5 Unique Ways To Network During A Crisis

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Nearly 85% of jobs are gotten via referral. This stat may seem daunting due to the fact that many of us are self-isolating.

How can you network if you can't even leave the house?

Thankfully we live in an amazing time full of technological advancements. Thanks to these, I'm going to tell you 10 unique and effective ways to network during a crisis.

Before we go into how to network, I want to talk about how you shouldn't network.

This Phrase Is A Huge No-No In Networking

"I'm just checking in...."

If we're being honest, most of us have sent this email at one point in our lives. However, its something you should never use in your professional career. There are two reasons this phrase hurts your networking strategy:

• You're Implying They're At Fault. If this is a connection you haven't heard back from in awhile this phrase implies that they dropped the ball in responding. While you certainly don't mean for it to come across this way, now is not the time for a connection to feel like you're pointing fingers.
• It's impersonal and unoriginal. Due to the current crisis, my personal and professional inbox is flooded with companies 'Just checking in...". While this is a nice gesture, the email doesn't do anything for me. Don't waste your golden opportunity at networking by 'Just checking in."

Remember, your network is your net-worth so it's important to create a solid networking strategy.

Why Is Networking So Important?

If you've been a follower of mine for a while you know one of my favorite things to say is, "Your Network Is Your Network", but what do I mean by that?

As I already mentioned, over 80% of jobs are gotten via some form of referral. Does this mean you have to be good friends with someone to get hired? Not at all actually.

It could be as simple as someone you know well knows someone who works at a company you'd love to work for. This connection alone could get your resume at least in front of the hiring manager. These connections can also give you a leg up on the competition since your application might get a closer look due to these connections.

Simple connections like these become vitally important during times of crisis. Expanding your network is something you must do in this day and age if you want to stay employable long-term.

NOW Is the Time For Meaningful Conversations

It's important to understand the truth behind networking. Networking is not for the selfish.

Networking is about serving people, it's about getting to know each other better, it's about earning trust and respect. This is important because if and when the time comes, there will be an amazing opportunity to collaborate. Sometimes this could be you helping someone with their career or vice-versa.

Remember, just because we don't have our traditional ways of networking at the moment does not mean your networking goes on hold.

How To Create A Unique & Successful Networking Strategy

The most important thing to remember right now is that this is a sensitive time for everyone.

Now is not the time to reach out to connections and ask about jobs or ask for help with your career directly. I know it's not your intention but doing this can cause you to come across as self-centered and tone-deaf.

This is why the unique networking tips I'm about to share with you all center around you giving back in some form. By doing this, you will build trust and respect with your connections that will take you a lot farther than, 'Just checking in'.

1. Host A Virtual Meet-Up. Right now you probably have a plethora of LinkedIn connections you haven't spoken to in months. Host a coffee session where you can all discuss your industry and any updates you might have on it. You don't need to present anything or have all the answers, just hold a discussion where like-minded professionals can meet and build connections with each other.
2. Write An Article Featuring Someone Else's Expertise. Chose 5-10 people in your industry that you admire and let them know what your article is going to be about. Ask them if they'd be willing to write 2-3 sentences on the topic that you can highlight in your piece. Make sure to give them credit and link to their LinkedIn profile to help build their exposure as well.
3. Post A Video With A Quick Tip Or Question. This does not need to be a full production video, it can be done right from your phone in your home or your car. Give your connections a quick tip on something in your industry, after all, you're the expert in it! If you have something to share, share it. At the end of the video ask your connections what they think about your tips and if they have anything to add to it.
4. Post A Detailed Comment On A Connection's. Sure, you can 'like' their post but is the really helping your connection? They created this topic in hopes of creating a dialogue. Help build a conversation. Comment something thoughtful and details.
5. Create & Distribute A Resource List. A great example of this is what my team over at Work It Daily does. We've created a list of relevant LinkedIn hashtags that we send to our members on a monthly basis. This list is updated to include the changing follower account and any new hashtags that are gaining traction. This is an amazing resource for our members to use and a great way for us to keep in touch with them. Think about your industry, what's a resource list your connections could use?

Your Actions Will Be Remembered After The Crisis Is over.

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

People remember those who make an impact on their mindset during a crisis. The bigger your impact, the more memorable you are, the stronger your network.

P.S. - Be sure to use the hashtags #JTTalkJobs & #Networking so we can all join in the conversation.

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