Current trends show that remote employment has become rather popular, which makes sense due to the possibility of working from home. However, one of the issues many remote employees struggle with is networking. Sustaining social capital becomes a challenge in that, one is not physically around an organization as he or she develops working relationships within that organization. Here are some of the best ways to network effectively as a remote worker:
Table of Contents
1. Attend Virtual Conferences and Webinars
Meetings such as virtual conferences or webinars are great to practically interact with other professionals. It also generates the opportunity to be updated with the latest advice and innovations and at the same time get acquainted with like-minded individuals. To say the very least, the services, such as Eventbrite or Meetup, tend to feature such events.
2. Join Online Communities
LinkedIn, Slack, and Facebook are probably some of the most effective online communities for effective networking. Such groups allow for the exchange of information, seeking clarification on issues or, general networking with other personnel in your line of work.
3. Leverage Social Media
Twitter and Instagram as social networks are good for networking. Subscribe to those players that set trends and more importantly, provide the opportunity to engage in discussions and contributions. To get a good professional reputation online, one has to engage with other users’ content.
4. Organize Your Virtual Meetings
You can be involved in hosting your own webinars or virtual meetups. This may make you an influential figure in your sector and can enlist the right type of people. Such a platform can be effectively hosted through the use of software such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams among others in keen on the management of the event.
5. Enroll in Online Courses and workshops
Taking classes and workshops online refines your knowledge and give you a chance to connect with other people. Most of the classes have discussions and commentaries or collaborative assignments in which learners can engage.
6. Utilize Virtual Coworking Spaces
Freelancer collaboration spaces, like WeWork, or Workfrom, allow you to have various co-employees, working in the same room virtually. They may also have chat functions and virtual meetings for people to meet now and then.
7. Engage in Professional Associations
Membership of the professional bodies in your area of specialization is good as it yields many networks. Such organizations hold meetings, online conferences, and discussion platforms or forums in which one can interact with the other members.
8. Schedule Regular Check-ins
Continue to shepherd existing network members. It is good to continue with the coffee break meetings or catch calls to keep and build on your connections. One thing that’s important is always to keep your network alive and that means always actively communicating.
9. Contribute to Industry Publications
It also enables one to write articles or blogs in related publications with an aim of creating awareness as well as meeting other professionals. If you want to present papers, then it can draw the attention of your peers and colleagues to you or the project that you are working on.
10. Volunteer for Virtual Projects
Frequently offering yourself for organization virtual projects or committees in your industry can assist in developing human interaction and showcase your skills. One can find such opportunities in professional organizations or Internet resources.
Conclusion
While working remotely, networking might need a little more work, and maybe some imagination but it is not impossible at all. Through such approaches, you shall be in a position to develop a strong professional network that will enhance your advancement in your line of profession. Every action taken, be it going to the virtual organization events, connecting to social networks or authoring for trade publications, eventually brings you closer to a successful community. Remember, though, the focus here is the proactive, sustained attempt to find and maintain new connections.
