Building Your Network: A 2021 Guide
Credit: @avantgardian
For over a year now, we’ve adapted to the many social restrictions put in place in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Whether we were stuck in total lockdown or refrained from meeting in large groups, people started to get creative about how they could still be social with one another. Even with most restrictions being lifted—aside from wearing masks and staying six feet apart—it’s still difficult to feel confident and comfortable when trying to network.
Surely, throughout the past year many people have utilized the social dilemma by meeting online via video conferencing and virtual meet-ups. In its own way, the style of communication has almost made things easier. For those of you still struggling with the distance or conversing through a screen, consider these tips in what we’ve learned, as it’s not unlikely that a lot of these practices will continue to stay in place.
COVID NETWORKING:
Icebreakers! Sometimes it's hard to start up a conversation, but with all the changes occurring during the pandemic, just being a human being is plenty when it comes to networking. Be kind, ask how people are doing and don’t make the conversation solely about sales or transactions and favors.
Remembering that many others are in the same position and are making the same type of efforts to stay in touch is another thing to remember. For that reason, be sure to check for online virtual networking events and what new style of networking opportunities you can become involved in.
Now is the time to use social media to your advantage! With everyone on their phones or computers for the majority of the day, now is the prime opportunity to fill feeds and interact with more eyes on the screen.
People are ready and willing to meet with you over zoom or other forms of video conferencing platforms. Without having to leave the comfort of your own home, meeting up with people is a breeze and at this point, we’ve all learned the tricks to operate the technology.
When you’re not out actively networking, now is also a good time to look into those relationships you haven’t made or exploring new potential avenues for networking and making connections. Look into online classes or industry events you might not have been able to go to in the past, but are now available to attend through a screen.
NETWORKING FUTURE:
While things might be hard at first, don’t be too eager when getting back into the game. Although the goal of networking is to result in some kind of transaction, it is important to be the first one to deliver value to the other party, and maybe even do it more than once. By building this trusting relationship, it won’t feel quite like an ask.
If you’re nervous about how you might stand up against other players, focus on what you know you can offer and challenge yourself to get creative. Also, consider what the other person might now have and how you can bridge that gap for them.
Though eager, networking is a marathon, not a sprint. So even when in-person events return for good, it’s important that you take your time.
Most of all, be open-minded and willing to be inspired, or even inspire others. As marketers, our greatest relationship isn’t through B2B, but H2H (human-to-human). We want to connect with people, we want to hear their stories and tell our own.
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