4 ways to network during the pandemic

Covid-19 has changed how we interact with one another, but network keeps being one of the main strategies to achieve your career goals.  With in-person meetings on hold , see how you can network during this challenging time

Written by Stephanie Panico

COVID-19 has changed everything about the way that we interact with others.  Since the pandemic began, we have all had to adjust to a “new normal” where in-person contact is no longer possible or limited.  This change extends to professional networking.  In-person networking events have been cancelled or changed to virtual events, and meeting in person for coffee or lunch is no longer an option.  Despite the changes in the way that we can safely interact, a person’s network can still make all the difference in a job search.  Even if a person is not looking for a job, it is still beneficial for career development to grow and maintain a strong network. 

As the months of social distancing stretch on, it is important to not pause networking and career development.  In fact, it is more important than ever to have a strong network so that you can stay connected, keep informed about changes that affect your industry and keep your career plans on track.  Because of COVID-19, it is necessary to think creatively to find meaningful ways to develop and maintain professional connections. 

1. Find Online Networking Opportunities
While COVID-19 put a damper on in-person networking, it created many new virtual networking opportunities.  Since people have been unable to connect in person, they have found new and creative ways to meet virtually.  In order to make the most of virtual networking, you will need to be connected to the industries and organizations that are of interest to you.  If the organization maintains a virtual mailing list, it is important to sign up so that you are kept apprised of their events.  Be sure to attend these events and use them as opportunities to learn and ask questions.  If there are opportunities to follow up with speakers or other attendees, drop them a note on LinkedIn.  Use news alerts to keep informed about current events and issues that affect your industry.  Spending time reading up on these events is important, as it will help you develop your expertise.  When you know about the current landscape of the industry and what changes and issues are affecting it or on the horizon, it shows a commitment to the industry and to learning.  This in turn will allow you to forge connections with new contacts and strengthen your relationships with existing contacts. 

2. Leverage LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool that is particularly useful during the COVID-19 pandemic.  There are many benefits to using LinkedIn to network during COVID-19.  First, it is a good place to keep up with your existing contacts.  This could be as simple as congratulating someone on a promotion or new job.  Next, it can be helpful to follow companies that you are interested in so you can keep apprised of their initiatives and company announcements.  Finally, many industry organizations also maintain LinkedIn pages where they post upcoming events or articles.  The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the importance of LinkedIn as a means of keeping people connected professionally, and you should be sure that you leverage it whenever possible.

3. Schedule Virtual Meet-Ups
It is important to keep in touch with your contacts even when in person meetings are not an option.  There is no one-size-fits-all approach to virtual meet ups.  Instead, the right approach will hinge on knowing your contacts and what is most appropriate for the relationship that you have with them.  For some relationships, you may be able to keep in touch through text messages or by using the chat function on LinkedIn.  For others, it may be more appropriate to schedule a coffee over Zoom.  There are many people who appreciate the “face-to-face” connection, even if it is now over a computer instead of at coffee shop.  Some contacts may appreciate if you forward an article that you see that may be of interest to them.  Regardless of the approach you take, it is important to maintain connections in this time when people are feeling less connected to those around them. 

4. Get Involved in Your Community
COVID-19 has made in-person community events and volunteering difficult, but now more than ever people are craving a sense of community and belonging.  Even though social distancing measures are in place, you can still support your friends and neighbors in various ways, like dropping off meals for those who need it or sending a card with words of encouragement.  If you are able, support local restaurants by ordering take-out and local food banks by making food or monetary donations.  Keep apprised of the ongoing efforts of any non-profit or community organizations, including any volunteering needs they have or initiatives that they are running.  These community connections can sometimes help you to meet people and grow your network.  Most importantly, though, they provide an important way to support and be involved in your community, which is more necessary than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic.