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Zoomed Out!
Hi ladies,
Like most, I'm sure most of you are burnt out on Zoom meetings and FaceTime. Does anyone have any advice as to how to effectively network during this pandemic? I usually like to meet for coffee or drinks but that can't happen now. I was recently laid off due to COVID-19 and want to transition my skills into partnership and development roles but I'm hitting a wall. I don't want to be a pest by continuing to email people or ask to Zoom during this already stressful time. Please help. Thank you!
DeLisa DawkinsReal Estate Professional, Marketing Expert
113
05/08/20 at 1:08AM UTC
Disagreed! Connection is critical. I have found that many have responded faster and have rich discussions because we desire connection. Keep on pressing.
Jemia Williams DEI Practitioner | Social Media | Writer
452
04/30/20 at 3:15PM UTC
Have you tried to just engage on text based platforms? Or pump up the time you are spending responding to LinkedIn Post and event Twitter threads? A lot of people feel the way you do with being burnt out sitting in front of a camera all day, but they still need to do it for their job or their job hunt. So try and switch it up by responding to some threads on LinkedIn or Twitter.
You can also find some great support groups on Slack that can also help you.
Kimberly McIT Engineering Manager, DoD
613
04/30/20 at 12:52PM UTC
I hate the phone. With a passion. I have been doing a lot of phone calls just to keep up with my employees, not just about work, but to hear their voices and to try to gauge their mental well being. I suggest you just start down your call list. Ask the person on the other end, is there anyone else I should be talking to. If they say yes, and the person is able, have a 3 way call for an intro and. Start a new discussion. It’s a lot easier than trying to set up a video conference where the person has to worry about what she looks like, her background, etc. and make sure the call isn’t all about you. Ask what tricks they have found to make remote working better, or how they manage work time with other people in the house, etc.
Lynne CoganCareer Coach for Realizing Professional Dreams
858
04/29/20 at 5:35PM UTC
The purpose of networking is to develop relationships and serve one another.
Therefore, if you focus more on the needs of the other person than on yourself, you won't feel like you're bothering them. And, in fact, you might be helping them.
Only discuss your needs if asked. Most people will but some won't. That's okay.
Be very specific about what you are looking for next. This could be an introduction to someone specific where you want to work. Or it could be seeking someone to review your resume. Or it could be asking for comments and shares on a post you made.
This should help make your networking considerably more enjoyable.
KELLY CARRSeeking partnership/development roles
31
04/29/20 at 6:04PM UTC
Thank you Lynne!
Woody Walker
13
04/29/20 at 4:53PM UTC
Kelly, I think there are many people out there who would be happy to help you and meet with you. Have you shared that you are looking for a role on social media with your network?
KELLY CARRSeeking partnership/development roles
31
04/29/20 at 6:05PM UTC
I have but next time I post I'll be more specific and I'll take the Lynne approach below and ask others if they need help as well. These are all fabulous. Thank you guys!
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