You’ve probably heard this many times before and you’ll probably keep hearing it throughout your career–you need to network. Whether you thrive at networking events or tend to stand in the corner, your networking skills can always be improved. As networking becomes virtual, it’s crucial to keep on top of the current business trends and make meaningful connections. I talked to TNM founder Kevin O’Connell this week about how to network online and why it matters. Keep reading to learn how to “up” your networking skills in the virtual world.
First, why is networking so important? There are many benefits to networking, such as the ability to discover new opportunities, receive valuable advice, and learn more about an area you’re interested in. If these reasons alone aren’t enough to convince you that networking is worth it, this Forbes article delves into 10 reasons why networking is crucial for professionals.
Build Your Network Before You Need It
I asked Kevin what he thinks professionals can gain from networking and how they can get the most out of networking. The classic response when you’re applying for jobs is that you need to have an “in,” and having that “in” can mean knowing someone in the company or contacting the recruiter. But how should you do that, especially if you’re shy or reserved, is easier said than done. His response was something he had told me in other conversations: “Build your network before you need it.”
Most people may be in a comfortable position where they like their job or they’re in college and they think they won’t need a network for a few more months or even years, but that’s not true. In a typical environment, and even today, we are constantly networking. Whether you’re in the classroom and talking with other students or working with clients and coworkers, in these casual situations people will take notice on how you hold yourself and perform.
Kevin mentioned that “how people perceive you will end up being your network,” and that it’s about showing up with a positive attitude, delivering your best work, and communicating well. Those are the things people will remember about you. Kevin stressed that it’s important to look at networking as a “body of work,” instead of a “transactional relationship.” When you are solely networking for personal gain and not focusing on building and sustaining relationships, it becomes apparent to others and won’t be that useful. But if you are authentic in your everyday interactions and relationships, you can turn to your network in the future and cash in on those connections.
Set a Challenge
When it comes to networking panels and events, most people may have a slight aversion. Let alone if you're shy or don’t have the best people skills, it may be hard to motivate yourself to attend. Kevin suggested making a goal to go to a certain number of events a month and to bring a colleague or friend with you. This can be done in the virtual world too: text your coworker or peer and invite them to sign up for an online panel with you. Regardless if the event is in-person or online, you’ll have another person with you to engage with and have as a buffer. Inviting another person to these events will also hold you accountable when you’re “zoomed out” and don’t want to log back on. Furthermore, when you are attending these events, make sure that they will be useful and a resource to you. There’s no point in watching a panel in an industry that you aren’t interested in.
If your schedule doesn’t allow for you to attend a couple of events a month, Kevin says he challenges professionals to a “30-day engagemement challenge, like jumping onto a Facebook group chat, Twitter thread, Instagram Live, attending a virtual conference, sliding into someone’s LinkedIn DMs, etc.” You can modify the challenge to fit your needs, like one engagement a week or six engagements a month, whatever works for you. Especially during the pandemic, you can take advantage of the virtual format and connect with people or attend events that you wouldn't normally be able to.
Today there are so many different events and forums flooding our inboxes, it’s hard to decide which ones are worth our time. Kevin and I discussed different unique communities that you can utilize. Besides your university or alumni resources, maybe you could look into Twitter hashtags that relate to your interests and get into those conversations.
Here’s a list of other networking websites where you can find your community:
1776: network for entrepreneurs looking to help startups succeed.
1 Million Cups: free program focused on providing entrepreneurs with the resources they need to start their own business.
Startup Grind: global community for entrepreneurs, includes a tiered membership and student options.
Bunker Labs: national organization offering support for veterans and military spouses to help them succeed.
CreativeMornings: free breakfast lecture series hosted monthly.
How to Stand Out
When you are registering for networking events, online or in-person, Kevin always recommends reaching out to whoever is hosting the event to ask if you can help, whether that be taking pictures, creating a slide-deck, or running the back-end logistics. It’s always a nice gesture and can give you an “in” at the event. If you can’t help out before or during the event, make sure to follow up and contact them afterwards.
Now that you’ve registered for an event and done your research, how do you stand out during the event, especially if it’s online? Depending on the event and how it's moderated you may or may not have your video and audio on, but typically there will be a chat box. With everyone behind screens it’s particularly important to humanize yourself and engage through the chat function. If a panelist or moderator asks a question Kevin recommends, “pushing your comfort zone to answer that question in the chat and it will give other people the opportunity to respond to you and start networking.” The chat will allow you to message privately or publicly with other participants and find connections there.
After the event, whether it was in-person or online, you might want to meet the speaker and ask them a question afterwards, but sometimes this isn’t in the cards. Whether you run out of time or there’s already a line of people waiting to talk to them, don’t worry, your opportunity hasn’t passed. This is something I had previously thought and have been bummed after an event if I had to leave without talking to the presenter. But, Kevin reminded me that the conversation doesn’t have to stop there. You can quickly hop online and find their email, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. and shoot them a quick message thanking them for speaking, explaining what resonated with you, and that you want to connect. When crafting these quick messages it’s important to be yourself and stay genuine. Here’s a quote from Kevin that resonated with me, “Don’t try to game the system, don’t use too many buzzwords or try to impress them, just say how you feel.”
Mastering the Cold Call
The last kind of networking Kevin and I discussed was the cold call or cold message. Kevin gave me a great analogy: think of networking like fishing. “You have to cast your reel and send out an initial message, and where people get in trouble is they share way too much. Instead just send a quick hello and maybe they reply, then you can message back and forth.” In your initial message start by asking a simple question and a brief introduction. If they respond, you have the ability to feel out the conversation and direct it.
For more information and tips on how to stand out and navigate the complexities of networking interactions and social events, check out Vanessa Van Edwards, founder of Science of People. Edwards is a speaker, author, and teacher who focuses on success through interpersonal skills. She posts YouTube videos that coach you through things like how to make a good first impression, how to overcome a bad first impression, and specific mistakes to avoid during meetings. Check out her website and YouTube channel to learn more about her work and how to be more confident in your interactions.
Whether you love it or hate it, networking is crucial for gaining new career opportunities and expanding your resources. In our increasingly virtual world, there are many opportunities for you to take advantage of, so don’t let the pandemic stop you.
Here’s a quick synopsis of what to keep in mind whether you’re networking online or in-person:
Build your network before you need it.
Don’t think of networking as purely transactional, be genuine.
Set a goal for the number of events/engagements you want to participate in per month.
Join a niche community that align with your interests.
Networking doesn’t end after the event does, find their email and continue the conversation!
Don’t overshare with your initial messages. Think of it like fishing and send out a quick note.
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