According to Gallup, 45% of all full-time U.S. employees worked remotely for either all or a portion of their work schedules in September 2021. This change in the American workplace environment is a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but, with the percentage of remote workers remaining consistent since March 2020, this trend is likely here to stay.

Remote work offers a wealth of benefits for employees, from the ability to balance work and home life to increased productivity. Yet, the culture of virtual and remote work does come with its own set of challenges. 

Networking, before COVID-19, existed in traditional, in-person settings. Imagine grabbing lunch with a former colleague or attending a happy hour event organized by a local young professional organization. And while professional networking events are making a comeback in 2022, remote work has presented professionals and women in leadership roles an opportunity to creatively rethink how networking can better serve their needs and schedules. Read on to find out how to network virtually and why networking is still a critical part of any high-level career path.

Why Network?

If you imagine networking to be merely swapping business cards with a colleague or potential client, it’s time to rethink the art of networking altogether. When done correctly and authentically, networking is a mutually beneficial connection one can make with a mentor, professional contact, potential partner, client, or friend. 

Let’s face it: having a strong, healthy network is essential to advancing one’s career in today’s competitive workplace. By fostering harmonious relationships with others within your field, you can better reach your goals as a professional or leader.

Tip #1: Seek Virtual Networking Events

While many professional development organizations and local networking groups are relaunching in-person events, virtual networking events will likely remain commonplace. Virtual networking events are more accessible, lack travel time, and do not limit your networking opportunities to your local community or city. A quick search of “upcoming virtual networking events” or “virtual networking events for marketing professionals” will yield dozens of viable leads. 

And for those who are wary of networking or need to exercise their skills after months of isolation, virtual networking events are often more structured than in-person events, alleviating anxiety around small talk. 

Before the event, do not be afraid to practice an elevator speech, including:

1. Who You Are - Name? Location?

2. What You Do - What company do you work for? What’s your role? What does that role consist of?

3. Why You Do It - What gets you out of bed in the morning? Why do you love your chosen career path?

Tip #2: Join Linkedin Groups

Linkedin is made for virtually connecting with past, present, and future colleagues online. And beyond updating your job experience, finding a recruiter, or searching for new job opportunities, Linkedin offers many unique groups to connect with other professionals outside of your current network. Groups range in topic from professions, location, personal passions, alma maters, and more. 

Start by seeking out one or two new groups to join. Invite connections, introduce yourself, and turn on post notifications so you can actively engage with others in a timely fashion. The more you engage, the more success you will have with fostering new connections and expanding your network. In other words, don’t be shy!

Tip #3: Use Social Media as a Tool

For better or worse, social media is a mainstay method of communication and connection in today’s world. Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, or even TikTok, social media offers a unique way to expand your network and forge professional relationships with others from the comfort of your own home.

The lines between personal and professional are thin on social media, so opt to either create a professional profile or be strategic as to who you reach out to using your personal profile. Start a conversation via direct message or keep it even simpler and begin by following and engaging with similar accounts or profiles within your chosen industry.

For example, if you work in marketing, seek out other marketing professionals or influencers to follow. Engage with their posts by liking, commenting, or sharing their posts with your own followers. Should the opportunity arise, don’t hesitate to privately introduce yourself.

Tip #4: Reconnect Via Email

While all of our inboxes may already be overflowing, don’t forget that a quick email to a former colleague or client can go a long way. Keep it simple and keep it personal. Simply reaching out to say hello can lead to further opportunities to reconnect and maintain existing professional relationships. 

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Whether we like it or not, networking is a necessary part of being a woman in leadership, a young professional, or a business owner. Remember that networking - whether in-person or remotely - does not need to feel stiff or disingenuous. Be yourself and take expanding your network at your own pace. Building a professional network that is beneficial to your career takes time and effort, but the work is always worth it!

Still working on building your professional network, but also seeking your next career move? Shaw Search Partner’s team of expert recruiters can help you find your dream job via our professional network and nationwide contacts at leading Fortune 5 companies. 

To start working with a recruiter at Shaw Search Partners, contact us today.