What if the greatest job you could ever want suddenly became available — and you didn’t pursue it because you never knew about it?
Networking keeps you informed about what’s going on in the professional world. But it does so much more than that if you approach it in the right way. At its core, networking is really about creating and maintaining professional connections and managing your career online.
While the pandemic has put the kibosh on many traditional ways of networking, from attending large events to meeting for coffee, in some ways, it’s made the process easier.
A lot of networking groups are now meeting virtually, providing unlimited opportunities to connect with people from all over the world in a way that might not have been possible pre-pandemic.
Bringing meetings, webinars, and live conversations online makes them more accessible and convenient to a greater number of people. No need to travel across town during rush hour to attend a local networking event. Better still, national and even international meetings now only require an Internet connection rather than an airplane ticket and hotel reservation.
On a more subtle level, we think the pandemic has somewhat assisted the networking process. Given that we’re all in the midst of a crisis over which none of us has control, people are checking in with friends and colleagues they haven’t spoken to in a long time to see how they’re doing and restore contact. And they seem more willing to help one another in any way they can.
Still, many folks flinch at the thought of networking, and only begin to take it seriously when looking for a job. But that approach is flawed. Ideally, you’re networking on a regular basis so that when you need help, your network is already in place, and it’s easy for you to reach out to the right people.
These tips can help put you at ease as you maximize your networking opportunities during this pandemic:
1. Widen your definition of networking, especially now.
Professional networking is about making connections and building relationships. Think about all the ways you can do that beyond the confines of a large meeting hall!
Example: In a (socially distant) conversation with a neighbor, you learn that his brother works for a large biotech firm. You’ve been intrigued with this company for years, contemplating ways to get your foot in the door for an interview. Your neighbor offers to facilitate an introduction to his brother on your behalf. You’ve just networked.
Informational interviewing is networking. Reaching out to another participant on a webinar is networking. Attending a virtual alumni reunion is networking. Inviting someone to meet for coffee via Zoom is networking.
2. Give. Take. Give.
Networking isn’t just one-directional; in fact, it’s multi-directional. By growing your professional network, you put yourself in the position to help others. There’s a certain karmic effect to networking. The more you give, the more you get back. In fact, thought leader and business guru Adam Grant’s book, Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success, offers ample research and brilliant examples of exactly how this works.
Moreover, it just feels good to help others — especially now. We're all fellow human beings going through something we've never gone through before, a crisis that's making life harder for all of us. That can't help but spawn a little bit of generosity, right?
3. Polish your LinkedIn profile.
Because LinkedIn is the one social media platform specifically designed to help you make professional connections, it goes hand-in-hand with networking.
Having a complete, up-to-date and polished LinkedIn profile is critical. It’s probably the first place someone will look when they want to learn a little more about you.
Related: LinkedIn: Just Use It!
Your LinkedIn profile can also serve as a great icebreaker: I see you know Bob Johnson. He and I worked together when I first moved to Chicago. What a great sense of humor!
4. Make it easy.
The shift to working from home during the pandemic has made everyone’s calendar a little trickier, especially for people who are juggling work, childcare, parent care, or e-learning.
Let’s say you meet (or are introduced to) someone and it makes sense to arrange a follow-up conversation. Using a calendar program like Calendly saves you and the other person from exchanging multiple emails to try to find a convenient time to talk. Making scheduling easier is a gesture most people really appreciate.
5. Practice your pitch.
Choose the words you use to introduce yourself — whether by email or in person — carefully. Given that what you tell people about yourself is often the only (or at least the first) thing they know about you, this is your golden opportunity to curate their impression of you.
Your elevator pitch should be so refined that it succinctly reflects your professional brand in 30 seconds or less — whether you’re meeting someone in person, by phone or video chat. If you’ve been introduced by a mutual connection, or if the other person has looked you up online, they’ll have some sort of impression in mind. It’s up to you to reinforce it.
6. Be clear about your intent.
Whenever you reach out to someone new, put yourself in their shoes. Do they understand why you’re inviting them to connect?
If you’re in a career transition, say so. If you’re exploring opportunities in a certain industry and want to learn about what it’s like to work in that field, say so. If you want to talk to people who’ve been in your situation, say so. As soon as you make it clear that you’re not asking for a job, most people will feel less pressured and, therefore, more inclined to accept your offer to connect.
Not sure what to say? How about something along these lines:
Hi Margaret … Our mutual contact, Bob Johnson, told me how you made the shift from working at a large corporation to heading up a non-profit organization. I’m currently contemplating a similar transition, and wonder if you’d be so kind as to spare 10-15 minutes to talk by phone so I could ask you a few questions? It would be so helpful, and maybe there are ways I can help you as well. I’m available anytime this Friday, but if that doesn’t work for you, I’ve included a link to my calendar here so you can choose a time that’s best for you. In advance, thank you. Kind regards, Alex
7. Don’t let fear or discomfort stand in your way.
Fear has a purpose. It keeps you from taking unwarranted risks and keeps you safe. We all experience it; it’s totally human.
Consider this approach: instead of fighting it, acknowledge it, say hello to it, maybe even give it a little mental hug. But keep it in the passenger seat — next to you, but separate from you, where it belongs — while you stay in the driver’s seat.
Don’t let the voice of doubt (I’m not worthy ... I can’t do this ... They’re not going to want to help me …) stand in the way of expanding your professional network. While your nerves might try to convince you otherwise, remember that you’re in charge of your thoughts and actions. And sometimes our thoughts don’t represent the truth.
While effective networking might require you to take a few small steps outside your comfort zone, it’s important to be yourself. If you’re more introverted, you might find it really difficult to reach out to people you don’t know. The mere thought of networking in a frenetic, highly social environment might be very intimidating to you. That’s not going to happen during a pandemic, nor does it need to typify networking for you at any time.
True networking happens one conversation at a time. If you can keep that in mind, you might find that you really enjoy it.
8. Embrace curiosity.
If you look at networking through a “get-to” rather than a “have-to” lens, it can be a lot of fun. People typically enjoy talking about themselves and their own experiences, especially now. The pandemic has made many people feel isolated, craving human connection.
Be an active listener. Ask targeted questions. Above all, remain open and curious. You never know where a conversation may lead, or how it could one day become part of your career and life story. Hold on to a spirit of adventure, even now.
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