So it would appear that we are going to be stuck in this COVID, online limbo for longer than any of us planned, which is why I wanted to share my top five online networking tips, so you can make the most of the events we have planned for you.
Tip 1: Come prepared - For any networking event, we’ll send you the attendee list in advance, have a look, do a bit of professional stalking (LinkedIn) and think about who you’d like to meet. Our job is to help you make connections and meet new people and with a bit of research, you can make those connections even more valuable.
Once you have a hit list, let us know, so we can either arrange for you up to meet your chosen targets at the event or we can connect you virtually afterwards.
Tip 2: Check your zoom name - When you log in to zoom make sure your name is correct and doesn’t have a nickname or iPad 1! I’d recommend first name, last name and business. It will save time for you and others if you don’t have to ask everyone. Think of it as your virtual Chamber badge.
As an addition to this, have your contact details – name, email, telephone and website sitting open in a word doc while you are networking so if someone asks you can easily copy and paste it in the chatbox.
Tip 3: Take notes – When attending Brighton Chamber events we will move you around so you can meet as many people as possible; take notes, and, if you meet someone, write their name down and a reminder of something you talked about.
Virtual events mean you don’t have time travelling to and from to collect your thoughts and in many cases, you will go onto something else as soon as the event finishes. Having notes means that when you do have some downtime you will have all the info you need, which leads me perfectly on to my fourth tip…
Tip 4: Follow-up - The goal of networking is to develop relationships that will last. Keep new connections warm by continuing the conversation on email, via phone or even just connecting on LinkedIn after you meet. If you don’t know or can’t remember someone’s full details contact us, we will have them and can make a connection for you.
Tip 5: Think about your set up – Does your lighting mean you face is hidden slightly? Is there a lot of going on behind you? Make sure you can be seen clearly, if needs be, add a lamp to your desk or get a ring light (the type social media influencers use). It might feel like overkill, but as you would with real-life networking people want to see who they are talking to clearly without the distraction of wondering if it really is your washing, they can see behind you.
If you can’t find a clear space then have a try out some of the backgrounds available, they will quickly hide a multitude of sins!
I hope these help you with this new virtual world we have all been thrust into, we are hoping to get back to face to face events as soon as possible but in the meantime hopefully, these will help you get the most out of being online.
Find out what we have coming up on the Chamber events calendar
If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk