How to build your networks online during the age of Covid-19

At the BSEO we are continuing to work on bringing the best opportunities to our students by creating our networking events in a way which will be safe for everyone involved. Moving our networking events to an online format is an immense amount of work for those behind the scenes. Over to you now, how can you show yourself in the best light and make sure you come away having made an impact on those around you?

Networking goals

Know what you want to get out of the networking event – is it information about the field? Is it an interview? Is it a mentor? Once you know your goal, base your comments and questions around this goal.

Have questions prepared. My favourite phrase comes to mind here, ‘Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.’ As you are virtual, you are at an advantage in that you can have notes and postet reminders around your computer to prompt you.

Lights, camera, action

As much as it feels awkward to begin with, its so important to have your camera on during a networking opportunity. Most video calling platforms have a function where you can disguise your background so choose something neutral and switch your camera on. If it is a formal networking event turn your camera on when you ask a question or make a comment.

Be personable and willing to learn

Focus on having that growth mindset where you are open to learning. Be genuine and build rapport by showing your personality and being upbeat around the information that is shared with you. 

Virtual Coffees and check-ins

Once you have made a connection have a virtual coffee. Don’t leave it there but follow up and arrange another one. Share interesting articles and follow up that you think your new connection might be interested in. They will be flattered.

All very well and good but how do you find useful connections…

Professional Bodies

Professional bodies are a great way to get an insight into the field you want to get into. You will find articles, case studies and influential people who want to help all listed on a professional body website. Use this as a platform to meet new people and find out more about your field.

Alumni function on LinkedIn

A newly discovered function on LinkedIn is the Alumni function which allows you to view contacts who went to the same university as you in a particular field or company. Start by searching the university’s official LinkedIn page and clicking on Alumni. Here, you will see all the followers of this page broken down by region and organisation. You can filter a particular organisation you are interested in and find a person who went to your university. I would always start by seeing how many mutual connections you have. You could then ask for an introduction by that mutual connection or send a message acknowledging the connection you have. You will be more likely to get a response if you write to a person on LinkedIn highlighting that you went to the same university or that you have a mutual connection.

Comment on articles

The LinkedIn algorithm works on the basis that the most liked, shared and commented articles appear highest on the newsfeed. If you comment, like and share on relevant articles, you will be noticed by others in the industry you are hoping to get into.

Write and reshare articles

Finally, be a leader yourself and write articles about your journey. Shorter blogs on LinkedIn with around 8 headers get the most views and the most popular ones are often not written by influencers. So get yourself out there! You can also set up a wordpress and create your own content here.

Good luck with all the networking events that we have coming up. We hope that you will find some long standing and impactful connections here.