Grow Your Network in Isolation When You’re Not Allowed to Go Outside

The Depression-Era Playbook says you need to meet people to grow your network, which was a lot easier when coronavirus was unheard of. How are you supposed to grow your network in isolation? There’s nobody around who can judge you on the firmness of your handshake, or drink a little too much during happy hour. It is hard to get these interactions in if you’re only trying them the traditional way, i.e. physically meeting up with others.

Luckily, you can still grow your network in isolation and prioritize community health. The wonders of technology make all of this not just possible, but easy. All it requires is an Internet connection, which I assume you have since you’re able to read this. Otherwise, you’re off to the races and building some great relationships.

Get on Meetup and events lists

There’s a big amount of virtual events still taking place (webinars, panels, and information sessions galore) and you should get on them. There’s two main ways of finding out about them and that’s either on event aggregate sites (like Meetup, or the Boston Calendar if you’re near me) or by joining email lists. I’m really impressed with how many professional groups have pivoted to online events in 2020; it tells me they’re the exact people I want to connect with as innovators and folks that Get Shit Done.

All three email examples below were sent within the last few days. There’s so much opportunity out there you’ll find just by looking.

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Whether they’re events focused on your career or events that just spark your interest, both are awesome for meeting new people without risking any infection. They used to be the forte of us urbanites, but now anyone can use them grow your network in isolation regardless of location. It’s as simple as looking up “virtual marketing events” if you’re looking for more things beyond the countless Meetup provides.

Be social on social media

Join community groups, engage with what others post, and post yourself about what you like or find interesting. Using social media to the fullest – and using it responsibly – will leave your life and career that much more enriched.

Life serendipity can change things quickly; your great friend might have an amazing new job next year and want you to join them. You never know where life will take you, and the same goes for everyone else. If you find someone you really vibe with, stay in touch. Celebrate their wins, commiserate with their losses, and vent to each other about the doldrum of daily life. These same people will do the same for you if you find yourself trying to find a change. They have their own connections, whose connections have their own connections, who could be sitting on the opportunity you’ve been looking for.

There’s several people I went to college with in Boston that are now doing very different things. One is attending law school in Atlanta, which is where my brother is considering attending college. Another friend is currently working in Boston, but is applying to grad school opportunities. Yet another friend was already accepted to one and will be moving to NYC. Once all three graduate they will continue going on to amazing things. It’s not like I knew any of this when I first met them all, but me banking on their good futures wasn’t why I befriended them. You’d be miserable if you did that. Go hang with the people you actually want to hang with. Then if they bring you along for something down the line, you’re fulfilled for the reasons that matter beyond the money.

Rev up your LinkedIn profile

What else are recruiters gonna do other than trawl LinkedIn? Believe it or not, there’s still companies out there that are hiring during this time. I’m still seeing job adverts pop up and folks making a move to a new role while fully remote. Take advantage of a little down time, say 15 or 30 minutes, and get your profile up to snuff. Work on your resume while you’re at it too; if your dream opportunity falls in your lap thanks to a better profile, you’ll want to be prepared.

Connect with the people currently in the news

I don’t mean celebrities, I mean people on local business sites relevant to your interests. We’ll use me as a case study: a twenty-something Bostonian interested in marketing and product management for startups. By Googling “boston startup sites” I find three relevant sources right away: BostInno, Built in Boston, and VentureFizz. All three have a “News” or “Stories” section with articles quoting other professionals like myself. Better yet, there’s usually interviews of folks in that world I’d definitely want to connect with.

From there it’s easy to make a note to send with your LinkedIn invite:

Hey, I just read your interview/insight from [Relevant Site] and thought it was great info! I’d love to hear more if you want to meet for virtual coffee; you’re in the position I’d love to have in two years.

The easiest time to make a new connection is when you can put some context to your reason for connecting. People like to have made a difference with their work, and someone validating you putting yourself out there makes for an exciting start to your relationship.

Remember: the best connections take time to develop

Sometimes, you’ll find someone you click with instantly. When that happens, it’s absolutely stellar, and what makes it even more poignant is how rarely it happens. Most of the time your professional relationships will take time to germinate. Expect that you’ll be putting in more effort than a new connection on LinkedIn.

I’m not telling you to obsessively track the movements of everyone you now meet, but I am saying to keep in touch on occasion. Wish them a happy birthday (LinkedIn tells you when that is). Congratulate them when they reach a new milestone in their lives, like a promotion or company switch. Ask them what they’re up to, or follow up on what you’ve previously discussed. These little things make up the foundation of your connection. Show them you’re not just in it for a one-time connection and you’ll find yourself awash in a greater life.

After all, we’re all human here. The whole point of the blog is to build you some serious wealth; your relationships with others is integral to that end.

What do you do to keep in touch with your professional connections, especially as you grow your network in isolation? Anything different than what’s on this list?