How to network and build professional relationships from home

What was the year you attended the most physical tech events that happened in your state? Mine was 2021. Fresh out of service (NYSC) and considering a career in tech, I wanted to know what was happening in that space. You could find me in almost all the tech events happening in Lagos that year.  I’d get to one event and meet some of the people I had met in the previous ones and we’d exchange some catch up hugs. It was fun while it lasted - connected with a few, although I never got a tech job by just attending those events. If you ask me what I would do differently today, I’d take advantage of the internet in building a personal brand (not ruling out completely the importance of physical events). This is what I mean, for someone who is looking to transition careers or you just recently switched jobs, you want to be strategic about everything you do, from what events you attend, the people you intend to connect with there, to what purpose it serves you in that period and long term. It’s really not about having a large contact list of people you rarely keep tabs with. In today’s world of remote working, a lot has changed and coupled with the power of the media, you can create valuable content and share with the rest of the world from wherever you live. Value attracts value. If you sit long enough with your craft and deliver valuable stuff, like minded people will follow. 

The secret is first sitting with yourself and growing your substance. Earlier last year, I was curious about blockchain, cryptocurrency, NFTs, Metaverse … not for anything else, I just wanted to know the concepts for myself especially having joined some communities where people were literally going crazy about these things. It was time to learn the fundamentals and be able to make my own decisions not fueled by FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). And because I was also sharing my learning online, some other people who were enthusiastic about these things were attracted to the posts and wanted to have more conversations. Essentially, it’s easier to start where you are and with what you have. The internet is your tool to connect with anyone anywhere in the world even while you sip coffee on a lazy Friday. It’s all about the value you create.

Having an online presence is one of the ways (if not the easiest way) you can build credibility in your industry today. It also helps to ease any awkwardness during face-to-face meetings as those who are familiar with what you do online, will be more eager to meet you in person, making your networking even smoother and more rewarding.

Simple hacks:

• What interests you about your industry? What new things are you learning? Write about them. Share publicly 
• Who else shares similar interests that you would want to connect with? Start following and engaging with their posts. When initiating conversations, be specific with the ask -  collaboration on a project, to be a guest on their podcast, virtual or physical event, point you to resources that can be helpful in your career path etc

P.S ... Asking someone to be your mentor might get them disinterested in you. (In my opinion, this is a vague ask). You could share what you already do and ask specific questions if you want feedbacks on certain things.

• Are there online communities where people in your industry meet and chat? Join them. Be active in conversations. Volunteer for projects. Collaborate with others.