Build a relationship and work on networking online
By: Cathy Paper
Tags: Online, Networking Tips, Zoom, Networking, Sales

It is odd to have zoom calls rather than heading off to an event or meeting to work with people. If you’re in sales or working in an organization your approach to building relationships needs to shift.

I recently saw a post on Instagram where someone said, “Please stop using the word PIVOT.” I laughed because pivot is a good word to describe the new networking skills we must adapt to be successful and confident, especially f you’re introverted. Adapting your style will require you to become the one to take initiative.

In the last six weeks your relationship circle most likely became a lot smaller and even more awkward to figure out how to connect with new people. So, adapt and develop skills to do the work to build relationships. Focus on the basics and you will be able to continue to reach your sales goals, advance your career or find a new job.

Here are the basics of networking, even online networking.

Be strategic. Have a plan for why you want to network. Know who you want to meet and why? Know what you have to offer to them before you even think of sending an email or inviting them to connect on Linkedin. If you’re not clear of what you have to offer and you’re unsure of your strengths, take 30 minutes and complete the Strengthfinder book. This test will give you language to know what you’re good at and how to showcase those strengths in your daily relationship building efforts. Your network may know what your strengths are but since you’re so close to them it may be more challenging for you to value them day in and day out. Really be strategic. It’s Sunday night and you start to think about your week or month ahead, but do you really have a plan for who the people are that you want to connect with or build relationships with to accomplish your goals. Do you have any idea what their goals are? Make a list. Do research. Build your list of your TOP 25 people to meet with. Review your past connections and what you’ve accomplished with these people. If you can’t list 25 people then this is the first place to begin.

Be strategic with your relationships.

Good habits. Building relationships is about caring and connecting and delivering what you say you’re going to do. It’s also about the habits that show you care. It’s asking another person what you can do for them? It’s know what their goals are and being able to connect them to other people. Habits also include writing follow up notes and using the phone to let another person hear your voice. Good habits are actually posting a comment on Linkedin rather than merely scanning to see what is going on. Convert your habits into a process. For example, I write hand-written notes every Friday afternoon. And lately, I’ve asked people for their home address as I know they don’t go their office every day any longer. Reflect and learn. Building a network takes effort and consistent action. It’s not as easy as reaching out and having the person do what you want. Often you can learn more from the relationships that didn’t work out or were not as productive as you want by taking the time to reflect on what happened. I have had many relationships work and be impactful for both parties. I’ve also had attempted relationships where I didn’t approach the person in the right way. I wasn’t prepared. I didn’t know what I was asking for. And even at one time, I didn’t realize I was reaching out to the entirely wrong person until I had invested a lot of time, energy and expectations. The growth is in the learning. Curious to learn more then join us on these upcoming events.

As you work on networking online, keep in mind that everyone is adjusting to to this “new normal”. You will want to be the one who takes initiative, is clear and positive as to why you want to connect and has excellent follow through habits. Keep learning. People are interesting and start with knowing yourself and keep going to find the right mix of people in your network or sales pipeline.