6 Ways to Build Your Network Remotely
Your network is your net worth — Tim Sanders
You cannot — must not — underestimate the value of building a good network.
If done correctly, networking can have a big impact on your career, your personal development, and even your happiness.
Because relationships, when invested in authentically, open doors.
They can bring a job offer into your life. They can find you a business partner for your venture. They can offer up an opportunity for a role abroad. They can help you close a deal. They can help you grow.
Of course, when you’re remote (or confined to your house) you have to be a little more creative with how you make these connections happen.
So here are SIX tried-and-tested ways to make it that bit easier to expand your network from the comfort of your couch.
1. LunchClub
LunchClub is “an AI superconnector” curating 1-on-1 introductions to relevant professionals based on the preferences you set. You add your interests, hook up your LinkedIn, and wait for the intros to follow.
Once matched, the idea is to schedule a video chat — quickly. It’s up to 6 introductions a week, but I recommend starting small with just one, to make sure you can both find the time to make it happen.
Momentum is everything with this so whatever you do, DO NOT RESCHEDULE.
2. Bumble Bizz
The aims of Bumble Bizz are to help you pursue a career change, meet collaborators, or become a mentor. Sold.
Just like the dating app, they use a photo verification tool to ensure the people you’re connecting with are who they say they are. They also enable you to add digital resumes, a skills section, and examples of your work.
Strictly for networking, not recruiting, certainly not dating.
3. Zoom Networking Events
An increasing number of networking groups and communities have extended their offering to include digital drinks events and interactive talks for their members to connect.
The skill is how to find them.
Some ideas:
- Eventbrite’s Online events section: Just head here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/online/networking-events/
- Online events on Meetup: Either form your own networking event on Meetup or find an existing one that offers Zoom events
- Instagram: If you already follow events communities on Instagram or other socials, check-in to see if they are offering online networking events now
- Become an organiser for someone with an existing network: If the industry leaders you follow are not hosting online networking events (and you’re feeling proactive), reach out and see if you can organise one on their behalf and leverage their network
- LinkedIn: Post on your page asking for peers to make recommendations
4. Content Marketing on LinkedIn
It’s all very well having a presence on LinkedIn but are you using it in the best way to have people come to you?
LinkedIn is a brilliant content marketing tool for networking. Posting relevant content in your niche and area of expertise is a great way to get on people’s radars and have them reach out to you — rather than the less subtle add-someone-you-don’t-know tactic.
Aim to post at least 3 times a week — but never more than once a day. Consistency is everything so set a goal that is achievable.
6 types of content you can share:
- Blog/Medium Posts — either your own or your company’s posts
- Industry news and research — like sharing an article from an industry publication
- In-depth How-To posts — What do you know and can break down in steps? Share that
- Quick tips — One or two sentences to share insight
- Image sharing — Got new branding or a new joiner?Share a picture with a caption a tag
- Company updates — hiring announcements and company achievements
5. Set up a Niche Instagram Account
Another creative way to grow a network over time is to set up an Instagram account around a super-specific industry niche/interest.
You can either create your own content or (much easier) curate relevant posts sourced from other people talking about your topic already. It’s an easy way to start conversations, especially if you’re promoting their content to your followers.
With sustained effort and authentic engagement you can build up relationships with peers and eventually take those conversations somewhere meaningful.
6. Build a Target “Thought Leader” List and Engage With Their Posts
Reciprocity is key to good online networking.
This means liking, posting, commenting, and responding to questions on other people’s social feeds and blogs.
A goal-orientated way to do this is to make a list of 20 “influencers” or industry voices you want to connect with, follow them, and make a point of engaging consistently over time with their content. Even better, write a blog post that links to their work or share their articles on your socials.
Think big, but not THAT BIG; there needs to be a possibility that they will see your interactions through the fan noise. Once you build up a rapport — and be warned this could take time — suggest moving things to a call or email with a specific ask, offer, or collaboration idea.
Nana Wereko-Brobby is an entrepreneur, content and community expert, and Head of Communications at London startup HomeHero.
