So let\u2019s take a look at how to strengthen your network, even while the COVID-19 crisis continues.<\/p>\n
First, a review of some networking basics. These things about networking are always true:<\/p>\n
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\u00a0 The foundation of networking is our in-born need to be connected with other people. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Humans are inherently social, and networking is about laying groundwork for beneficial social relationships of all sorts. These can range from casual acquaintances with whom you share interests, to close and enduring friendships.<\/li>\n
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\u00a0 It is a gradual process. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Great networkers understand that building connections is something you work at consistently, doing a little at a time, but doing it regularly.<\/p>\n
If you are eager to broaden your network, commit to doing a little something every day.
\nWhen you discipline yourself to maintain a steady pace, you become increasingly creative and the process gets easier as you go along.<\/li>\n- \n
\u00a0 Savvy networkers focus on being helpful. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Often the best way to connect with people is to find ways to add value. This might mean something as simple as liking their Instagram post or adding a comment to their clever Tweet. Cultivate a feeling of kindness and generosity as you approach other people, and ideas will come to you.<\/li>\n
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\u00a0 Most people actually enjoy helping others. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Early human beings had to band together in order to find food or escape danger. So now we have evolved with emotions \u2013 like empathy and generosity – that help us bond with other people. Most people feel good about being generous and cooperative during difficult times. And many of us feel an urge to reach out to members of our communities (and \u201ccommunity\u201d can be broadly defined).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Today’s Special Challenges<\/h2>\n
The impact of the Coronavirus pandemic has been great, on both our personal and our professional lives. Many Americans, including the healthy ones, are struggling with the ramifications of our mandate to stay home:<\/p>\n
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\u00a0 Some people are lonely. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Millions are feeling isolated and are looking for acceptable forms of social contact. They appreciate hearing from individuals and they are yearning to feel connected with communities.<\/li>\n
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\u00a0 But other people are overwhelmed by too much connection. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Many professionals are working overtime to care for children at home, support older family members, and at the same time stay connected with their jobs. And some leaders are exhausted by the need to keep checking in on team members, customers and other stakeholders.<\/li>\n
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\u00a0 Don\u2019t assume they want to Zoom. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
The availability of cool Apps does not mean that everyone is open to the idea of virtual coffees or Google hangouts. Some people want a break from their screens. And perhaps a quarter of Americans — including many of those hunkered down outside of urban areas — don\u2019t have reliable access to high speed broadband. So spotty WIFI service is one of the reasons many people are aching to spend less time hunched over their devices.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Build Your Network Now<\/h2>\n
You can start today to strengthen your network.<\/p>\n
While some professionals don\u2019t have a minute to connect with one more person, others might be glad to hear from you. And there\u2019s much you can do to strengthen your profile and lay groundwork for future outreach. Here are some ways to start:<\/p>\n
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\u00a0 Communicate with friends and mentors. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Even busy people enjoy receiving friendly messages.<\/p>\n
It is always OK to let people know that you are thinking of them and to briefly update your status. The smart way to deliver a note is through the channel likely to be preferred by the recipient, which for professional contacts could mean email, rather than texting.<\/li>\n
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\u00a0 Go to where the people are. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
While some potential employers don\u2019t have time to connect with you, in many online communities people are happy to engage.<\/p>\n
A good starting point is LinkedIn, which is certainly the premier professional network.
\nFirst make sure your profile is complete and well written. Next, adopt the habit of visiting the site daily, getting the hang of how it works and methodically building your presence.<\/li>\n- \n
\u00a0 Connect with alumni groups. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Many universities are reaching out to their alumni, urging them to support students and graduates who may be struggling to find jobs. And do not forget “corporate alumni” — people you worked with or who also work\/worked for the same employer.<\/p>\n
A good way to make a cold contact is to open your message by describing how you attended the same academic program or naming the employer you have in common. These can be a great basis for connecting.<\/p>\n
LinkedIn is a wonderful tool for finding fellow alums who work in your target professional fields.<\/li>\n
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\u00a0 Seek older mentors. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
As you search for like-minded people who might be willing to help, do not hesitate to contact senior professionals. As they move up the ladder, successful workers often become more interested in giving back and supporting aspiring young colleagues.<\/p>\n
Also, recent retirees may still be well connected and happy to broker connections.<\/li>\n
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\u00a0 Research growing fields. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
While some industries are contracting, others are continuing to grow. Use your slow time to research sectors that interest you, looking for companies that seem ready for the future and identifying skill sets that will soon be in demand.<\/li>\n
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\u00a0 Build your skills. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
As you research online jobs listings, notice technical skills and areas of expertise that are mentioned most frequently. And start taking online courses, and acquiring certificates, that will make you more desirable to potential employers.<\/li>\n
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\u00a0 Polish your writing skills. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
In recent years, employers have been complaining about the poor writing skills of recent college grads and other applicants. But because they needed the help, organizations could not be picky, and they hired anyway.<\/p>\n
In the new job market companies will be able to go after what they really want, and that will include excellent writers. If business writing is not your strength, take a course to brush up on basics, like grammar, punctuation and a tight, clear style of communication.<\/li>\n
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\u00a0 Bolster your profile. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Show off your strengths and insights by regularly writing comments or articles online. This could mean witty tweets, thoughtful comments responding to LinkedIn articles, or lengthy essays on Medium.<\/p>\n
Look for blogs and professional journals that will accept content. And whatever you write, proofread and edit closely, and show off your commitment to high quality work.<\/li>\n
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\u00a0 Keep busy. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
It may take a while to find a job that puts you on your dream path. While you are looking, search for remote freelance work and look for ways to market any special skills you have.<\/p>\n
Even if your gigs are unrelated to the career you want, this can be a chance to demonstrate your entrepreneurial thinking and willingness to hustle.<\/li>\n
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\u00a0 Volunteer. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n
A wonderful way to bond with people is to work with them on projects that matter.<\/p>\n
If you are able to be out and about, this could mean supporting a nonprofit effort by delivering Meals on Wheels, packing boxes in a food pantry or cleaning at an animal rescue facility. And many nonprofit websites list openings for virtual volunteers.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Any time is a smart time to network. Devote a portion of every day to nurturing the relationships you already have, from your closest friends to members of your virtual communities. And maintain a steady pace as you build your professional skill sets and raise your online profile.<\/p>\n
More About Job Search Networking:<\/h3>\n
- \n
- \n
- \n
- How to Nurture Your Network and Empower Your Career<\/a><\/li>\n
- 7 Reasons Networking Is Critical<\/em> to Your Career Success<\/a><\/li>\n
- 7 Strategies for\u00a0Painlessly<\/em>\u00a0Building Your Network<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
- \n
- The 4 Essential Skills for Networking Success<\/a><\/li>\n
- What Network? I Don’t Have a Network<\/a><\/li>\n
- 10 Success Tips for Reluctant Networkers<\/a><\/li>\n
- 10 Networking No-No’s<\/a><\/li>\n
- Networking Lunch Rules<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Make Employee Referral Programs Work for You<\/a><\/li>\n
- Questions to Ask in Informational Interviews<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n![\"Beverly](\"https:\/\/job-hunt.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/BeverlyEJones200a-6.jpg\")
About the author…<\/strong><\/p>\nBeverly E. Jones is a Job-Hunt Networking Contributor. Bev is an executive coach, and a former lawyer and corporate executive. In addition, she is an active writer and speaker, and the author of \u201cThink Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO.\u201d<\/em> Her career podcast, \u201cJazzed About Work<\/a>,\u201d appears on NPR.org. Visit her website, Clearways Consulting<\/a>, and Find Bev on LinkedIn<\/a>, Twitter<\/a>, and Facebook<\/a>.
\nMore about this author<\/a>…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Beverly E. Jones rebuts offers analysis and great strategies for building your network during the Coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":21431,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"old-site-template.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,10,18,19,31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4789","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-freelance-contractor-jobs","category-coronavirus","category-information-interviews","category-instagram-job-search","category-job-search-networking"],"last_modified_at":"","edited_by":"Wendy Fecteau","acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4789","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4789"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4789\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21432,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4789\/revisions\/21432"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21431"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4789"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4789"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4789"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- What Network? I Don’t Have a Network<\/a><\/li>\n
- 7 Reasons Networking Is Critical<\/em> to Your Career Success<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Nurture Your Network and Empower Your Career<\/a><\/li>\n
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