COVID-19 has us wearing masks in public, working from home, and actually counting to 20 when we wash our hands. However, that doesn’t mean we have to stop networking or stop focusing on our career growth. I have shifted how I think about my career during furlough and have noticed I’m not alone. While we all adapt to these new ‘unprecedented times,’ people are also adapting to new networking methods.
In the past, I’ve shared with you my tips for success in the art of the meet and greet. So, it looks a little different when Starbucks is pick-up only, and the doors to our offices are dead-bolted. How can we continue to focus on building our network, learning about others, and growing? Well, just like the rest of our lives, it’s all online!
Email past contacts
Over the years, I have met with dozens of students at Walt Disney World on the Disney College Program. This is where students are able to spend a semester, or longer, working for Disney in the Parks and Resorts, while still in college. The difference is you live in Disney’s student housing, meet tons of like-minded Disney lovers like yourself, and can even take Disney-style-classes. In fact, in 2006, I was a participant in the Disney College Program! When I wasn’t working, I spent a lot of my time networking to get into the role I wanted. A year later, after my college program, I accepted a Communications Internship, and the rest is history!
In my 14 years with Disney, I have gone on a lot of meet and greets. I have also been asked to do meet and greets with others. I always encourage everyone I meet with to keep me posted on their career path, whether back in college or with Disney. I’m always willing to answer job questions, provide resume assistance, and more.
If you have met with anyone in the past few years, this is the perfect time to reconnect and network. Here are a few things to keep in mind during these COVID-times when sending your note:
- Re-introduce yourself and remind them where/when you first met or had a meet and greet.
- Share where you are currently in your career or how COVID has affected your work situation.
- List what you are working on, whether it’s an online portfolio, or volunteering via Zoom. Share anything that helps paint a picture of your current life.
- Tell them why you are reaching out. “I really learned so much from your ability to pivot in your career. Our talk helped me through this time, and I wanted to reach out and say thank you.”
- Close with asking how they are and if you can connect with them on LinkedIn, etc.
It is always important to have a positive connotation with your name when people think of you. A note to catch up is always well-received when your intentions are genuine, and you aren’t looking to get anything out of the exchange. Making the first step and reaching out can do you wonders; you never know when the conversation may go!
Phone a Facebook friend!
I am sure, like myself, you find yourself in a variety of different Facebook groups. I am in a few podcasts Facebook groups that I like to listen to, local Orlando groups, etc. There has been an interesting shift in how people use Facebook today to connect whether it’s asking for a local recommendation for a dentist or starting up a wine-dusting group to spread magical wine cheer around town!
If you think about it, you and this group of people already have something in common, whether it’s a movie, podcast, or band. So, starting from that level playing field, people will be more inclined to converse with you on posts and engage. I have seen people in the LadyGang Podcast Facebook group not only console each other during a loss but build each other up during hard times or be an amazing cheerleading section for a LadyGang’er in need. These groups can be so beneficial to our social media well being and beyond.
So, how should YOU be using Facebook to network?
Join local Facebook groups for your area
Utilize the ‘Recommendation’ tool to ask if anyone has connections at a specific company. “Looking for a recommendation at Heinz in Pittsburgh, PA. I just applied for a Senior HR Manager role, does anyone have any connections?”
I have watched this happen! A post goes out looking for a bit of application help and within seconds the comment section has someone saying ‘Message me!’ Seeing so many women raise happily raise their hands, offering to help out a fellow FB friend is so exciting to see.
If you find someone who works at the company you’re interested in, you have found an ‘in.’ It can be difficult to get hired from the outside, so having a buddy in a company can work in your favor! I’ve seen people pass on resumes to hiring managers, offer insight into the company, and get excited that a fellow FB’er may turn into a coworker!
Join similar interest Facebook groups
Find the Facebook group that you feel the most comfortable in, with other women (or men) who you feel similar to and ask: “Is anyone in Digital Marketing? I’m looking to learn more and would love to pick someone’s brain!”
I will be honest; this just happened to me! A post went up from a woman asking her FB group friends if anyone had a background in Internal Communication and would be willing to have a career chat with her. A handful of us chimed in, and by the end of the day, she had a few different virtual meet and greets lined up! We recently spoke and had a blast talking for over an hour about our careers, our own personal furloughs, etc. Not only did she learn about my career, but we both have a new FB friend and a networking connection that we didn’t have before.
As we continue to transition to innovative ways of working, the way we network will ultimately change as well. It is important in our careers to stay nimble and flexible. Don’t let these times stop you from continuing to meet other people, learn about others, and share a genuine conversation. Zoom’ing with a stranger can be scary, but don’t let it stop you!
People want to help other people. Why? Because someone once helped them in their career. The secret of networking is always to pay it forward. So, while you’re asking for help, make sure you look back and raise your hand for someone else. As my Dad always said: Networking is like a bank; you have to make deposits if you ever want to make a withdrawal.
Stay safe, but stay networking!
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