Networking in the time of COVID-19

Since In person networking is out of the question, what’s the best way to intro yourself, reach new people and gain exposure?

I think that when networking events, conferences, or even an introduction coffee are out of the question it can be really helpful to start with relationships that are already established. Collaborate with individuals you already know, to make introductions. If you work with someone who knows you, there is mutual trust and an authentic relationship, you can devise a strategy on meeting new people.

Reach out to someone who knows you and your work, or your business if you are an entrepreneur. Make sure it’s someone with whom you have an ongoing relationship. Let them know what you hope to achieve, who you would like to meet or what your goals are for this outreach. Then, if they know someone, ask them if they might make an introduction.

Email or phone is the best way for this person to make contact. That way they can explain a bit about who you are, how they know you and ask them if they would be open to an introduction. At this point the conversation would be between the two of them, in the event the person didn’t feel that they could help. Then, they aren’t put in a position to say no to you, or feel too busy to respond. Once they have agreed to meet you, your friend/colleague can write an introduction email and let the two of you take it from there.

Make sure that you know what you would like to accomplish in this meeting and how long you think it would be.

Are you looking for an ongoing mentor relationship? Are you hoping to be introduced to others?

Are you looking for a job?

Make sure it’s very clear what you hope to achieve from the interaction and how long/how many meetings it might take. Have a plan laid out so that there aren’t any questions that you can’t answer and that you maximize your time with this person. They will appreciate that you are respecting their time as well.

Meet via Facetime, Zoom, Skype or however you might be able to meet digitally. After you have had your interaction make sure to establish what the next steps are, if any. If that one meeting is all that will take place, please be sure to follow up with a thank you note and let the person know you will reach out again in the future to stay connected.