At the beginning of 2020, no one could have imagined a reality where SXSW, Coachella or even the Summer Olympics would be canceled or postponed. The same remains true for the retail real estate industry. No Recon?! Now what? The annual gathering in Las Vegas is marked on calendars of so many in our business as a time to make deals, grow business and most importantly grow your network.
Given the current circumstances brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve all had to make major adjustments on the fly. And to some extent, we have gotten used to working from home. But what about networking from home? Not so easy… until now.
Below we list 6 great ways you can continue to grow your network right from your couch!
1. Attend Virtual Conferences
With large gatherings now a no-no, virtual conferences/events (or webinars) are all the rage right now. A virtual event is one where individuals experience the event and its content online rather than gathering in-person. Some of the best minds are more accessible than ever. Now is your chance to gain insights that will equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate in a post-COVID society. Not to mention they’re usually recorded and accessible on-demand to those who have registered.
2. Be A Follower
Follow the people you want to connect with on social media. Sounds simple enough but this is a big step in developing that personal connection. This simple gesture provides you a direct line between you and your sought-after connection. Now you’re merely a DM or InMail message away. But there are even more added benefits. Tap into their knowledge/expertise. Connect with their connections. Or leave a thoughtful comment on their posts. All great ways to lay the groundwork for a future meeting.
3. Create or Join a LinkedIn Group
LinkedIn Groups allow you to create or participate in dedicated discussion forums on moderated business-focused topics. Post information that members find valuable or helpful and over time your audience can grow significantly. Or find a group that already has a sizeable audience, great engagement, and rigorous moderators and start participating in it. Ask valuable questions and give others’ interesting and unique answers. You’ll be sure to grow your influence quickly.
4. Join your local Toastmasters
Toastmasters is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. With a membership base that exceeds 358,000 in more than 16,800 clubs in 143 countries. Your network is bound to grow exponentially.
5. Stop, Collaborate and Listen!
Collaborating with your colleagues and hosting your own virtual event is a great new way to network. Virtual Happy Hours have been one positive to be birthed out of an otherwise dreadful period. Instead of trying to get noticed alone why not do it with a friend – there’s power in numbers. This is a great way to leverage each other’s contacts to gain exposure and meet new people.
6. Catch Up with Old Colleagues
This Quarantine and slowdown have presented a unique opportunity for all of us to catch up and reconnect. Networking is more than just creating new contacts but fostering your older ones as well. Here’s your chance to catch up with colleagues you haven’t heard from in a while. See what new things they are working on. Who knows there may be a great opportunity right under your nose!
