Networking Online Blog

These days, we’re all NETWORKING ONLINE. 

Read on to learn:

• general networking advice
• reasons you should be optimistic
• how to approach people when you’re networking online
• tips for following up with people when you’re networking online

Let’s do this!

? THE PODCAST

For this timely podcast, I interviewed Sharon via Zoom.  Sharon has so much positive energy!

Sharon Mah-Gin and Andrea Wojnicki talk “NETWORKING ONLINE“ on Zoom

NETWORKING ONLINE helps with more than just job searching.  Networking can also help you:

• stay up-to-date on what’s going on inside and outside your industry;
• connect with prospective clients and customers;
• find mentors; and
• establish other meaningful professional and personal relationships!

A few general NETWORKING ONLINE insights that Sharon shared:

• Network with people who are like-minded, people with whom the conversations are natural, and who leave you feeling energized and better about yourself. (Yes, Sharon and I are like-minded!)
• It’s not about you! Networking is about giving. Start with an offer, especially in the beginning it’s really about building relationships with like-minded people.
• What to offer? You can provide insight, a video, a course, advice, support, a connection…

 Click HERE to listen directly on the Talk About Talk website

or

? Click HERE to listen on your favourite podcast player

or 

? Click HERE to read the printable shownotes

THANK YOU AGAIN, SHARON!
? Enjoy the podcast! 

NETWORKING ONLINE: REASONS TO BE OPTIMISTIC

I opened the interview by asking Sharon, “How are we supposed to maintain, never mind grow, our network when EVERYTHING’s ONLINE?”

“Well, you continue on and push forward!…
This is a wonderful opportunity to reach out to people.”
image: Unsplash @ edulautin

Sharon provided several reasons to back up her OPTIMISM about NETWORKING ONLINE:

1. COVID can be a catalyst or an excuse for reaching out and/or for you getting a little more personal with people in your network.
2. There are jobs out there. Vacancies from retirements, people moving on, and growth industries all contribute to job opportunities.
3. People are being hired after virtual interviews, without being met in real life. In other words, the Zoom or Teams interview is sufficient enough.
4. Good news for Introverts: the physical isolation associated with COVID may be easier for introverts, who are typically great listeners. Listening is a key skill for successful networking.

Sharon Mah-Gin & Andrea Wojnicki

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NETWORKING ONLINE: HOW TO APPROACH PEOPLE

3 helpful points about HOW TO APPROACH PEOPLE when you’re NETWORKING ONLINE:

1️⃣Kick-start your networking with LinkedIn

• Keeping your LinkedIn profile updated and professional might be a competitive advantage for you!
• Use the filtering function. Filter by geography if you want to go for a walk with someone. Also filter by discipline, by firm, etc.
• Grow your network by connecting with your connections’ connections.

(Start by connecting with me!)

2️⃣Consider the Catalyst – why are you connecting?

• Use COVID as the catalyst.  “I’m just checking in.  We used to do coffee every few months.  Wanna meet for 15 minutes and get caught up?”
• Virtual coffees and “walk ’n’ talks” are becoming more accepted. 
• Share something newsworthy with your network, perhaps an article, a video, a course, even a meme!
• Suggestion to connect by sharing something positive like THIS video or THIS course that Sharon recommends…

3️⃣The GREETING

• “How are you? “ is no longer just conversation filler. Ask people, How are you? Really?

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NETWORKING ONLINE: FOLLOWING UP 

Three tips for following up with people when you’re NETWORKING ONLINE:

• Be more patient. You never know what’s going on, especially “these days.”  People might be dealing with a lot!
• Follow up with a maximum of 3 requests: two emails, then a phone call a week later. (Love this prescriptive advice from Sharon!)
• Thank you notes are easy and very much appreciated. They’re also a great opportunity for you to emphasize the one takeaway you want to reinforce, or maybe something you forgot to say.

image: Unsplash @ jontyson

As Sharon says,
“Thank you notes are your second shot!”

I leave you with that.  And THANK YOU for reading!

Please forward this email to your friends who might appreciate some advice on ONLINE NETWORKING.  Thank you!  ?

Enjoy the ONLINE NETWORKING podcast!