Joining a new organisation is an exciting time because you get to meet new people in the industry and build professional relationships with them. This is what networking is at its core. Every day, you interact with many people, including those in other departments.
With the onset of the pandemic, remote work became widely popular among most companies. It has changed how we perform our jobs and how we connect with one another though. Everything is becoming virtual thereby decreasing our chances to network.
The value of networking remotely
Even if you have a remote work environment, it remains crucial to connect with potential clients and existing colleagues. This provides you with a healthier working atmosphere and boosts your morale even if you are spending your shifts alone at home.
If you have just entered the workforce, it’s all the more important for you to build your professional network. Like with traditional setups, it affects your experience at the company. It’s easier to cooperate and collaborate when you get along with your team.
Networking tips when working from home
Freelancers and virtual workers who desire to interact with new people will need to create chances for themselves. If you’re wondering how to make more connections while moving up the career ladder, have a look at these suggestions.
Maximise your social media accounts
In the early days of social networks, it was strange to make friends whom you’d only met online. It has since become the norm to create virtual communities where you may engage with customers, peers, and colleagues. Many collaborations have resulted in connections made online.
Keep in touch with industry leaders
If you’ve ever participated in webinars, you’ll have noticed that they always have a portion for asking questions but speakers might have limited time to answer them. Use the contact information they provided to reach out to them. Conversations with authorities in your field have much knowledge for you to glean from.
Host your own webinars
The skills you’ve acquired and honed are worth sharing to other people online, even if you’re a newbie to remote work. By teaching things like bookkeeping tricks or product development basics, you become accessible to other people. You’re giving people opportunities to connect with you rather than be the one to find them.
Visit physical co-working spaces
Your employer might be based in another country but that doesn’t mean you cannot have in-person interactions with other remote workers. There are plenty of co-working spaces in the Philippines or whichever nation you may be in. There, you’ll be able to meet others who are working virtually and share the same woes as you.
Sign up for online job fairs
Companies who are looking for remote workers present themselves to the attendees with the hope of attracting talents to add to their team. These types of events last somewhere around 3 to 5 hours and are often free of charge. This is a great opportunity to gather the contacts of recruiters and hiring managers.
Join industry-based or professional groups
Facebook seems to have groups for anything and everything under the sun, including your preferred niche. There are groups for digital nomads where you may ask for tips about working while travelling, for instance. There are also groups where recruiters post listings for remote workers based in specific geographic locations.
Plan online events internally
Suggest that your organisation hold virtual gatherings where fellow employees may engage with each other. Major holidays like Christmas or the New Year is a perfect excuse to have a party albeit over the internet. You might also have trivia nights or even short trainings where different teams may mingle.
Connect through your alma mater
LinkedIn has a feature where you’re able to filter profiles according to where they studied in high school or college, so use it. Having intimate knowledge about your campuses or shared history about school traditions make it easier to build friendships with people online.
Engage through your hobbies
Maybe you like to crochet in your spare time or you’re an avid fan of Star Wars. Look for online communities with individuals who are interested in the same things as you and who may teach you more things about your pastimes. Your passion may turn into a business in the future so it helps to have connections then.
Volunteer for great causes
Are you interested in giving back to your local community through medical drives, tree planting, and similar activities? This is your sign to participate in volunteer events as they’re also excellent places to grow your professional network. Many companies care about social causes so it’s no surprise if some organisations will host events like that.
Connect with other remote workers here
When you work with an offshore staffing firm like Remote Workmate, you get the chance to interact with other virtual professionals. We showcase our best virtual assistants every month so you may get to know the people who are working remotely like you.
We also maintain a blog where you may learn more about working from home more effectively–this post is one of many articles we’ve prepared for you. If you so desire it, we’re willing to provide you with tips directly so you might become a better online professional.
