Be authentic and connect. Don't make it transactional. Make it relational.

Authentic networking during this pandemic will be a great use of lockdown time, to reach out to people in new ways. Networking isn’t about how many people you know. In fact, it is about how many connections you can help.

Like me, people are craving for connection. This pandemic has highlighted a key human need to continue to connect with others. That has translated into greater willingness to reach connect with people that you don't normally converse with.

A cool and rewarding way to do this is to strive to help one connection each week, whether it’s via a scheduled Zoom "virtual coffee" call, a written reference or just checking up via a quick text message.?Here are some other ideas that can help your networking.

Boost Your Digital Presence

There is a strong thought that networking during the pandemic might be even better than it was before. Everyone is confided to their homes in front of a variety of communication tools including their phones.

Boost your digital presence, be it on Instagram, via LinkedIn, and other social media platforms., and start reaching out. This is how we've made our biggest connections, not through face to face meetups.?

Update your LinkedIn profile?

Build a great profile, if you currently don’t have one.?Is this your best photo on your profile? Put your best face forward, #update your photo.??Note that?a professional headshot gets?14 times more visits & 36 times more chances to receive a message with a professional headshot.??This might seem simple but can go so wrong.??Take a headshot 60% of the space.

Is there a curious story about you in the about section??

Develop and promote a headline that stands out. Don’t just put in a boring job title, this is your opportunity to have a catchy tagline that builds curiosity.?

???????Make it quick – what do you do?

???????Make it catchy – is it memorable? Have you built a sense of curiosity?

???????Make it you – this is uniquely you.?

???????Make it also what you can do for the reader!?

Get active and share on this digital media platform. Endorse/give a recommendation for a connection or two.?

Some other tips

?????????Create a Custom URL for your LinkedIn profile address.

?????????Put in the Time to Make it Awesome – get active on this social media site.

?????????Personalise invites when you connect – don’t just send a request, unless you know them well.

?????????If you want your?LinkedIn?profile to stand out, don't talk about yourself, but what you can do for the audience.

Best times to post on LinkedIn

·??????Best times: Wednesdays from 8–10 a.m.?and?noon, Thursdays at?9 a.m.?and 1–2 p.m., and Fridays at?9 a.m.

·??????Best day: Wednesdays and Thursdays.

·??????Worst / less preferred day: Sundays – not many want to connect on the business site over a Sunday (normally).

Finally, use this frustrating time to build relationships based on empathy and care.?Be authentic and ask to connect to get to know someone. Don't make it transactional. Make it relational.?

Your voice. Your story. Your career.

James Gallacher, Director , YellowBox Careers.