Learn how to network effectively as a remote worker, and why it’s important to build professional connections.
Working from home has its perks. It could mean no tiring commutes and more time to cuddle with your pets. However, forming new connections can be challenging. Networking is crucial to propel your career to new heights, but how do you meet new people in your industry from home? Here are some networking strategies to help you build connections and foster a sense of community.
1. Attend online events
Engaging in virtual professional events is an excellent way to meet people from different backgrounds without leaving your room. Here are the common types of virtual events:
● Webinars: These are online meetings or workshops that allow you to learn and mingle with other attendees. Find a few seminars hosted by experienced professionals and industry leaders that cover subjects relevant to your career or hobbies.
● Virtual job fair: Online recruitment fairs feature companies at virtual booths. These events have become incredibly popular in recent years—more than 90% of employers attended virtual job fairs in the fall of 2020. They can be beneficial if you’re looking for new opportunities, such as a new job, side hustles and mentorship.
● Wellness sessions: Online wellness events aim to help remote workers improve their overall health. Attending wellness sessions tackling relevant topics, such as proper work posture and stress-relieving habits, can provide a much-needed break from work.
2. Reach out to webinar leaders
After a webinar, don’t hesitate to ask a meaningful question or follow up via the contact information provided by the speakers. This proactive approach is an excellent way to network from home. You can even ask them if they would be willing to hop on a quick phone call with you to delve deeper into the discussion topics.
3. Join LinkedIn and Facebook groups
With over 571 million users, LinkedIn can be a great tool for networking. The platform provides a variety of groups that you can join based on your profession, personal interests and location. Aside from networking opportunities, LinkedIn Groups allow you to showcase your expertise. You can share insights, answer questions and participate in discussions, which help establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry and build your credibility.
Like LinkedIn, Facebook groups offer a platform for connecting with people who share your professional or personal interests. Search for remote work, digital nomad or freelance Facebook communities to connect with others who are also in the same boat. Participate actively and explore possibilities for face-to-face meet-ups with local members.
4. Host your own webinar
Webinars are an effective way to attract leads. They’re ideal for entrepreneurs who want to market a new product or service and for experts eager to share knowledge on a topic they care about.
First, identify your target audience—survey their needs and wants. Next, set up a compelling landing page that outlines the benefits of your webinar. Consider co-hosting with someone who can give your webinar added exposure to a broader audience.
5. Start an online social event within your company
Organize a mini-social event to gather your teammates. It can be a fun way to bond with them and meet new people. Here are some fun ideas:
● Trivia Battle: Encourage a friendly competition with a trivia game.
● Guess Who?: Before the event, collect a few photos from your team before the event—like baby photos, pet snaps or their favorite dish to make—and have participants guess who the items belong to. It’s a great way to get to know each other better.
● Charades: This popular game can be enjoyed virtually, too. All you have to do is use a charades idea generator and Zoom’s Spotlight feature. Have one person act out the word while other attendees try to guess.
6. Schedule monthly office activity
Consider hosting a once-a-month gathering to strengthen your team bond. If you have a small team, look for a centralized location near public transportation. You can invite people to bring their pets to the office for a fun workday—but make sure that your team members have no allergies or fears that could cause discomfort.
Another idea is to organize a hackathon to hone people’s collaboration and creative skills. It’s a great way to meet new people and invite professionals outside the company to be the judges.
7. Create a professional profile
Establish a public professional account concisely detailing your job title, experience and strengths—try to keep it within four brief sentences.
Make sure you include quantifiable achievements that showcase your expertise. An example is “I developed a marketing plan that accounted for 25% of XYZ’s e-commerce growth.” After setting up a profile, actively connect with professionals in your field and share relevant content on your page.
8. Utilize virtual coworking spaces
Imagine having a huge Zoom call with people from all over the world working together—this is what online coworking spaces offer. If you enjoy working solo, but not alone, this could be a great fit for you. Platforms like OpenRooms, Gather and Sococo allow you to work alongside people from around the globe. Invite your fellow remote workers or explore these platforms on your own to meet interesting people.
Why is it important to build connections as a remote worker?
Remote work, while flexible, can be isolating and lead to feelings of loneliness—especially when you thrive around people. These negative feelings significantly impact society, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare them a priority public health problem.
Virtual networking not only advances your career but also helps mitigate these negative effects by fostering meaningful professional relationships and providing emotional support.
Start networking from home today
There are many ways to build new connections from the comfort of your home. It all boils down to your willingness to try new means of networking, like initiating online social events in your organization or hosting a webinar. Start today, and your future self will thank you for the expanded network and enhanced career opportunities.
Also read:
- From Boardrooms to Living Rooms: Is Remote Work Still Relevant Today?
- How to Decide If Remote Work Is Right for You
- Remote Work Made Easy: Top Tools to Keep Track of Projects across Time Zones
Header Image from Unsplash
