Yet, because of the current situation, it might feel uncomfortable or insensitive to reach out when you don’t know what someone is dealing with personally and professionally, but depending on how you do it, being social while social distancing can help people feel supported. You may be rusty with your networking skills and not sure how you and your professional life can continue in this unsure time. Because of that, here are some tips to keep you up-to-date, connected, and ready to go once the social distancing era is over:
Think of ways you can support people
What can you do to help others around you? Use your skills to teach people new things or help them stay connected during these tough times. When you are compassionate and giving, times like these can actually help solidify relationships.
Take advantage of technology
Join Facebook or LinkedIn groups, there are thousands of them. Whether you decide to join business-related groups or not, it is a great way to meet like-minded people. You can even meet people looking to expand their network in the same way you are by joining a fitness group, you never know!
Attend gatherings virtually. Many organizations are still holding conferences, workshops, and meetings, but virtually instead of in-person. So, the need to be socially distant does not mean you cannot attend, nor does it mean that you cannot present. Why not join Meet Up?
Use social distancing as a reason for one-to-one contact. Attending standard in-person social events is out, so you can use social distancing as a reason to send a here’s-what-I’m-up-to-and-how-are-you email to an old contact. Also, why not go retro and call someone on the phone?
Refine your personal brand
Some things you can do to improve your virtual networking is updating your LinkedIn profile (Or create one) and freshen up your website (Or create one). Write a timely blog post, upload new video content on your Instagram, or do a Facebook Live. As right now your online rapport is the key way of connecting with people, make sure it’s on point. Answer all of those messages in your LinkedIn inbox. It’s a good way to reach out to the people who you may be top of mind for but never got back to because of the unrelenting day-to-day.
Be flexible
If you try to contact someone on Thursday, don’t be terribly offended if they don’t get back to you until the next Monday. If you have to end a networking interaction because your boss is calling you with a pressing issue or your kid needs help with his math homework, don’t be afraid to end the call. This is a new experience for everyone, and people want — and need — to see your humanity.