Are You a Networking Pro or A Virgin? Part-2

Here are the Five Remaining Tips for You to Become a Pro Networker

As much as there's a lot of leeway and forgiveness with people online these days, it is still best to have a professional background. This doesn't mean you have to go to the expense of buying a green screen and professional set-up.  However, there's nothing more distracting than watching somebody appear and disappear as they talk using a background without a green screen.

You can have a professional environment by making sure whatever is in the field of vision looks tidy and professional.  This does not include an unmade bed (or any bed, really), a bathroom, or roommates walking around in their underwear. A good rule of thumb is that if you had a brick-and-mortar location and wouldn't show it in your front window, you probably shouldn't be showing that in your online window.  Another alternative is to blur your background.  Keep it professional!

Be Courteous Do Your Fellow Members

Just because the people in the room are not your ideal client doesn't mean you can stop listening or leave. I have seen somebody leave a networking breakout room for whatever reason and say nothing. If you have a valid reason to leave, apologize and let the group know why you are dropping off.  If you don't have an opening to let them know verbally, then put it in the chat.  When you leave without notice, all that says is, "you're not important to me," which is downright rude.

Dress Professionally, Dress for Success!

Things have become more casual online. Dress based on the event that you are attending.  If it is a casual drink over Zoom with family or friends, that's very different from a business meeting or a networking group.  Your attire should reflect the image you want to convey for that meeting.  I don't think anyone is attending meetings in Pajamas anymore, but a halter top or bathing suit may not be appropriate unless you promote a beach getaway.  I'm not saying you should wear a suit but be mindful of your audience.  If you want to be seen as an expert, you should dress like one (at least on the top that can be seen).

Be Sincere

I have been in some networking groups where after people give their elevator pitches or presentations, people clap.  As for the elevator pitch or introduction, I don't clap as a rule.  To me, it feels phony, not genuine. I will clap for a presentation even if the information wasn't relevant to me.  At the end of the day, be sincere and true to yourself.  If it feels right, do it. If it feels forced, don't. 

Develop a Relationship

Networking is all about developing a relationship whether you're face to face or on screen.  I wouldn't suggest this demands you attend a meeting every week or every meeting necessarily, but it is necessary to show consistency so that people get to know, like, and trust you. Determine what that frequency is for you.  You'll know you are developing relationships as people start recognizing you in the group.

Bonus Tip!

One key thing that will help you with networking is to ensure you have your contact information and short write-up ready to copy and paste into the chat window so that you're not trying to type in the chat.  It should contain your full name, company name, contact information, and social media links, including "https://" so people can click on it in the chat, and it will open in their browser.

Keep in mind you may need to revise your information based on each group's requirements, but if you have it saved on a Google or Word Doc or Google Keep, you will be able to change it quickly and easily. 

Discover how to effectively utilize Google Keep.

If you're able to implement one or two of these tips, I'm sure you'll see a difference in how your networking is received by your audience, taking you from being a networking virgin to a pro.

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