How to Network Online: A Beginner’s Guide to Building Connections from Home

Happy New Year! It is officially 2021, and the world of virtual work still consumes the majority of our lives. Now that we know that this setup may be part of our everyday routine for quite some time, we must begin to play the long game.

If you have the fortune of being employed at this time, first express gratitude! It’s a blessing giving the social and economic climate we’re existing in. Second, it’s time to open our eyes to the fact that once we meet our basic needs, career advancement still deserves to be treated as a thing of value.

We’re still at home, but this allows us to dedicate the extra time to refine our personal and professional skills and build connections that can strengthen our network for the long haul.

Related: Make quarantine work for you: 6 productive things to do

As a disclaimer, regardless of what anyone says, the human element of work is essential! Sitting on Zoom calls for hours on end is not normal and can take a toll on you after a while. It’s important to learn healthy ways to manage your time, create a sense of balance, and take breaks.

Yes, we’re indeed missing out on the standard elements that make work fun: meeting up with co-workers in the break room or kitchen for laughs, lunch with colleagues. All of these things that allow us to build genuinely strong interpersonal connections are indeed missing.

However, given that this will be what working life looks like for some time, let’s find ways to pivot! Here’s how to make remote work, work for you, and build the connections required for a strong network, all from the comfort of your home.

Related: Why you Need to Set a Schedule…Even on Vacation

Use social media to your advantage

We often characterize social media as a time suck. However, while we’re at home, it does not have to be the enemy.

Social media can be a great way to create and nurture connections when used efficiently. Rather than being a way to endlessly consuming senseless information, you can turn your social media apps into vehicles for introducing you to people you may never come across/interact with within day-to-day life.

ways you can network using social media

Join a LinkedIn or Facebook group

While Facebook generally isn’t treated as a professional platform, you’ll be shocked to see how many niche or industry-specific groups that you can find with a single search! Whether you’re looking for job-specific advice, a community of like-minded individuals, or leads for a new position you can find it here. The barrier to entry for these groups is generally low so don’t think too much about it! Begin your search and start connecting!

When it comes to building a hub for career-driven content online, LinkedIn is your go-to place. Similar to Facebook, groups are centered around specific industries and skills. You can also join organizations for alumni from programs you’ve participated in or alumni from your university. LinkedIn makes it easy to find common ground with those you take an interest in connecting with.

Once you gain access to these niche spaces, you shouldn’t just sit back on your laurels and watch these conversations take place. Participate in group forums, and don’t be afraid to ask questions, share your knowledge, and establish expertise!

The more that you contribute, the more value will be associated with your profile. Being in this position makes you a more attractive addition to any individual’s network. It increases the likelihood that they’ll accept your request to join their network, as well as the responsiveness to any future inquires that you may have. Don’t shy away from sharing your thoughts! You never know who’s watching. 

Related: 6 Ways to Ace the virtual interview

Use Twitter to your advantage

We know that Twitter has all of the jokes (and arguably is the funniest platform, just my opinion), but it can also be a place to bolster your brand and easily foster new connections! Tons of thought leaders with ranging audience sizes utilize the platform to share their latest ideas, thoughts, and queries. It is much easier to engage in dialogue than you think!

If you have an interesting thought or response to ideas shared on your feed, share them! The rules here are similar to those on LinkedIn. The more recognizable you make yourself for adding value to conversations, the better and the easier it will become for you to grow your network.

I recently made it my intention to establish a stronger personal brand by niching down and following users who had valuable insights on the areas that I’m interested in: personal finance, luxury fashion & beauty retail, marketing, and entrepreneurship! This area is way out of my comfort zone as I’ve mainly been a passive Twitter user, taking in the content without giving much back, but the longer I spend on the platform, the more interesting conversations I come across! I want to be part of them, so I’m making it happen!

Related: how to set your linkedin profile up the right way

Attend Virtual Events

Trust me, I know it’s hard to put on a nice shirt and a smile after a long day of work, but virtual events can be a fantastic way to form new connections while learning new things! Many prominent organizations are transitioning to virtual events to accommodate the restrictions that come with working from home, and these are often low-cost to free!

Some include,

• Girlboss
• SBA
• Forbes

Do a quick search and find what interests you! You’ll be shocked at how many low-cost workshops you can find on places like Eventbrite or social media as individuals begin to capitalize on their expertise and sell more information products.

These events can serve as excellent networking opportunities. You can make yourself visible by asking questions verbally or utilizing the chat function, or even taking advantage of the breakout rooms that sometimes happen. Even if you aren’t connecting with the host of the event, you never know who your fellow attendees might be!

If you attend one of these events, try reaching out to the speakers afterward to ask a lingering question or to share your thoughts, you never know what may come of it!

Try to build relationships with your current colleagues

Often, when we’re thinking about networking and building connections, we look externally rather than focusing on all of the value that surrounds us. The people at your current company or even in your university classrooms are likely similar to you when it comes to intellect, personal interests, and career goals. You’re already here. Why not make the most of it?

Challenge yourself to tap into your current network of colleagues/teammates and build rapport with them by trying these simple tasks!

1. Keep your video on during meetings to show that you are present and engaged! People trust you more when they can read your facial expressions.
2. Have occasional meetings with your co-workers – weekly, biweekly, whatever feels comfortable! Work towards building a friendship rather than a working relationship that you only use when you need something.
3. If there are clubs or internal organizations, join them and participate in the chats!

The bottom line is that you want to create conversation and maintain contact.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed these tips for building your network while away from the office. It can be tough to think about working in this manner for an extended period. Still, when you focus on the positives and how much you can accomplish now that people are at home and not moving around as much, you can focus on the potential you have for building relationships and creating a positive experience. It all becomes a bit easier to deal with! How will you make the most of this aspect of our new normal?