How to be a Virtual Networking Virtuoso

HOW TO BE A VIRTUAL NETWORKING VIRTUOSO 8 TIPS TO PERFECTING YOUR DIGITAL PRESENCE

HELLO!👋 Now that the world seemingly has the pandemic under control, you may be thinking that virtual events will just fade away. On the contrary.

What the pandemic has taught us is that virtual events work.

Not only do they work, they work pretty darn well — expanding reach, providing flexibility, and even reducing cost. Virtual events will not go away.

How are you going to make connections in this digital world that matter?

From video interviews and meetings to discussion boards, seminars, and even virtual happy hours, you will need to fiddle in this newish arena if you want to grow your professional network.[1] After all, your professional network is how you find new job opportunities, keep abreast of industry news, and position yourself as an industry expert.

It’s all about perfecting your digital presence.

And, managing your digital stage fright.

Read on for some practical tips on how you can become a virtual networking virtuoso.

#1

PERFECT YOUR DIGITAL HANDSHAKE

Your digital handshake is the first impression you make in a video call. It’s the substitute for a physical shaking of hands you’d do if meeting face-to-face. Most importantly, it sets the tone of establishing you as someone who is friendly, professional, and ready to get started.

It’s the good vibe that precedes a good conversation.

Without having that good first impression as a foundation, the rest of the meeting feels like a constant attempt to “repair” the bad vibes.

A good digital handshake is as simple as: Looking directly at the camera when speaking.

Nodding your head slowly and deliberately when listening.

Not breaking eye contact when speaking or being spoken to.

And don’t forget to smile once and a while!

#2

OPTIMIZE YOUR LINKED IN PROFILE

Love it or hate it, LinkedIn is essential as a tool for growing your professional network. It’s where you meet and connect with potential contacts, stay in touch with current and former colleagues, recruit employees, are recruited yourself, can advance your professional stature, and create your personal brand.

Therefore, the first step in virtual networking is to make your LinkedIn profile stand out.[2] Think of it as your 1minute elevator pitch. Be thoughtful when filling in the fields, don’t just do a data dump to get it over with quickly.

(It’s obvious when you do).

Remember, your aim is to increase your "street cred." That way, when your online classmates or new colleagues research you (and of course they will), you can emerge as one of the "cool kids."

#3

ATTEND VIRTUAL EVENTS Professional development courses, particularly executive education programs, typically offer inside- and outside- of class networking opportunities.

These are usually break out groups, speakers, discussion forums, etc.

Online programs are no different. It’s just that the networking has moved to your screen. Given that the pandemic forced all events online, this is now not the mental stretch it once was. Everyone's a little more used to and comfortable with talking to headless bodies on a screen.

The trick is how to make the most of it.

Attend as many virtual conferences, seminars, and speaker sessions as possible. After the events, you can decide whether to reach out to the speakers or other participants. It’s really no different than networking in an expo hall or an awards luncheon.

You just need to make the effort.

For this reason, you might feel your soft skills could use a little polishing. A communication skills course[3] can go a long way to refresh your confidence to work the virtual (or live) room.

#4

EVERYONE IS A POTENTIAL CONTACT

You find yourself in an online education course (or meeting, webinar, etc).

You may be staring at a screen, but try to remember you’re a participant at the event. So be sure to participate!

It’s vital you take your digital handshake forward and project yourself beyond the screen. Look directly into the camera when you speak, smile, and attempt to convey your humanity.

When you’re online, be "on."

Be that person who engages in small talk at the start of video calls while you wait for the meeting to start. Even go so far as to make comments and conversation on chat during the meeting.

Join the conversation. BUT don’t be the one speaking just to hear yourself speak (we know how we feel about those people). Try to be active. Active in this case means making thoughtful, insightful comments or questions. That said, you don’t need to give a treatise or a Jerry McGuire mission statement to get attention. A simple emoji response or gif in the chat is enough to lay the foundation of a potential friendly connection across the digital miles.

Take advantage of chat programs like Lync and Slack to make connections, just as you would in your daily office routine. Practice the same during Zoom or Teams video meetings.

If there’s no (or no adequate) discussion forum already existing to carry the conversation forward, create a Slack channel[4]. Here, you and your colleagues/classmates/webinar participants can take part in informal discussions where you: Share relevant content Add on to discussions from class or meetings Ask others for notes Contribute to stress management or wellbeing tips Share some trivia or exchange pics of your pets for a laugh or an energy boost Simply ask if anyone caught the latest blockbuster AND don’t worry if you’re generally an introvert. In fact, introverts excel[5] within the digital world. You are already an expert at watching, listening, and processing. Your contributions shine through with quality not quantity.

#5

MAKE THE FIRST MOVE

I know it may feel like it, but this isn’t dating. Your world will not be crushed if your advances to connect are rejected.

Someone has to make the first move.

If you want to leverage your online experience and grow your network, you’re going to need to put yourself out there.

You’re in an online setting and disconnected from a physical venue.

That means you need to actually construct those "chance" meetings to simulate the ad-hoc corridor chit-chat you’re missing.

You need to communicate intentionally.

Take advantage of the medium. A digital introduction is far less intimidating than an in-person one. Even introverts thrive in a digital environment.

So what are you waiting for?

Send a private, personalized message to your classmates, speakers, or teachers who you think are interesting and get the conversation started.

#6

PLAN VIRTUAL SOCIAL INTERACTIONS

Messages are nice but sometimes you want a little more social interaction. It’s the informal conversations that help build rapport. What to do when your classmates or contacts are spread across the country?

Virtual Coffee, Cocktail, or Lunch Network-building in real life is pretty straightforward — "Hey, we should meet for a coffee/drink/lunch. Are you free on Tuesday?" In the digital world, it can look very similar. Inviting a classmate for a personal, virtual meetup after class can keep a conversation going. After all, everyone needs to eat, and it’s not often someone will not have 20 minutes to share a beverage and a bit of conversation.

Virtual Walk and Talk Meetings If you want to spice things up, you might suggest a virtual "walk and talk." These are particularly easier to arrange when you’ve already built up a bit of rapport with the person. You can use a common interest or even a pain point as the core theme for an activity you’ll simultaneously do together. To illustrate: Perhaps you both have a daily 10,000 step goal neither of you seem to be reaching. Or, maybe you’re both avid cyclists.

Participating in the activities together but apart — simultaneously speaking on the phone, yet individually geo-located — injects specialness into the moment and organically builds the relationship.

Getting outside and away from your desks lends a novel way to cultivating more meaningful interactions. They even have an added multitasking benefit while incorporating more (not less) time for conversation.

#7

BE AUTHENTIC Authenticity is the buzzword of late. It permeates both personal and professional domains. It simply means that we, as people, desire genuineness from others (even companies) in our dealings with each other.

When you create a personal connection, it adds to the authenticity of your professional relationships and garners trust [6]. These then become the trusting relationships you will later call upon for a recommendation, new work opportunity, or advice.

When you offer authentic public conversations (like in you strengthen your relationships. Growing your becomes an easy outgrowth act.

comments on social media), professional network, then of that simple

Wondering how to build your digital authenticity? Here are some tips[7] to apply to your communications: Be an active listener Be someone who interacts with thoughtfulness Be able to show your vulnerability Be gracious Be curious Be emotionally intelligent (maybe some training in this area can help)

#8

STAY IN TOUCH

Keeping in touch with your digital network sets in motion the ability to ask for advice, recommendation, favors — you get the idea.

It may seem basic, but creating connections only takes you halfway. Virtual networking must include maintaining the relationships you created — with authenticity. This step is pivotal if you want to nurture your professional network and leverage its power.

Your LinkedIn presence helps tremendously here.

Everything you do on the platform helps keep you top of mind to your digital connections. The platform makes it easy to share articles, kudos, or job changes. It’s also very easy to connect in a personalized and authentic way.

By creating a thoughtful virtual networking approach, you can connect with your contacts authentically. Some tips for attending to your professional network: Comment on the person’s social media posts Send an occasional email to say hello and check their status Share with them content or information you know they have an interest in

...

A M A I

Virtual Networking VIRTUOSO (a checklist)

#1

Perfect my Digital Handshake

#2

Optimize my LinkedIn Profile

#3

Attend Virtual Events

#4

Build Professional Relationships

#5

Make the First Move

#6

Plan Virtual Social Interactions

#7

Be Authentic

#8

Stay in Touch

About The author RAMA ERIKSSON

Rama Eriksson is a Digital Content Editor at findcourses.com. Her writing is complemented by 15+ years as a marketing professional.

She brings her experience and curiosity to connect professionals to the right training to help further their goals.

Originally from the New York area, Eriksson has lived in Stockholm, Sweden since 2010.

findcourses.com AN EDUCATIONS MEDIA GROUP COMPANY

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Sources 1. Eriksson, Rama. (June 8, 2021). Top 7 Reasons for Executive Education [Infographic] https://www.findcourses.com/prof-dev/l-d-articles/top-7-reasons-for-executive-education-infographic-20611 2. Ryan, Robin. (January 19, 2021). 17 LinkedIn Profile Writing Tips To Make You Standout. https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinryan/2021/01/19/17-linkedin-profile-writing-tips-to-make-you-standout/? sh=3613146826c8 3. findcourses.com. Best Communication Skills Training https://www.findcourses.com/search/best-communication-skills-training 4. Slack. Create a User Group. www.slack.com https://slack.com/intl/en-se/help/articles/212906697-Create-a-user-group 5. Sarkisyan, Adelina. An introvert in a digital world: How technology is empowering the quieter half. https://learnosity.com/an-introvert-in-a-digital-world-how-technology-empowers/ 6. Eriksson, Rama. (March 9, 2021). The Impact of Trusting Your Teams. https://www.findcourses.com/prof-dev/l-d-articles/the-impact-of-trusting-your-teams-20120 7. McGoodwin, Lauren. (April 2, 2020) 5 Tips to Create Authentic Work Relationships in a Virtual Office. https://camillestyles.com/wellness/5-tips-to-create-authentic-work-relationships/