Zoom Networking Survival Kit

#zoommeetings (and other #videoconferencing platforms) came to our aid in the time of the pandemic. In this article, you'll learn how to get 100% out of online Zoom networking meetings.

When I imagine a #networking meeting, I see myself approaching new people one by one, introducing myself and building relationships. However, this approach is a bit more difficult during a teleconference, especially when there are many attendees.

Before Zoom Networking Meeting

To achieve the best possible result, just as before a live meeting, it’s important to prepare properly.

1. Do your research?and find interesting facts and information about the meeting organizers and participants. This way, you’ll be able to throw in a well–designed compliment, opening the way to build a new professional relationship.

2. Find out what the topic of the meeting?is and set your networking goals. After all, you want to avoid being stuck in a group where the people talk about IT and digital content when you are interested in investing in properties. Plus, when you set your networking goal, you’ll achieve more than you intended. That’s just a fact.

3. Take time to chat in person.?Thanks to 121 meetings, you will be able to get to know the person and possibly build a new relationship.

4. Don’t start a conversation with a business talk, rather try to establish a relationship on a personal level. Mention something about yourself that may connect you with the other person, e.g. maybe you both love rain.

Zoom breakout rooms

I don’t know if you’ve heard, but #Zoom offers an option to?split a larger group of guests into smaller ones, which makes working in groups possible. The organizer of the meeting can set up breakout rooms so that everyone has the opportunity to cooperate or exchange views. Groups can even be as small as two!

The meeting organizer can:

1. Create groups randomly or manually.?This means that, depending on the meeting agenda, you can ask the organizer to be assigned to a group that suits you best.

2. Set up a time limit in breakout rooms.?After the time passes, guests return to the main meeting room. This is an interesting option e.g. speed dating or networking, remember to have your Elevator Pitch ready for this occasion!

3. Visit individual groups and make sure the meeting is running smoothly.?It is an interesting option because you can then talk to the organiser in a much smaller group.

4. Send messages to the group in a chat?and use this function to chat with the participants.

Of course, there are pros and cons of?online meetings, but we can safely say that video conferences can give us many opportunities as well because we can meet people from all over the world!

During the Zoom Networking Meeting

To avoid a bad first impression, you mustn’t make the following mistakes. If you are well-prepared and follow certain rules, you will avoid a massive?faux pas.

• Being late?– remember that excuses such as bad weather and traffic jams aren’t good arguments any more, especially since most people work from home. Therefore, always give yourself extra time before the meeting and start preparing yourself at least 10 minutes before. Do not leave everything until the last minute. Surely, you still remember that one classmate who lived 5 minutes away from school and always arrived late.
• Don’t yawn?– if your webcam is on, stop yawning, fidgeting and staring out the window looking bored. If you can see other people on your screen, this means they can see you too! You want to avoid looking as if you don’t want to be there, right?
• Leaving the room?– just sit in one place and focus on what is happening in the meeting. Even if you have time before your presentation, or you have divided attention, don’t take your laptop to the kitchen to make yourself a sandwich – it’s distracting!
• Lack of participation in group exercises?– if possible, participate in group conversations. Let other people get to know the best side of you.

I started to like Zoom #networkingevents – it gives us so much freedom and opportunities. Imagine: you can meet with people from literally all around the world! Do you feel like online meetings are a breakthrough as well?

#lifenetworker