We have networked more in the past year than ever before: our increased social media consumption and Zoom events prove that. But we’ve also completely created a new normal for networking. You don’t need to attend official networking events to meet industry experts or promote your business: you can just start connecting with them online like any other friend.
#1: Stop networking, start building relationships
When it comes to networking, remember there’s only one you. There’s no difference between personal and professional, and you shouldn’t feel like you’re living two lives. So stop “networking” and start building real relationships.
Why are people afraid of networking? It sounds too stuffy, and they don’t want to put that work persona out there all the time. Instead of creating a professional persona and networking around that, share your true interests and features of your industry that you find exciting.
#2: I See You, I Hear You, I Value You
This model for intentional communication in the workplace works for professional and personal networking, too.
I See You is the simplest form of connection: that means a LinkedIn connection or Instagram follow. You might “like” their posts just to demonstrate that you’ve seen their content and recognize their effort to show up in the community.
I Hear You in the age of digital networking is taking that next step and engaging with their posts or starting a conversation with them: comment on a post with your opinion or send them a link they might find interesting for their industry.
You show someone you value them by asking for their expert opinion. They’ll be flattered you thought of them as an expert and appreciate the consideration.
#3 Don’t be afraid of digital
Some of us are more comfortable networking in person, and some of us find it terrifying. In the new World of Work, you can embrace digital connections instead of attending in-person Chamber of Commerce meetings or happy hour events.
Comment on LinkedIn posts, reply to Instagram stories, send personalized messages through LinkedIn: you can start a friendship online, where it’s less intimidating to approach someone new. That person shared a post or story because they want comments and feedback! Don’t be afraid to respond to them.
#4 Be specific
When you send a LinkedIn invite, personalize the note so you stand out from the other connection requests they receive (especially if you don’t know the connection). Mention a post or article they wrote that made you interested in reading more of their content, or connect based on shared industries or interests.
If you’re asking someone to a coffee meeting (in person or virtual), be specific with the time and agenda. Never start with “I’d like to pick your brain about a few things,” because they won’t be prepared to give you actionable information. Maximize the time and their resources with a specific request.
#5 Rebuild connections
We’ve had quite a year (or two): now is the perfect time to reconnect with friends and colleagues you lost track of. Most people will understand the pandemic-imposed hibernation and have no problem reconnecting. You can start by simply commenting or replying to stories, and rebuild a friendship that way (this even works with people you haven’t talked to since college, too!).
#6 Become a valuable contact
While you’re looking for valuable professional connections, make sure you’re becoming one yourself. Keep up with trends in your industry, share useful content on LinkedIn, be available for these new friends, and don’t just use people when you need them.
Every relationship has a balance of give-and-take, but many people hate professional networking because it can feel like all take. Building friendships in and outside of work means you always show up with something to offer, whether that’s a great book you read about a relevant topic or a plate of cookies.
The Future of Work: Building a Network While Building Relationships
In the Future of Work, our work and personal lives blend together much more, as we build careers that we love and pursue interests outside work that fuel our creativity. That’s why “networking” needs to be replaced with better relationship building. Get to know people for more than their professional value to your career.
At SWAY, we’re building a membership community for people to grow their personal and professional networks while discussing topics that matter in the new World of Work. In the comments, answer these questions for yourself and encourage each other as you prepare for the Future of Work:
What were your least favorite parts of networking before the pandemic?
How have you made new friends or gotten to know colleagues differently since going virtual?
Have you made any close personal friends through your workplace?
How can you better ask or answer the question “what do you do?”