Networking During A Pandemic
NETWORKING CAN BE AWKWARD REGARDLESS OF THE STATE OF THE WORLD.
Now that we no longer have mid-day coffees, after-work drinks, or catered events you may be asking yourself: “how can I get my name all the way out there from the comfort of my home, and what do I even say?” Similar to the concept of online dating, you can build your persona behind the scenes and take time to be deliberate and actionable with your words instead of performing live. But nothing is easy during a pandemic. Especially not extending our already vulnerable selves to meet new people.
SO WE’RE GOING TO BREAK DOWN SOME HELPFUL VIRTUAL NETWORKING DO’S AND DON'TS.
I was first drawn to the work being done at Juno Search Partners when I learned the team considered themselves the “Ultimate Connectors”. I have been fortunate enough to develop many wonderful relationships during my time in Philadelphia, and want to put those connections to good use. When I started at Juno last May I learned about the highly anticipated fall “networking season”. It’s when the Juno team fills up their calendars with opportunities to get out in the community, attend events, meet professionals, and chat about the work being done at Juno! It’s a great opportunity to discuss hot topics such as market trends, learn about innovative companies, and make genuine connections with professionals. As a self-proclaimed and proud extrovert, social butterfly, and chatty Cathy, I was excited to engage in the potential of professional networking so I attended a variety of events including those geared towards women, young professionals, HR professionals, hospitality professionals, and community activists. You name it and I was there, ready to jump in!
When you think about networking events you might imagine a large room filled with industry professionals making awkward small talk in business casual clothing with name tags and a buffet table. You aren’t wrong. Personally, I love pigs in a blanket and soft pretzel bites, but balancing them awkwardly in your hand while keeping the other free for handshakes and business card exchanges while engaging in meaningful conversations that lead to a stronger connection is not easy. I met some wonderful professionals and made many meaningful connections in my time attending live networking events last year, so when the pandemic hit I knew I needed to continue to meet new people. The pandemic and resulting quarantine has awarded us the opportunity to skip the small talk and get to the goal of the conversation:
WHAT ARE THE WAYS WE CONNECT TO OTHERS AND POTENTIALLY WORK TOGETHER IN THE FUTURE?
While some people are perfecting their gardening, baking, and DIY skills with their newfound free time, I suggest we take advantage of it to network and broaden our professional connections. For those that find live networking unbearable, this is your chance! Moments of inactivity are more frequent now, and this allows for a great possibility to forge relationships with our external contacts. Conferences, events, galas, and a multitude of other events that were planned around networking are rescheduled or are becoming virtual. People are missing the aspect of their role where they get to boast about their company's exciting new project or a recent research study that they couldn’t wait to share with someone in their field. Take advantage of this by researching speakers and attendee lists and connect to these individuals through LinkedIn or Twitter. Still not sure how to dive in? I put together a few conversation starters that will help get the ball rolling from behind the computer screen:
“Hi my name is Hanna, I saw you planned on attending XYZ event this year, I’m interested in connecting and finding time to chat about how the pandemic has affected our industry.”
“Hi my name is Hanna, I am still new to my field and was looking forward to meeting professionals in our industry at the XYZ conference this year. Would you be open to a virtual coffee to connect more with how you are staying involved?”
We knew the advancement of technology was going to eliminate jobs, but due to recent events, some roles have been jolted into a place of potential non-existence. Companies have scaled back, and many have paused their hiring for the foreseeable future. Those experiencing unemployment should turn to the benefits of virtual networking to engage potential connections. Here’s how to break the ice with people in your network via LinkedIn, email, or any other way you may be connected to them.
“Hi I’m Hanna, we have a mutual connection at XYZ company. I would like to learn more about your experience there.”
“Hi I’m Hanna, I’m newly back in the workforce and looking for like-minded people to connect with”
“Hi I’m Hanna, sadly my job was a casualty of COVID-19. I’m looking for my next opportunity”
Hi I’m Hanna, my company has been greatly affected by COVID-19, as many are, and I am looking to connect to others in my field, who may be experiencing job insecurity”
We are all adjusting to new normals during the pandemic and beginning to value a different level of connection to others around us, including those in the professional space. Although I enjoy meeting people in person, I have been pleased to learn we can make connections without awkward small talk or small sandwiches—even during a pandemic.