The Virtual Networking Checklist

With the short term future of networking events still in flux these days, it’s imperative that we all know how to get our virtual networking on.

I know…You’ve been doing networking over zoom for almost a year now.

Let me ask you something:

How’s that been working out for you?

Exactly.

So give me a couple of minutes and let me regale you with the 15 things YOU can start doing right now to be far more effective.

Rule # 1: Be Present-

Fun fact, this is the most important thing you can do online or off. I used to say rule 1 was “Show up”. But that was before our mobile devices became a constant distraction. Now you have to show up AND be present. Present means, being fully dialed into conversations you’re having and the moments you’re in.

PREGAME STRATEGIES:

Check the guest list-

You’re not always going to be afforded this luxury, but like any event you attend the more you know about the people who are going to be there, the more strategic you can be. It’s awesome if you can find the 5 or 6 people you NEED to connect with before even showing up.

Work on Your Messaging-

I could write a book on how most people fail at this…funny I mention that, I did kinda write a book on this. HAHA See, Now even I’m off point. And that’s the thing you need to get to…THE POINT. What is the ONE impression you want to leave on these folks. You know the old saying you catch more flies with honey than vinegar? Figure out what your honey is. Here’s a hint, honey…it’s probably more about them, than you. Think about it, okay?

NO Grandstanding-

What I mean by this is when you’re afforded the opportunity to speak or text, don’t drone on and on. Be succinct. Like super succinct. Be the opposite of my point about your messaging ??

Where Are You Sending People?

You need a game plan about sending people to a specific site. Maybe it is your About Us Web Page, LinkedIn Profile, or About.Me page. I particularly like the last one because when you set it up properly, it allows people to choose their own adventure.

DURING THE EVENT/MEETING

The Chat Intro-

Fun thing about virtual meetings, there is a lot of monkey see, monkey do. Whenever possible, drop your “succinct messaging” and your favorite weblink in the chat. You’ll be seen as a bit of a leader AND people will both check you out and follow suit. It ends up being a super great ice breaker especially if you’re focused on how you serve and NOT what you sell.

Ask About Others-

Often times the best way to engage others in conversations while networking, virtual or in the the real world is to ask about them. What do they do, why do they love it, how long have they been doing it, what did they do before, how did they start, how do they stay current…any one of these questions will allow people to talk and you to learn.

It’s NOT About You-

Well, it’s not just about you. Networking is about them. It’s about you. And most importantly, it’s about what can be accomplished together.

Find Common Ground-

You’ve heard it said a million times: People do business with people they know, like and trust. Well since this is true, the question becomes how to get known liked and trusted faster (valuable podcast on topic). One quick way to do this is to ask questions that allow you to find common ground. Those questions should be about common experiences: Where did you grow up, go to school, study in college…what do you like to eat, read, watch, listen to…the more commonalities you find, the more you will be perceived as likable. And likability wins the game in networking.

Use Breakout Rooms-

One of the most important things in “Structured networking groups” is the time you spend one on one with members OUTSIDE of the meeting. So whenever possible, try to grab one or 3 other people and head into a “breakout room”. This allows you to learn more about each other in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Goal is to DISQUALIFY-

The biggest challenge with being an avid networker is that there are plenty of people with whom to network. You can literally network all day which turns into notworking pretty quickly. Sometimes the best way to figure out who to talk to is to know who you can avoid. Use these intro times to eliminate people from future discussions.

Practice After You Networking-

I won’t go into this in great detail here, but let others go first. You get major benefits from it: 1. You know how to relate your story to them. 2. They’ll think you’re cool for letting them speak. 3. You get to see exactly who they are when it is your turn to talk. Read the whole After You Networking article on LinkedIn.

The 15 Minute Meeting-

I’m a huge proponent of the first meeting not being more than 15 minutes and NOT being anything for which you have to travel. So virtual networking is great for that. IF the 15 minute meeting goes well, then you can schedule the coffee, lunch or whatever. But let’s all agree that a quick intro is the best way to start. Pro Tip: Use calendly to connect with me for our own 15 minute intro. Already know we should do some cool stuff, sign up the networking strategy session.

AFTER THE EVENT:

There are a couple of things you need to do after the event takes place.

Make some introductions-

If you listened well and want to be of service the best thing you can do is introduce your new friend to some of your contacts. This is an incredible way to create magic for all people…including yourself.

Follow up-

This is where most people blow it. YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW UP for the following reasons: move the relationship forward, find new opportunities and be in integrity. What is the point of building relationships if you’re not going to stay in touch with them?

Hopefully you can employ these big ideas into your world.

If you need help, I would love to be of service. Use that link under “the 15 minute meeting” to get on my calendar or simply email me.

Like to figure things out on your own AND want a little help? Check out my book on Networking.