private sessions.
  • If your answer is YES you may be more of an extravert and appreciate meeting new people. If you thrive on networking you may be a connector, networking comes naturally to you.

Tip 3:

Network NOW!

  • Now is the time to reach out and meet new people, even make new friends and colleagues via LinkedIn and all the different webinars, events online being offered. 
  • Our physical social interactions are still very limited right now. Use LinkedIn and video conferencing to socialize in the meantime.

Tip 4:

How can you network successfully during COVID-19?

  • Join online events that are meaningful to you.
  • Join events where there is interaction, break out groups
  • Join events where you can chat individually with participants and strike up a conversation.

(I needed to send flowers to another city and found a great florist like this, and a “Zoominar” participant found a dentist)

Tip 5:

Practice makes Perfect

  • The more you network, usually the better you become at it. It’s often the first step that is difficult when “entering a room”.
  • In today’s virtual world, networking events may be easier to “go to” than with in person networking. Check my PNKR post: Positive aspect of confinement. 
  • So, go out and onto your platforms and practice. It’s like learning to swim. You won’t drown, you may get wet.
  • The risk you are taking is negligible. You won’t be distracted by unexpected disturbance, and in the comfort of your home office, you will feel empowered to go more towards people that you might have avoided in a physical meeting or convention.
  • If your apprehension of networking gets worse and you have to network, get in touch and we will sort it out. Usually in a few sessions you will understand why you hate networking and overcome that fear of failing.

Tip 6:

Know who you want to connect with

  • Shortlist and identify people you want to interact with.
  • First try and contact people on the shortlist. 
  • Know your 20 sec pitch for each person you want to meet. (Elevator Pitch)
  • Be sure to be able to reconnect after the event via LinkedIn.
  • Give first before asking for something. You will either receive in return from that person or… in some other way, at some other time good will come of it.

Looking forward to your comments and I will be back next week.

Best regards

Marion

Please follow me on  www.transitionkit.com   

Pour le français merci d’utiliser la fonction traduction de LinkedIn 

Vous pouvez commander mon livre Rebondir : Réussir votre transition professionnelle, Odile Jacob sur le site de la FNAC ou commandez-le chez votre libraire préféré.