What are the best ways to build professional relationships in a remote work environment?

3 Build rapport and trust

Don't forget the human element of your remote relationships. You need to build rapport and trust with your network, not just exchange information and tasks. You can do this by showing interest and curiosity in their personal and professional lives, by sharing some aspects of your own personality and background, by using humor and empathy, and by celebrating their achievements and milestones. You can also create opportunities for informal and fun interactions, such as virtual coffee breaks, happy hours, games, or quizzes. These activities can help you bond and relax with your network, and to discover commonalities and differences that enrich your relationship.

4 Set boundaries and expectations

Don't assume that everyone has the same preferences and norms for remote work. You need to set boundaries and expectations with your network, and respect theirs as well. You can do this by communicating clearly and explicitly about your availability, priorities, goals, and feedback styles, and by asking them about theirs. You can also use tools such as calendars, agendas, project management software, or status updates to coordinate and track your work and progress. You should also avoid overloading or interrupting your network with unnecessary or irrelevant messages, and respect their time and space. By setting boundaries and expectations, you can avoid conflicts and frustrations, and foster mutual understanding and respect.

5 Seek and offer mentorship

Don't miss the opportunity to learn and grow from your remote network. You need to seek and offer mentorship, both formally and informally. You can do this by finding and reaching out to people who have the skills, knowledge, or experience that you want to acquire or improve, and by asking them for advice, guidance, or feedback. You can also find and connect with people who can benefit from your skills, knowledge, or experience, and by offering them support, encouragement, or coaching. You should also participate in online courses, webinars, workshops, or communities that are relevant to your field or industry, and where you can meet and interact with potential mentors or mentees. By seeking and offering mentorship, you can enhance your professional development and reputation, and create meaningful and lasting relationships.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?