How to Network Remotely
Though remote work boomed due to the pandemic, it is likely a trend that is here to stay for many industries. Even as companies switch back to in-office work, many will likely allow for hybrid workplaces or continue to provide fully remote work as an option due to the flexibility and better work-life balance that it affords.
While many workers rejoice in the ability to work from home, others struggle as it makes it more difficult for them to network and advance their careers. This is a valid concern as experts project that at least 56% of the U.S. workforce (not including the self-employed) can work from home. And with so many choosing that as an option, it is making it harder and harder for professionals to network and collaborate.
Networking is essential for many as it helps professionals build their connections and a community, reduces feelings of isolation, and increases productivity, creativity, and collaboration. Luckily, we are living in a digital age that makes remote networking possible. Remote networking is different and may take some getting used to for some, but it can afford workers the same opportunities as traditional networking so long as you know where to look and are willing to put in the effort.
6 Tips for Networking While Working Remotely
If you are struggling as a remote worker, it could be that your employer needs to improve the remote work environment, but it might also be that you are simply missing that human connection you can get from networking and collaborating with others. Not everyone thrives in the remote work environment, but this is generally due to their need and desire to communicate and work closely with others—something that is still possible even if you work from home.
Below are some of the top tips for workers interested in remote networking:
1. Join Professional Online Communities
The key to networking as a remote worker is to find as many professional online groups and communities as possible—and there is an abundance of them. Slack, for example, offers several professional groups and communities that you can join to connect with others. Though many are familiar with the platform as a way to communicate and work on projects with co-workers, you can also use Slack to join free, open channels outside of those within your company.
LinkedIn, Facebook, and Reddit are also great communities to join that offer groups that enable you to connect with other professionals in your field or areas of interest for networking and collaborating. These are also great resources if you are looking for a new job and have questions or are trying to find connections to help you land a new position.
2. Attend Webinars and “Live” Social Media Events
Online events like Zoom webinars and Instagram Live hosted by companies and experts in various fields are another excellent way to connect. These online events feature talks and discussions that focus on all areas of work, such as marketing, business, finance, leadership, and more. And they often have some sort of message board set up so you can connect and communicate with other attendees.
3. Join Virtual Coworking Spaces
If you have the opportunity, in-person co-working spaces are excellent places to spend your day working if you have a remote job. If not, virtual co-working spaces have become quite popular as well. There are several virtual co-working platforms now to choose from where you can join existing groups and communities, or you can find people who host their own using platforms like Zoom or other video conferencing apps.
4. Try a Virtual Job Fair
Whether you have a job already or not, virtual job fairs are useful if you are looking to network. Typically, when you sign up for these virtual events, you will receive a schedule of when various companies will present to the virtual attendees. They will generally speak about company culture, what kind of candidates they are looking for, and what their goals are. Even if you aren’t looking for a new job, it can help you see what else is out there and provide you with the contact information of other professionals and companies in case you want to connect with them in the future.
5. Host Your Own Virtual Event
Of course, if you aren’t finding exactly what you are looking for, you can always host your own online event. You could simply go live on social media to talk about a certain topic, or you could plan and host a webinar. Even if you aren’t sure what you are doing, you will probably get others watching who are happy to connect and offer advice to help you improve should you decide to host another event.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out
For remote networking to really have an impact, you can’t be afraid to speak up and reach out. Openly engage with others on message boards or in the chat section during online events. Many hosts will also provide their email or social media accounts so you can reach out to them after the event with any questions or to simply chat and connect. If you join groups or attend online events, you have to be willing to put yourself out there and communicate with the hosts and other attendees. Communication skills are key for any professional looking to network and grow their community.
How Remote Work Has Affected Workplace Culture and Business Trends
Even if you find ways to connect, remote work will never be the same as collaborating with others in-person in an office or co-working space. However, with the right tools and resources, you can still have a successful career with a network of other professionals available for support. Plenty of companies will likely revert to in-office work eventually if they haven’t already, but the work-from-home lifestyle will also continue to grow and increase in popularity, and as it does, we will see new shifts and business trends emerge that affect how companies run.
For example, there was initial concern that the lack of in-person human interactions would result in a decline in productivity and engagement, but instead, many have found that with all of the digital tools available, they have improved communication and increased collaboration. This is leading to an increase in digital adoption of new tools and platforms for many companies, which will likely result in even more tools and advances being made to improve remote work environments.
How we interact with our co-workers is also changing. For instance, gift-giving in the workplace is something many companies encourage to improve morale, enhance productivity, and keep employees connected. Now, ethical gift giving is even more important to remind remote co-workers and employees that they are still seen and heard, even if you don’t get to interact with them in person every day. Employers are even more mindful now about showing their appreciation for their employees to let them know that their hard work and dedication aren’t going unnoticed.
Final Thoughts
Whether your company is still implementing work-from-home policies or you are choosing to remain a remote worker, it’s important to network to avoid feelings of isolation and declines in productivity. It’s easy to fall into negative patterns when you work alone and don’t have anyone around to supervise you or co-workers to keep you engaged.
Remote networking can help you feel and stay connected while also promoting creativity and productivity. And even if you excel in a remote environment, networking can still benefit you and help you build a community that can advance your career.
