Virtual Networking Tips from an Introvert
The world is feeling a bit more normal with each passing day. Some have returned to the office part-time or even full-time. For many folks, they’re getting to see their colleagues in-person for the first time in over a year.
Smiles, hugs, and awkward eye contact can now be seen in abundance. It’s a beautiful thing.
As the world opens up, a lot of people are wondering which virtual aspects of their life will continue and which will disappear. Will they keep zooming with people across the country? Will zoom meetings continue in the workplace? Will people ever return to talking on the phone again? 🤞
We don’t know the answers to these questions yet, but when it comes to career exploration and the job search, I’m confident that virtual networking is here to stay. Some of the reasons? Folks no longer question if meaningful connections can be made over zoom, and the convenience that online networking provides is just too good to pass up.
So how can we make the most of virtual networking? And, specifically, how can introverts overcome some of the innate hurdles of virtual networking and make the most of its advantages?
Anyone NOT excited about networking?
For some people, even the word “networking" makes their stomach turn. For introverts (and for some extroverts, too) the idea of networking seems gross and selfish. After all, people are so busy these days. Why would you take and use someone’s precious time? What do you have to offer them in return for the help and advice they’ll give you?
If you perceive networking this way, it provides you the perfect excuse NOT to network. Unfortunately, if you decide not to network, you’re missing out on the most vital component of a successful job search as over 80% of jobs are landed through some form of networking.
If that daunting statistic is enough incentive for you to consider taking the networking leap, I’ve included some of my favorite practical tips for virtual networking. As an introvert, these tips have helped me network effectively and (dare I say) actually enjoy the process.
Networking Tip #1: Pivot Your Mindset
Your first step toward effective networking is to overcome the mindset that you are burdening someone. Networking is not transactional; instead, it’s all about the relationship. Even if you are actively searching for a job, I recommend not reaching out to someone for a specific job opportunity but for the chance to learn from them and hear how they’ve progressed and been successful in their career. Through the relationship, they’ll come to know you and become invested in you. Through the relationship, they’ll be willing to advocate for you when a job surfaces.
So with that in mind, I’d like for you to imagine yourself five years from now. Imagine you’re absolutely flourishing in your job and making big career moves. I’d now like you to envision receiving an email from a student at your alma mater or a professional who has a similar background. The email could look something like this:
Subject line: Fellow Rice Owl seeking your insight
Hi Lauren,
I’m Tamara, a fellow alumni of Rice University with a background similar to yours in graphic design. Since you have experience in the art world, were able to pivot into the technology industry and have thrived within it, I was wondering if you’d have time to tell me more about your story and what you’ve learned along the way.
If you’re able to chat over Zoom, my availability is in the Calendly link here. I hope we can connect soon!
All the best,
Tamara
So, as a flourishing, successful professional, how does that email make you feel? Do you feel bothered? Do you feel burdened? Do you feel used? Most likely, no. You may feel flattered and happy to network with this person and share with them that they aren’t alone in the struggle to find a fulfilling career. You might feel excited to give them the tangible input they need to move forward in their career in meaningful ways.
That’s how people feel about YOU when you reach out to them. And if they don’t, you don’t want to talk to them anyway.
*Pro tip: Do not attach your resume to your introduction email. Why? Because it instantly makes the exchange transactional. The recipient will think you’re not interested in actually getting to know them but just seeking a job and using them as the way to get it. This is not a strong foundation for a meaningful professional relationship. Trust the process and know that opportunities will follow when you put the time and effort into building relationships.
Networking Tip #2: Use Calendly to Schedule Meetings
Scheduling complications can keep anyone from reaching out. Avoid the inconvenient back and forth by creating a free account with Calendly and solely using the software for networking chats. As long as you have just one type of meeting, Calendly is free. I recommend creating 30-minute networking meetings and filling in your Calendly availability for a couple months at a time. When you write your introduction email, include your Calendly link at the bottom of your networking email and you save both yourself and your future contact a lot of back and forth.
Networking Tip #3: Offer Zoom Versus Phone
It’s easy for folks to want to connect with someone over phone or even email. It feels safe and, let’s be honest, less vulnerable. But here’s the thing, networking’s biggest value is not the information that is exchanged. Instead, it’s the relationship that is built. With this in mind, you are much more likely to develop a meaningful relationship with someone over video. General rule of thumb—the more they can see you, the more invested they’ll be in you. Therefore, in-person meetings are the most impactful, followed by video, then phone, and finally email.
Pro tip: Please don’t offer email as a way to connect. The only time this is appropriate is if you hear back from your contact and they share that they’re absolutely strapped for time and would prefer to answer your questions over email.
Networking Tip #4: Get Your Environment Ready
Introverts are generally highly attuned to their environment. Keeping this sensitivity in mind, set the tone for a calming environment. My favorite things for setting a calming vibe are (1) my favorite essential oils in a humidifier, (2) an oscillating fan, and (3) natural sunlight coming through the window.
Networking Tip #5: Enable Your Zoom Waiting Room
I’m here to tell the world that introverts like people too. But they may have a slight preference for knowing exactly when those people arrive so they can take a deep breath and prepare themselves for a meaningful exchange. Zoom offers a free account to anyone as long as your meetings solely consist of one-on-one meetings (versus with multiple individuals/Zoom accounts).
In the settings of your Zoom account, you can enable what’s called a Waiting Room. This allows you to safely start your Zoom meeting early, situate yourself and make sure you don’t have anything in your teeth. Once your invitee arrives, you’ll receive an alert that notifies you that your guest is in your Waiting Room. Once you’ve taken a deep breath, you can click the button to let them in from the Waiting Room and begin your networking meeting.
Networking Tip #6: Don’t Give Up
Networking is hard. The rejection. The unanswered emails. It makes anyone want to call it quits. But don’t give up so easily. If you don’t hear back from someone you reached out to, instead of labeling it as a sign that they don’t want to talk to you, email them again. Around 5 business days after you sent the original email, follow-up using the same email thread. I’ve provided a sample follow-up email below:
Hi Lauren,
I hope you're well! It's such a busy time of year, so I just wanted to wrap back around to see if you'd be willing to share your journey with me. I'm incredibly flexible, so if Zoom doesn't work, would you be able to meet connect via phone?
Best, Tamara
Pro tip: If you don’t hear back from your contact within a week, I suggest offering phone as an option in your follow-up email. Some people are just zoomed out so if this is a barrier to them responding, offering to connect over phone could get them to reply to your email.
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