\u00a0\u201cJust walk up to them and say hi, it won\u2019t be that bad. Introduce yourself, what\u2019s the worst that can happen?\u201d, you tell yourself. Has this soundtrack played on repeated in your head during an event?<\/p>\n
It can certainly feel like it is for some when networking in person.<\/p>\n
Networking may not be the easiest and for some can even feel debilitating.<\/p>\n
So, instead of awkward face-to-face encounters, what if there was a way to network without leaving home, or even forcing yourself to walk up to anyone? What if there was a way for it to be all set up for you?<\/p>\n
Luckily, virtual events can be a breath of fresh air for those folks who don\u2019t enjoy in-person networking.<\/a><\/p>\n While easier in some ways, many elements people rely on for connection \u2014 body language, the shared environment, and others \u2014 are missing.<\/p>\n On the flip side, networking during virtual events expands your reach to include people unable to attend because:<\/p>\n Not only does networking during virtual events aid loneliness, it also amasses a large network of folks<\/a> happy to help you pursue your career goals.<\/p>\n If you are looking to develop your networking skills (behind the screen), this networking cheat sheet for virtual events guides you through steps to take before, during, and after virtual events to help you make and maintain authentic connections that thrive long after the event ends.<\/p>\n While some people hunkered down during the pandemic, Danny Groner, Marketing Director for Forecast Labs<\/a>, and others used technology to reach beyond their current circles.<\/p>\n \u201cMore people around the world were available to me \u2014 people that I never would have been bold enough to suggest, \u2018Let’s go grab lunch\u2019, because they were either influential in my circles \u2014 or outside of my circles completely \u2014 and might not have known who I am,\u201d Danny said.<\/p>\n When Danny made connections via email or Twitter, he arranged virtual calls since everyone had plenty of free time. This helped Danny hone his networking know-how. \u201cMy networking skills improved dramatically because I was having conversations with people that, at a different point, I might have felt were out of my league or unavailable to me,\u201d Danny said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt leveled the playing field because we were all defining ourselves \u2013 not by job title and not by the size of the problem \u2014 during the last couple of years.\u201d<\/p>\n Since Danny overcame his initial confidence barriers, he now attends at least two webinars per day, along with three in-person events each month, so he can learn, connect, and grow professionally.<\/p>\n The networking opportunities at virtual events have varying levels of structure and interaction. By understanding some of the formats, you can better prepare for them:<\/p>\n Not only does knowing the format help you know what is expected of you, but you also know what you might get out of the experiences.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re even considering registering for a virtual event, you may have already decided that attending and networking will help you progress toward a goal. Once you register, it is time to develop a plan for making it happen.<\/p>\n Check the website, or ask an organizer for the attendee list so that you can prepare. If the list isn\u2019t private, skim attendees\u2019 LinkedIn profiles before the event so you\u2019ll recognize others\u2019 names as they pop up with talking points to help you initiate conversations.<\/p>\n Preparation makes networking more productive and shows a genuine interest in building a connection.<\/p>\n Defining your goals and motivations will propel you through goal setting and research, so consider setting your focus by answering these questions:<\/p>\n When finished, craft a list or table to record information about the people you want to meet. For each person, jot down thoughts about how you would both benefit from connecting.<\/p>\n Sure, it makes sense to attend a marketing event if you\u2019re a marketer, but don\u2019t sleep on opportunities to attend events adjacent to your field.<\/p>\n Danny first attended events to find peers in the same field with the same types of positions. \u201cWhen I was working at Series A or B startups, I was looking for kindred spirits who were similarly motivated to solve the problems that exist within Series A and B startups,\u201d Danny said.<\/p>\n Then he started attending events related to his career, and other opportunities blossomed. \u201cI got a lot more value out of going to those networking events because I wasn’t sizing myself up against other people,\u201d Danny said.<\/p>\n \u201cMore importantly, I was by far the smartest marketer in that room because I was the only marketer in that room. So, it allowed me to be curious in terms of understanding how other people think, what makes them tick, and what’s keeping them up at night. Then, I take those insights back to my own respective arena, and problem solve or try to understand what motivates people that I might work with.\u201d<\/p>\n Want people to accept your connection requests? It helps if people want<\/em> to talk to you. Just as you\u2019ve browsed others\u2019 profiles, they will search for you, too. If that kind of pressure makes your skin crawl, update your LinkedIn profile and Google yourself to see what pops up a few days before the event. Your profiles should be clear about who you are, what you do, and what you have to offer.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n First impressions count, so fill out your event bio thoroughly to increase your chances of meeting people you might have things in common with.<\/p>\n Because you shared, potential connections can find talking points about things you like, things you\u2019ve done, and your social media profiles.<\/p>\n Once your bios and profiles are polished, amp up your online presence to up your odds of being noticed. For example, use the event hashtag on social media to broadcast that you\u2019re going to attend and ask who else is attending.<\/p>\n If you want to see some familiar faces, send an invitation with a link to the virtual event registration page, to someone you\u2019d like to reconnect with.<\/p>\n \u00a0Maybe you\u2019re only interested in new faces. If that\u2019s the case, check the attendee list and connect ahead of time by sending a greeting card or a LinkedIn message saying, \u201cHey, I see we’re both going to this virtual event.\u201d Then, schedule a time during or after the event to chat about your event takeaways.<\/p>\n If you find yourself at a loss for words when put on the spot, plan responses to pre-assigned networking questions. Also, consider prepping your elevator pitch \u2014 a short 2-3 sentence introduction about who you are and what you do. Toss in something interesting that they\u2019ll remember after the event.<\/p>\n Also, consider planning comments and questions for Q&A sessions in advance, so you can focus on the content and start side conversations in the chat during the event.<\/p>\n Networking at a virtual event is a valuable experience, but to make the most of it, make it an experience. <\/em>Transform your space, so it is camera-ready:<\/p>\n Need extra motivation? Try setting the number of quality interactions you want to have. For example, Danny typically connects with five people, which results in a couple of 1:1 conversations scheduled for later.<\/p>\n Before the event, learn your way around the event app, so you can find quick answers to questions you have during the event. You\u2019ll also know where the networking opportunities and contact information are.<\/p>\n Be sure to also test how your environment will function during the event:<\/p>\n If the event is hosted on the RingCentral Events platform<\/a>, put your mind at ease by running the Pre-Event Check.<\/p>\n Some events won\u2019t require video<\/a>, so most networking will be done through chat. While attending a camera-optional event, you will seem more approachable if you leave your camera on. So, consider swapping the bathrobe for comfy business casual, and running a brush through your hair \u2014 whatever you need to do to feel presentable.<\/p>\n Some register for virtual events thinking it can be on in the background while getting other things done. And although possible, it comes at a cost of missed networking opportunities.<\/p>\n How? Other attendees are also there to learn and connect. If you don’t participate, they miss out on your ability to help them find solutions.<\/p>\n Instead, start by logging in early \u2014 not five minutes after the event begins. During the pre-session banter, comment in the chat with your name, one sentence max about what you do, and your LinkedIn URL \u2014 make yourself known .<\/p>\n Then, share that you\u2019re happy to make new connections. People will scroll quickly through the overflowing chat box, so your intro should be short and sweet.<\/p>\n While you\u2019re scrolling through the introductions, open LinkedIn in a separate tab. Easy access to LinkedIn lets you:<\/p>\n During the session, aim to share 1-2 responses or questions. Too few and you miss out on interactions, too many and you take time from others. In the meantime, take notes on the session content, people in the event, and chat comments you find relevant to your goals.<\/p>\n Unlike in a primary school, side conversations are encouraged during virtual events. It\u2019s like finding friends on the playground (except now you can pre-screen using your open LinkedIn tab).<\/p>\n What\u2019s another way to gauge if you will click with someone?<\/p>\n Danny said he knows the people who sign up for a webinar and participate in the chat are his people. \u201cThere’s a strong likelihood that other people like me are not just playing the event in the background of their work, going for a walk outside, or preparing their lunch. The people actually participating in the chat are the type of people I’m looking for.\u201d<\/p>\n Using chat as a networking tool, you can:<\/p>\n While it is tempting to attend only the content-based virtual sessions because you\u2019re there to build skills, keep in mind that virtual networking sessions aren\u2019t filler. They\u2019re valuable opportunities to develop authentic relationships.<\/p>\n\n
Build virtual networking confidence by networking more often<\/h3>\n
What opportunities are there for virtual networking?<\/h2>\n
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Step 1: Define your networking goals and prep accordingly<\/h2>\n
Research who you want to connect with<\/h3>\n
Set your purpose<\/h3>\n
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Attend a virtual event outside of your usual sphere<\/h3>\n
Make yourself virtually approachable<\/h3>\n
Amp up your energy on networking day<\/h3>\n
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Check yourself (and tech yourself) before you wreck yourself<\/h3>\n
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Step 2: Be there (or be a virtual networking square)<\/h2>\n
Participate exactly the right amount<\/h3>\n
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Use chat as your go-to networking tool<\/h3>\n
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Attend official virtual networking events<\/h3>\n