You're navigating remote work in Strategy. How can you strengthen your professional connections?

Beyond virtual meetings, actively contribute to online communities and social media discussions. Sharing valuable insights and engaging with peers establishes you as a thought leader and attracts like-minded connections. Once, by fostering relationships in an online industry forum, I secured a consulting project that expanded my network and led to long-term collaborations.

As a remote strategist, strong professional connections are key to success. . Joined relevant groups, participated in discussions, and connected with industry professionals. . Participated in online webinars and conferences to network and learn. . Contributed to industry publications to showcase expertise and build reputation. . Joined relevant organizations to connect with like-minded professionals. . Reached out to contacts and offered value. . Maintained strong connections with colleagues through virtual interactions. . Stayed informed about the latest trends and developments. This boosts visibility and opens opportunities. Connecting with diverse professionals enriches our work and builds a supportive community that inspires growth.

In the remote world, cultivating deep connections demands more than just passive listening. Proactively seek opportunities to engage in virtual coffee chats or team-building activities. By fostering informal interactions, you build trust and camaraderie, turning colleagues into valuable allies.

Beyond virtual events, consider hosting your own online thought leadership series. Curating insightful discussions not only amplifies your personal brand but also allows you to connect directly with a targeted audience, forging meaningful relationships that extend beyond casual networking.

In addition to sharing your strategic insights, actively engage in meaningful dialogues with other thought leaders in your field. By co-creating content or collaborating on projects, you can leverage each other's networks and expand your reach exponentially. This approach fosters mutually beneficial relationships that can lead to new opportunities and insights.

In the remote work era, leveraging collaboration tools is key, but don't underestimate the power of human connection. Schedule regular virtual check-ins with colleagues beyond task-oriented meetings to foster a sense of belonging and cultivate authentic relationships. By actively prioritizing social interactions, you can strengthen bonds and ensure team cohesion in a virtual environment.

98% of my workday is virtual, so I’ve had to get creative about maintaining meaningful relationships. Here’s what works for me: For established connections, don’t take them for granted. Send a handwritten card, a “just thinking of you” note, or a quick message like “I saw this and thought of you.” Regular check-ins and celebrating milestones make all the difference. For newer connections, stay on their radar without being pushy. I share relevant articles with a note like, “Something you shared recently (reference the point) made me think you might appreciate this.” It shows you’re engaged. I also schedule 15-minute virtual coffee chats to connect. Small, intentional touches turn virtual connections into lasting relationships.