WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.360 --> 00:00:03.980 While social distancing may present additional challenges 2 00:00:03.980 --> 00:00:07.370 to the already stress-inducing practice of networking, 3 00:00:07.370 --> 00:00:09.950 you must do everything possible to adapt 4 00:00:09.950 --> 00:00:11.720 to these new challenges 5 00:00:11.720 --> 00:00:14.790 with a few easy adjustments, you'll be able to prepare 6 00:00:14.790 --> 00:00:18.523 for any kind of virtual networking opportunity. 7 00:00:18.523 --> 00:00:21.106 (gentle music) 8 00:00:27.792 --> 00:00:28.960 (soft music) 9 00:00:28.960 --> 00:00:31.800 In many ways, networking has been made easier 10 00:00:31.800 --> 00:00:34.980 and more efficient thanks to our virtual landscape. 11 00:00:34.980 --> 00:00:38.930 We can now form strong relationships and expand our network 12 00:00:38.930 --> 00:00:41.120 from the comfort of our own living room. 13 00:00:41.120 --> 00:00:42.900 Let's take a look at some of the ways 14 00:00:42.900 --> 00:00:46.383 virtual networking is changing the professional environment. 15 00:00:47.260 --> 00:00:50.070 One, stay comfortable. 16 00:00:50.070 --> 00:00:52.140 line:15% Networking without ever leaving your home 17 00:00:52.140 --> 00:00:54.350 line:15% can allow you to situate yourself, 18 00:00:54.350 --> 00:00:57.650 line:15% prepare properly and put yourself in the right frame of mind 19 00:00:57.650 --> 00:01:00.800 line:15% to help alleviate any nerves that are often present 20 00:01:00.800 --> 00:01:02.650 during networking events. 21 00:01:02.650 --> 00:01:05.820 Two, meet more people while cutting down 22 00:01:05.820 --> 00:01:08.900 on time drainers and expenses such as commuting, 23 00:01:08.900 --> 00:01:11.640 parking and out of town travel. 24 00:01:11.640 --> 00:01:15.403 This also allows you to easily expand your network globally. 25 00:01:16.350 --> 00:01:21.330 Three, make faster and more direct digital connections. 26 00:01:21.330 --> 00:01:24.150 The ability to request a connection online 27 00:01:24.150 --> 00:01:26.920 and send pertinent information electronically 28 00:01:26.920 --> 00:01:28.670 enables you to both increase 29 00:01:28.670 --> 00:01:31.520 and keep track of your connections more effectively. 30 00:01:31.520 --> 00:01:35.090 Here's some ways that you can take action right now. 31 00:01:35.090 --> 00:01:37.520 One, social media. 32 00:01:37.520 --> 00:01:39.610 Familiarize yourself with platforms 33 00:01:39.610 --> 00:01:41.540 like LinkedIn and Facebook 34 00:01:41.540 --> 00:01:43.530 and increase your activity on them. 35 00:01:43.530 --> 00:01:46.510 If you like, you can use tools like Hootsuite 36 00:01:46.510 --> 00:01:49.520 and Sprout Social to automate your calendar of posts 37 00:01:49.520 --> 00:01:52.120 for organization and frequency sake. 38 00:01:52.120 --> 00:01:54.700 Doing so can promote online interactions 39 00:01:54.700 --> 00:01:56.290 with your existing network 40 00:01:56.290 --> 00:01:59.280 and help you make new acquaintances. 41 00:01:59.280 --> 00:02:01.390 One final point is to make sure 42 00:02:01.390 --> 00:02:03.300 that you update your profiles 43 00:02:03.300 --> 00:02:06.990 so that they can appropriately fit your personal brand. 44 00:02:06.990 --> 00:02:10.190 Two, online groups. 45 00:02:10.190 --> 00:02:13.070 Join online alumni groups that may be found 46 00:02:13.070 --> 00:02:16.950 on your school's website or known groups in your industry. 47 00:02:16.950 --> 00:02:20.210 Engage the community by participating in discussions 48 00:02:20.210 --> 00:02:23.300 to expand your network and encourage follow up. 49 00:02:23.300 --> 00:02:26.800 Three, emerging technologies. 50 00:02:26.800 --> 00:02:29.440 There are always new platforms emerging 51 00:02:29.440 --> 00:02:32.050 so keep up with the latest technology. 52 00:02:32.050 --> 00:02:35.480 For example, Xing is similar to LinkedIn, 53 00:02:35.480 --> 00:02:36.820 but it's based out of Germany, 54 00:02:36.820 --> 00:02:39.220 offering an international perspective 55 00:02:39.220 --> 00:02:42.430 for new far-reaching networking opportunities. 56 00:02:42.430 --> 00:02:45.300 Four, webinars. 57 00:02:45.300 --> 00:02:47.680 Sign up for industry webinars 58 00:02:47.680 --> 00:02:50.930 to ensure you're keeping up with professional trends, 59 00:02:50.930 --> 00:02:52.430 improving your skills 60 00:02:52.430 --> 00:02:55.550 and taking advantage of any networking opportunities 61 00:02:55.550 --> 00:02:57.880 that may present themselves. 62 00:02:57.880 --> 00:03:00.640 Five, write. 63 00:03:00.640 --> 00:03:03.930 Write a blog or publish a piece of your work. 64 00:03:03.930 --> 00:03:07.050 This could be an op ed about a topic in your field, 65 00:03:07.050 --> 00:03:09.040 an article or a blog. 66 00:03:09.040 --> 00:03:10.960 Doing so will not only allow you 67 00:03:10.960 --> 00:03:13.300 to exhibit your knowledge and skill, 68 00:03:13.300 --> 00:03:16.700 but will also open the door for discussion with other people 69 00:03:16.700 --> 00:03:18.760 who have similar interests. 70 00:03:18.760 --> 00:03:21.460 Some options you have are to write a blog 71 00:03:21.460 --> 00:03:24.940 in an online forum related to your topic of choice 72 00:03:24.940 --> 00:03:28.950 or publish independently by using Jew Mag, Medium 73 00:03:28.950 --> 00:03:30.850 or LinkedIn articles. 74 00:03:30.850 --> 00:03:32.370 Just as handwritten letters 75 00:03:32.370 --> 00:03:35.630 were once the primary method of communication, 76 00:03:35.630 --> 00:03:39.440 we're transitioning into a new mode of connectivity. 77 00:03:39.440 --> 00:03:41.980 Virtual networking may afford some easier 78 00:03:41.980 --> 00:03:44.600 and more efficient options for meeting people 79 00:03:44.600 --> 00:03:47.650 but the importance level remains the same. 80 00:03:47.650 --> 00:03:51.691 You must take it seriously and you must take action. 81 00:03:51.691 --> 00:03:54.274 (upbeat music)