The DOs and DON'Ts of Virtual Networking Etiquette

With the explosion of virtual networking calls conducted via zoom, we have now found ourselves amidst new "virtual networking etiquette" requirements.

It's challenging enough to connect with a stranger when face-to-face, and now, we have the added challenge of these interactions being virtual.

Ever since the first shut-down in March of 2020, I've been hosting weekly virtual networking calls for my professional networking community of over 40K professionals and have visited calls conducted by other groups.

Just like in-person mixers, each virtual call has a different feel to it and different structures. But as in any networking situation, it's up to you to get the most optimal results when meeting potential clients.

In this article, you'll find my top DOs and DON'Ts to incorporate into your virtual networking experience for the best results.

1. DON'T take the call from your bedroom. Or if you do, please use a virtual background. Your bedroom is too intimate of a space to share with a bunch of strangers and it makes people uncomfortable (speaking from personal experience).
2. DO refrain from constantly touching your face, itching your eyes, or touching your mouth while talking. We're all looking right at you and it makes for an awkward interaction. Not to mention, doesn't put you in a professional light.
3. DO have a working camera. Seeing your face is a CRUCIAL part of networking. We need to see your expressions, and most importantly, your smile :)
4. DON'T monopolize the break-out room. Take your time to introduce yourself, but please make sure to give everyone else a chance to speak. When you talk too long, people tune out -- it's human nature. And, they might find you rude for taking up too much time.
5. DO let others speak first. By letting other people in the break-out rooms speak first, you can hear a bit about each person and when it's your turn, you can touch on the commonalities you discovered with the others. This is one of the BEST ways to make a real connection on a virtual call.
6. DO take charge in the break-out room. Want to be seen as a leader? Act like one. Volunteer to be the time-keeper, ask people an "ice-breaker" question, and moderate between participants. THIS WILL MAKE YOU MEMORABLE.
7. DON'T be afraid to make a joke or say something funny. Have fun! People tend to have anxiety in networking situations, be the guy/gal to lighten up the mood. They'll remember you for it. I love it when people on my calls share Dad jokes :)
8. DO have a short and memorable "elevator pitch." If you are allowed to introduce yourself in front of everyone on a zoom call, in the main room, have a succinct elevator pitch ready to go. The goal is to hook people into wanting more information. If you're talking for more than 60 seconds, I guarantee you people already zoned out. Tell everyone WHO you help and HOW you help them. That's it.
9. DO give shout-outs and compliments to others on the call if you worked with them and/or have something positive to say about your interaction. People LOVE that and they'll want to return the favor. This is how you build relationships.
10. DON'T sell your stuff on the calls. Networking events are not for sales pitches ... no one wants to be sold. People are there to connect and build relationships that turn into clients, referral partners, etc.
11. DO dress well. This one might be super obvious, but if you want people to take you seriously, dress the part. Whether you're sitting in your living room, or your bedroom with a virtual background ... show up for people.
12. DO get everyone's name that was on the call and follow up. Make sure to get everyone's contact information through the chat. My other suggestion is to grab everyone's names through the "attendee" view. Look them up on LinkedIn and connect. The most effective networkers know that the best thing you can do after any event (in-person or virtual) is to follow up and have individual conversations.

Hopefully, you'll find these tips simple and helpful! If you have any of your own to share with us, please leave a comment below (people read them).

And if you'd like to check out my next virtual networking call, as my guest, of course ... click here to register.

Happy Networking,

Gelie