What are some ways to stay motivated when networking remotely?

Make sure working remotely is right for you and understand it's terminologies. As long as you respect those boundaries and prioritise your wellbeing at work through focus time, engaging with colleagues and limiting distractions, you are sure to stay motivated and thrive when working remotely.

Remote workers must be clear about their daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly goals. Organisations that have adopted remote work culture must provide training, systems and tools for effective goal setting, monitoring and evaluation as it is easy for remote workers to get distracted

Some ways to stay motivated when networking remotely are: -establish clear goals; -join virtual events and groups where you can listen and share your perspective with others; -seek learning and development opportunities; -utilize social media platforms.

Most job seekers I work with are networking remotely. And it can be really frustrating when your reach out messages end up ignored which is what happens 80% of the times and even more. You need to manage your expectations and be realistic about what you aim to achieve to avoid getting discouraged when challenges arise, instead you will be mentally prepared and ready to move forward.

Set realistic and actionable goals for your networking efforts. To stay motivated, your goals should be based on the actions you plan to take, not the end results. For example, set a goal for contacting a certain number of people each week. Setting a goal for the number of responses you receive may be demotivating. Sometimes, your messages will land in an inbox that's rarely checked or a communication channel that the recipient stopped using. This can lead to instances where you don't get a reply, so don't let that discourage your efforts. Your goal is to reach out. By choosing an action as your goal, you can effectively monitor your progress, keep track of your efforts, and find satisfaction in the proactive measures you've taken.

Try different time management methods until you find one that works for you. Work smart, batch tasks when it makes sense and set up reminders and alerts to help you stay on track. One thing that has worked for me for several years is time blocking along with the Eisenhower matrix. It took years for me to find the right system and tools so don’t feel discouraged if you are disorganized or overwhelmed because it takes time. Think about things that move the needle the most and prioritize those tasks. Be realistic with your energy levels as well.

Planning your schedule is your ticket to remote networking success. Trevor Houston's golden rule: "Organize, prioritize, and energize!" Set aside dedicated time slots for networking tasks—emails, calls, webinars—and guard them like a dragon hoarding treasure. Avoid sneaky distractions (yes, even that tempting social media scroll). Remember to strike a balance—networking is crucial, but so is polishing that resume and acing those interviews. Let's conquer our goals with strategic planning! ??

Time boxing has been a life saver for me! Setting specific time for certain kinds of tasks and holding yourself accountable to those time boxes. Just as you’d attend a meeting or an appointment, follow-through with your scheduled work. This can help prevent drift that leads to overwhelm and feeling like you have everything to do, but no idea where to start.

I agree with all of this but want to add Eventbrite and Meetup as options as well. There are also a lot of professional affiliations and networking groups that you can join to find events or volunteer opportunities.

When it comes to remote networking, platform selection is key. Trevor Houston's pro tip: "Find your digital playground." Explore options like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Slack—but choose wisely! Tailor your platform choice to your style, audience, and industry vibe. If niche connections are your jam, dive into Slack communities. Seeking local ties? Zoom into nearby events. Remember, it's not about being everywhere—it's about being in the right places. Let's network smarter, not harder! ??

Remote networking is just like in-person networking, but with the added convenience of doing it from home or your office. It's efficient, allowing you to jump from one meeting to the next with a simple click. This is also a chance to shake up your routine, connect with others, and expand your knowledge while developing valuable relationships. Treat remote networking like you would in-person events: be authentic and just have fun with it. It'll definitely pay off in the long run!

Be interested more than interesting. Find people who are doing cool work and reach out to them. Lead with compliments on their work. Be clear about why you're reaching out to them specifically and what you're hoping to learn from them. Make it easy for them to say yes and give them an easy out.

Authenticity is our superpower in the digital realm! ?? Trevor Houston's mantra: "Be real, not robotic." Even behind screens, genuine connections thrive. Engage with sincerity—show curiosity, share insights, and lend a helping hand. Let your personality shine through (yes, even your quirky humor), while staying polished and professional. Remember, it's about building trust, not transactions. Cultivate relationships, and the rest will follow naturally. Let's bring our authentic selves to the virtual table! ??

While keeping in touch is important, if you haven't spoken to someone in a few years, don't let that hold you back. Consider how you would feel if the roles were reversed. What if someone you had all but forgotten about suddenly contacted you out of the blue? You'd probably be happy to catch up and pick things back up wherever you left off. You might even be excited to hear from them, or relieved that they reached out first. If you'd be happy to hear from them after all these years, they probably feel the same way! Take the initiative to reach out, even if you feel that the connection has "gone cold". Send a simple message acknowledging the time that has passed to rekindle the conversation, then simply ask if they'd like to catch up.

If you haven't spoken to someone in a few years, don't let that hold you back from reaching out. Consider how you would feel if the roles were reversed. What if someone you had all but forgotten about suddenly contacted you out of the blue? No big deal, right? You'd be happy to catch up and pick things back up wherever you left off. You might even be excited to hear from them, or relieved that they reached out first. Take the initiative to reach out, even if you feel that the connection has "gone cold". Rekindle the conversation by sending a simple message acknowledging the time that has passed, then express a genuine interest in catching up.

Follow-up fuels the fire of remote connections. Trevor Houston's wisdom: "Keep the conversation going!" After chats, send gratitude-filled notes, share updates, or celebrate wins together. Mix up your follow-up methods—email, phone, or social—but keep it respectful and timely. Consistency breeds trust; spam, not so much. Let's nurture those bonds with care and consideration. Stay connected, stay awesome!

Who are the social butterflies in your network? The folks who are always happy to help? Who would love to hear from you? To stay motivated while networking, start out in "easy mode" by reaching out to people who are more likely to respond and will make the conversation effortless. Consider going through the motions of "networking" with your closest friends to gain some confidence-boosting practice. Surround yourself with people who have a track record of uplifting and encouraging you, spanning mentors, classmates, teammates, and friends. If you seek to have fun in your initial efforts to network remotely, you can gradually ramp up to more challenging situations with ease, comfort, and confidence.

Rewarding yourself and injecting fun into your remote networking journey is essential. Trevor Houston's advice: "Celebrate every win, big or small!" Treat yourself after completing tasks—indulge in a snack, catch a movie, or simply take a well-deserved nap. Dive into events that ignite your passion—a trivia night, a book club, or even a virtual yoga session. Surround yourself with inspiring souls—mentors, peers, friends—who uplift and support you. Networking isn't just about goals; it's about embracing the joy of connection, growth, and discovery. Let's infuse our journey with positivity and playfulness! ??

The success of a remote work culture lies as much on the organization as it lies on the individual. Going remote is not all about saving on rental and energy, Organizations must invest in effective remote working tools and training while the employee must be committed to learning and evolution.

Who are the social butterflies in your network? The folks who are always happy to help? Who would love to hear from you? Start out in "easy mode" by reaching out to people who are more likely to respond and will make the conversation effortless. Consider going through the motions of "networking" with your closest friends to gain some confidence-boosting practice. Surround yourself with people who have a track record of uplifting and encouraging you, spanning mentors, classmates, teammates, and friends. If you seek to have fun in your initial efforts to network remotely, you can gradually ramp up to more challenging situations with ease, comfort, and confidence.

Staying motivated during remote networking is all about strategy. ??Define what you aim to achieve, like making new connections or learning about trends. ??Make networking a regular part of your daily or weekly schedule. ??Treat each new connection or insight as a victory to boost morale. ??Engage with professional groups for social interaction and learning opportunities. ??Use networking as an opportunity to learn and grow. ??It's important to rest if you're feeling overwhelmed, keeping your networking efforts effective. ??Discuss your experiences with a mentor or colleague for new insights and motivation.