The world since March 2020 has caused people to change the way interactions are made. This is true in the world of work and networking. Gone are the days of gathering with your friends at a local café or coffee shop or during an evening out. Today’s business climate has made in-person gatherings as dangerous as dating a stranger. The pandemic has changed things. Businesses have fully embraced conducting most, if not all business meetings virtual. Being proficient at Zoom conferences and webinars are now almost a requirement to share information with colleagues.
While some people are “waiting for life” to return to normal, the reality is that things may not shift back to pre-pandemic times. Most experts agree that we need to expect a “hybrid” of communication techniques. Some in-person events and continued meetings using virtual platforms.
The truth is that businesses are still in need of qualified, competent employees and employees still need to embrace basic rules of networking
What is networking? It is the process of building mutually beneficial relationships that enhance your personal and professional goals.
Research has shown that more than 80% of all new jobs are discovered via networking. Whether you believe that statistic or not, it does help to broaden your circle of people you know that can assist you in growing your career or assist you to locate a new, more meaningful job.
Networking in a virtual world has altered the methods of connecting with others, but the results are the same. Your goal is to develop genuine relationships with another person.
Connecting virtually
Before you start on your job search or attending major virtual events, it still helps if you are prepared for a networking opportunity. Start with who is already in your network?
Everyone has a network that can be utilized when moving up the career ladder or shifting your job focus. A few examples are basic relationships such as friends, family, school, or work colleagues. Even current and former employers and co-workers can be helpful. There are also industry specific club and association memberships organizations such as the Central Virginia African American Chamber of Commerce (www.cvaacc.org) , the Metropolitan Business League (www.mbl.org) that have regular networking opportunities. Do not forget people in your church family along with sororities and fraternity members. In other words, anyone you meet can be added to your network contacts.
Just like anything else, your network contacts are only as good as you regularly engage with them. People want to help others succeed and will gladly help link their contacts with you; www.LinkedIn is especially good for connecting people.
Networking Post Pandemic
Whether you choose to attend in person events or not, it is still important to understand good networking methods.
In-person event- It helps to get a preview understanding of who will be presenting and in attendance and then craft your introductions. Be noticeably clear about what you have to offer a work environment- specifically your strengths and what career moves you are seeking now or in the future. I personally find it frustrating when people tell me “They just want a job.” That answer is too broad, unclear and provides the listener with no directions to assist you. Be decisive about your career goals. These goals may change later, but right now be clear on what industry, types of positions and what your direct skills are currently.
Virtual Events have become the norm for making connections. In just a few clicks you can now be connected to many more people without leaving the comfort of your home. As with in-person events it helps to be prepared and ready to engage new people with thoughtful questions and information. If you are on a Zoom call, ask the presenters to leave their contact information in the chat room to follow up with them later. Remember, these are potential resources that may link you to other contacts in your employment field.
Whether you participate in virtual or in-person events, the strategies are similar. You must take the initiative to follow-up and stay in touch! Reach back out to anyone that seemed interesting and if they are local ask to meet them for coffee or lunch. If they are not local, then make an appointment to call them or virtually reconnect. This valuable time can be used to pitch what job you are looking for and to see if they have contacts and resources to assist you. Like any relationship, it takes nurturing. Make a point to call or email them at least once a month and send regular updates on your employment progress.
Networking is an underutilized platform that if used effectively can help move your career further than you ever could. It is all about relationships! Keep them current, active, and connected and watch your world expand! As large as the world is, it is still often about “who you know.”
Ajai Blue-Saunders is on staff with JobsRVA Inc., a Richmond area nonprofit that engages churches and nonprofits to address poverty through relational job training. She has over 40 years of experience in workforce development and has a background in program development, management, and journalism. Look for the JobsRVA employment tips every month through 2021. Contact them at www.JobsRVA.org or email at jobsrvainfo@gmail.com for more information on ways to volunteer or attend upcoming training classes in a nearby neighborhood.
