While in-person networking is usually best, there are sure to be times when you may not be able to get out of the house for the day. Or maybe there are slow days in the coworking space without many people to network and connect with in person. Whatever the situation, virtual networking is always an option to keep those lines of communication open and even help you expand your reach to other countries.
When connecting virtually, keep in mind that of course you won’t have as many opportunities to randomly connect, so it’s helpful to make a plan and set a schedule for when you connect in your day. If you don’t save time, it can become easy to forget it. It is also essential to take first impressions more into account when making virtual contacts. Since the person you’re talking to may have no idea who you are and what you do, making a positive impression may not feel as natural as when networking in a coworking space.
When you approach someone new, try to put their needs first. While networking in a coworking space is usually more of a fair and collaborative mindset, virtual network connections are less likely to work if you first call to ask for something for yourself, even if you intend to give something to someone else. Try to make an effort to know their needs before asking for their help with yours.
