Working from home provides great opportunities such as flexible schedules and being comfortable while you work. However, a crucial aspect that might be missing when working remotely is the opportunity to network with other professionals. Interacting with like-minded individuals and thought leaders in your industry is an important way to advance your career and foster continuous learning and growth.
Networking with other professionals comes with the benefits of personal connection and having a sense of belonging, plus it can increase your chances of finding a job.
Studies have found that 85% of all positions are filled via networking and that 80% of all open positions are never advertised but instead found through personal connections. Networking is not just limited to in-person events, you can attend many virtual events or connect with people online to broaden your opportunities and connections.
5 Tips on How to Network When Working Remote
If you are feeling a little stuck and wondering how to network while you work remotely, follow these helpful tips to get started.
Tip #1: Connect on social media
As a professional, you need to be on social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with individuals in your industry. Social media allows you to follow companies and thought leaders and even enables you to network with employees and hiring managers of companies you like. Its also a great way to spark interesting conversations, find a community with common interests, and network with prospective new employers.
Tip #2: Consider volunteering opportunities
Volunteering is a great way to meet people as well as do good for your community. You can find volunteering opportunities online or through mutual connections and volunteer together! This type of event will help you connect with people who have a shared passion which could open doors in your career path.
Tip #3: Join virtual networking groups
Another advantage of being on social media is that there are opportunities to join networking groups and attend virtual events without leaving your home! When you join these groups, make sure you participate in conversations to make connections and take the initiative to get to know the people in the group. The same goes for when you attend an event: you must reach out to the speakers as well as the hosts to make a connection and follow up with them to maintain the relationship.
Tip #4: Say “yes!”
As we work from home, it can be easy to feel lazy and not want to participate in a lot of events. While it’s important to say no when you absolutely do not want to take part, try to say “yes” to invitations for professional meet-ups. This is a great way to continue to meet people and keep the connections going. You don’t want to keep yourself too isolated while working remotely and saying “yes” now and then will help you get out of your bubble and expand your network.
Tip #5: Connect with alumni
One of the best ways to start networking or expand your network is to connect with your fellow alumni! You can connect with alumnae from your college or university and reach out to see how they are doing. People who graduated from the same school as you will more likely be interested in connecting and will want to keep in touch because of the shared experience.
