Practicing social distancing doesn鈥檛 mean you have to put your professional development on hold. Remember that while you鈥檙e at home, so are the professionals you鈥檇 benefit from connecting with. Now is the perfect time to reach out to them, flex your networking muscles, and exchange valuable insights.
Just like in-person networking, online networking can seem daunting if you鈥檝e never done it before. However, as with many things, the more you practice, the easier it gets, and the greater the benefits are. So make the most of this confinement period by getting in touch with others virtually and having meaningful career conversations. Here are five tips to keep in mind for online networking success.
1. Consider videoconferencing technology your friend
Are you insecure about using Zoom? Do you shudder at the thought of a technical glitch happening in the middle of an important Skype call? These concerns are normal as we move to new, unfamiliar technologies, but there are plenty of resources to help you along the way. The benefits of videoconferencing tools far outweigh their potential drawbacks. After all, it is technology like Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams that can connect you with someone on the other side of the world鈥攐r, during our current situation, the other side of the street.
2. Follow regular networking etiquette
The same basic 鈥渞ules鈥� for in-person networking also apply to online networking. For example, be prepared, be an active listener, dress appropriately (at least from the waist up鈥攖hey won鈥檛 be able to tell if you鈥檙e wearing sweatpants!), and always send a thank you note.
3. Be willing to adapt
When you鈥檙e meeting with someone you don鈥檛 know, it鈥檚 important to be willing to adapt to their needs. This might mean using the videoconferencing tool of their choice or setting up your appointment at a time that鈥檚 convenient for them. Remember that this person is being generous with their time and attention.
4. Browse LinkedIn
The networking website par excellence, is a great tool for researching career options and finding professionals working in your industry. Now is a great opportunity to create鈥攐r polish鈥攜our profile and grow your network. Share a great article you鈥檝e read recently, join a group of like-minded people, or reach out to professionals in your industry who could provide valuable career insight (don鈥檛 forget to write a quick message to introduce yourself and let them know why you鈥檇 like to connect).
5. Use DesautelsConnect
If you鈥檙e a student or alumni of the Desautels Faculty of Management at UU直播, you should definitely take advantage of , the Faculty鈥檚 exclusive networking and mentoring platform. Powered by Ten Thousand Coffees, DesautelsConnect introduces you to other Desautels students and alumni based on your specific career interests and goals. You can schedule and set up a coffee chat in-person or online or browse for professionals within your industry. If you haven鈥檛 used the platform yet, now is the perfect time to go on your first virtual coffee chat.
How does DesautelsConnect work?
- You鈥檒l receive a monthly introduction to a student or fellow alumni based on your career interests and goals.
- Suggest a time to chat, in-person at a coffee shop or online from the comfort of your home, to share your advice and experience.
- Once you join, all introductions are sent directly to your inbox so you don鈥檛 need to use another tool!
How do I join?
- Go to: mcgill.ca/desautelsconnect
- You will be placed into an approval queue to be reviewed by the hub administrators.
- Respond to an Invitation when you are matched with another DesautelsConnect member.
- Tell us about your successful coffee chats. You could be featured in our news feeds & our social media channels.
