7 Networking Tips for Virtual Events

The world has become a Global Village. We are constantly moving from one online meeting to the other, from personal development trainings to work-related sessions, and so much more. One begins to wonder if networking amongst industry colleagues and meeting new people is still possible. I can assure you it is! I cooked up a few tips that can help you network better in a Virtual World.

1. Create a Professional Meeting Corner — Call it your “Home Office,” “Networking circle,” or “Meeting Corner,” and you will be right. The important thing is to have a spot somewhere around the home that is always tidy and allows you to quickly “zoom” into a meeting at any time of the day, looking unperturbed without lifting a finger. The goal of this point is to make sure you create an environment that projects who you are. You should ensure that this corner is clean and tidy at all times. Add a bit of light décor and do a test run to ensure all the angles are right.
2. Dress the way you want to be addressed: This good old saying remains relevant even in our virtual world. It is essential to approach any virtual event as an opportunity to create a lasting positive impression — Dress Smart & slap on a smile. If you don’t look shabby when attending a physical event, don’t do it for a virtual one! Particularly one related to work or an important professional meeting. You exude a certain level of confidence that people can easily connect with when you dress well, even for virtual meetings. Get bright but professionals colors that would make you stand out, particularly for the upper part of your outlook. For ladies, this is an excellent opportunity to accessorize where necessary. You can also have your go-to blazer always ready. Ensure that at least the front –up view looks clean, sharp, and very professional. (Nobody needs to know you were putting on slippers or joggers as long as you don’t stand up like the video that went viral some time ago)
3. Sit Up Straight & Look into the Camera — Your sitting posture speaks volumes about you. You want to come across as a confident expert who knows her onions, so sit up straight and avoid slouching. Get a plain background if possible, and use a chair that elevates you depending on your height.
4. Listen attentively and contribute: Nod, Make attentive face gestures and use the Comment section to your advantage. Make short and appropriate comments. Post key points that resonate with you. Speak up if there is room for comments or contributions and reiterate some of the speakers’ points during their session. It shows you were paying attention. Ensure to make it short and sweet.
5. Follow up after the event — Usually, the best practice is to contact your preferred speaker within 72hours at the latest, when the event is still fresh. After the event, you can send a mail to the speaker and let them know how one of their points resonated with you. You can also add a personal experience of how their points would help you in future endeavors or how it is currently making you become a better person. The goal is to connect with them, not bore them with stories. Keep it short and professional.
6. Take it a Step Further — If you want to connect with the speaker on a deeper level, it is advisable to do thorough research. Read everything you can about the person in question, follow them on their social media platforms, including Linkedin. This background work is so you can get a sense of who they are, their values, ascertain if they have the qualities you are looking out for, and generally have an idea of their personality.
7. Use social media to your advantage: Social media has become famous for calling out people and speaking truth to power. While that is important, we must bear in mind that it is also a networking tool, and people access opportunities through it. You can choose to go the latter route and network with people via Direct Messaging to increase your influence, network, and, if it arises, access opportunities. It will interest you to know that many of the “big names” reply to their messages personally or want to oversee their Assistants’ response to messages in their DMs. Send Direct Messages, hit the ground running immediately, and introduce yourself using your elevator pitch. Let them know why you want to connect. If you don’t get a response, don’t be discouraged. Keep commenting on their posts and keep following; you have sown a seed. It will yield someday.

Finally, think of ways you can add value to the person when you do connect. Keep developing yourself.

Follow me on Social media — @thewholesomelifewithmo, Careerfort Africa, @Careerfortafrica