As I mentioned in my last post. I subscribe (or follow), Hannah Morgan, a job seeking expert who has created a great blog called Career Sherpa. She has written a great article about networking during these trying times. Her advice is practical and it makes sense! Check it out!
I see the article is not on her website yet, so here is the article copied and pasted:
Is Networking more difficult during this pandemic? Maybe…maybe not!
| We are being forced into a world where in-person, face-to-face contact is limited. Social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t network. It just means that you’ll need to find new ways to build relationships. Networking is networking. As long as you have the right mindset! It’s about building mutually beneficial relationships. Both parties walk away feeling like they’ve gained something. That’s what you want to accomplish. Nurture Existing Relationships Start reaching out to people you already know – your close friends, family, and colleagues. It feels more comfortable so you’ll do it plus you’ll build your confidence. There’s another good reason to start with people you know…it is the perfect opportunity to check in with people you care about. Don’t be afraid to make your outreach personal by asking how they are doing and adjusting to the current situation. Email and phone (and even texting) are still the best ways to reach people. Don’t rely on LinkedIn messaging. Many people don’t check their messages very often. Grow New Relationships Meeting new people online isn’t as hard as you may think. But you do want to have a plan. There are two ways to meet new people – strategically and serendipitously. First, ask yourself who you want/need to meet. These are your strategic targets. They may work in companies you are interested in or hold a position like the one you are interested in. Next, be open to the idea of randomly meeting people. You may share a common interest, a common connection or some other commonality like you attended the same university, live in the same city, or attended the same conference. Allocate Just 30 Minutes A Day Here’s how to invest just 30 minutes a day to networking online using LinkedIn: Skim your LinkedIn homefeed to see what’s being shared. Comment on interesting articles related to your industry or type of job you are looking for. Re-share articles that relate to your career (but always write something to explain why you are sharing the article). View your notifications for birthdays or work anniversaries and send those connections a message on LinkedIn (or an email). Find new companies of interest to follow. Track down employees who might be able to refer you for a job you are interested in. Look for people you may know but haven’t connected with yet. Get Step-by-Step Instruction. If this feels a little overwhelming, let me help you! Join me for my upcoming webinar. |
| Make The Most Out Of Networking Virtually webinar Monday, November 16, 2020 1:00-2:30pm EST |
| Key Take-AwaysYou’ll get answers to these questions which will help you feel more comfortable. During this networking virtually webinar we’ll cover:Who are the best people to network withWhere are the best places to network onlineHow to comment and engage with people onlineWhat to say when reaching out to a complete strangerHow to structure your time productivelyBONUS: You’ll also receive a copy of my brand new networking eGuide with sample scripts and email templates.Register now! Source: Hannah Morgan, Career Sherpa, received in outlook as a new post 11-12-2020, You can sign up to follow Hannah too! Go to Careersherpa.net. |
Find Your Path, by Leah Call 