How can you build a network of contacts when working remotely?

Look for ways to help, to support, or to make valuable connections for people in your network. Notice people on your LinkedIn or industry Facebook group struggling to get work done for their business? Know someone who’s having trouble hiring a new assistant? Send over a helpful article on how to hire a virtual team. Have two clients you think would work well together? Put them in touch.

In order to expand your professional network while working remotely, consider taking part in online industry events, joining professional groups on the internet, utilising social media platforms for networking, and setting up virtual coffee dates or informational interviews with colleagues and industry experts. Fostering professional connections among remote workers requires consistent communication and engagement through digital channels.

Boost your remote networking by sharing content and ideas on platforms like LinkedIn. Post insightful articles, industry news, or thought-provoking questions. This showcases your expertise and invites interactions. Engage with commenters to spark meaningful conversations, turning passive connections into active relationships. Your content reflects your professional brand, so be strategic and authentic. This approach not only establishes you as a thought leader but also attracts like-minded professionals, fostering opportunities and collaborations. It moves your networking from passive networking to active networking.

here are a few things you can do to build your network when working remotely: Attend virtual conferences. Virtual conferences are a great way to learn about new trends, meet new people, and build relationships. Volunteer your time. Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and meet new people. Speak at online events. If you are an expert in your field, you can speak at online events. This is a great way to share your knowledge and get your name out there. Get involved in open source projects. Working on open source projects is a great way to meet new people and learn new skills. Mentor other remote workers. Mentoring other remote workers is a great way to give back to your community and share your knowledge.

In addition to this, having a podcast is also suggested. Podcasts are having a serious moment and they’re good for more than entertaining you during a long drive or a workout—they can be a great way to connect with people in your industry. Hosting someone on a podcast also sets the stage for a deeper, more personal connection than you’d find at a networking event.

If you want to take the whole “adding value” thing to the next level (and reap the rewards!), try hosting a lunch and learn at a local co-working spot (which—bonus—is probably full of other people who work remotely). Lunch and learns give you a chance to help while also showcasing your expertise—which can help turn some of those new connections into new business opportunities.

An often overlooked yet powerful networking strategy, especially in remote work, is simply being a person of your word. Consistently doing what you promise builds trust and reputation. In a digital world where interactions are fleeting, dependability stands out. Whether it’s meeting deadlines, returning calls, or following through on introductions, these actions speak volumes about your professionalism and reliability. This approach not only strengthens existing relationships but also encourages referrals, as people are more likely to recommend someone they trust implicitly. It’s a straightforward yet impactful way to grow your network and open doors to new opportunities.

PRO TIP: One of the best networking tools in your arsenal is one you’re probably already using—Slack. Slack is one of the best ways for teams—whether that’s an in-house team, a remote team, or a freelancer and client—to communicate and collaborate. But it’s also a great way for people who work remotely to build their networks, find new and exciting projects, and connect with potential new colleagues, clients, and friends.

Additionally, I feel the best networks are built organically—so if you spend time pursuing your hobbies (whether they’re work-related or not), they can help you build the strongest (and most authentic!) connections. For me, making my passions and hobbies a priority has made the experience of working from home less lonely and it’s been a complete game-changer when it comes to making new connections—many of which have led to new opportunities.

Remember, networking isn't reserved for extroverts. Many successful networkers are introverts, showcasing that you don't need to change your personality to thrive in remote networking. Introverts often excel at deep, meaningful conversations and listening, skills crucial for building strong, authentic connections. By embracing your natural tendencies, whether introverted or extroverted, and leveraging them in networking scenarios, you can form genuine relationships. It's about quality, not just quantity, in interactions. This mindset ensures that networking feels more natural and less like a performance, making it more effective and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Utilize video calls effectively: There is a level of importance of face-to-face interactions even when virtual. Make sure your video camera is turned on.