How to Network Virtually

How many Zoom calls did you do this week? I average maybe 10 a week? I know plenty of people who do more than four a day.

Due to the pandemic, our lives have changed. Gone are the days of looking at someone’s sweaty face in a common space, now we’re meeting virtually whether through meetings, conference calls, or webinars.

I’ve been taking advantage of meeting some great people over the last few weeks through virtual sessions. I think there are some tricks you can easily take advantage of because no one is really doing them.

With changes in the norm, most people won’t see the opportunities that are presented today. I’m not talking about the next eCommerce company. Something as simple as networking

So here are my tips on how to maximize your networking during this strange time.

The big thing is that these skills actually translate very well when we get back to normal so keep that in mind.

Attend and Show Face

The Chinese have a concept called “face”. Though it has a deeper and more sinister concept that what we’ll talk about here, one example that really resonates with me is that showing up to someone’s event shows you care and gives the host “face”.

But face isn’t just showing up, it’s about contributing. Even a simple “hello” in the comments section is recognized when the host does a webinar. Not on;y does a simple “hello” resonate with the host, but all of the guests who know you might recognize you. Even if you’re not known, it’s a great way to introduce yourself. I don’t suggest pitching a product or your business on zoom chat, but a friendly introduction doesn’t hurt anyone.

If you have a bit of status, I think it’s very important to help people out this way. My favorite example is super connector Marc Nathan. I met him in Austin and he is just an amazing dude. Everyone knows him and he just loves networking. He’s super supportive and thoughtful in his introductions.

Though I think Marc Nathan does genuinely care about the content his network produces, having him in a webinar event really shows that he cares.

Stay Up Late

I always try to be the last one in the room if allowed to be.

The only group that allows me to do this is Daniel Scharff’s Startup CPG happy hours. I think he hates me for it. I’ve connected and solidified relationships using this method. The last one, we stayed for an extra hour when there were only Brian Chau and a new friend from Singapore on the call.

I think in any networking event, to really connect, you should be the last one in the room. It’s always good to know that there are definitively better things you can do for your time like walking your dog, taking care of your kid, or actually working on your business.

However, if your goal is to network, then the opportunity to stay up late is a power move that pays back in the long term. I truly believe it turns connections to friends.

The positives for staying up late via webinar is that you are not forced to spend money on going out to eat or at a bar, and you don’t have to consider traveling back in unsafe conditions. I remember whenever I networked in San Francisco, I would be so tired and so exhausted trying to get back to my parents house at 12am.

For people doing webinars: I think it’s a great opportunity to leave out more space for people to network. For my webinars, I usually open the floor for the first 15 minutes. Though the hit rate of people actually introducing themselves is surprisingly low, engaging in a thoughtful discussion with the host is not only a valuable networking opportunity, but also shapes the dynamic of a webinar to help you in a specific topic. But only if you bring it up.

Contribute to the Discussion

Yesterday, I went to a GFI webinar and ranted about methylcellulose on chat. I had a healthy discussion with someone from the other side of the world. Turns out he listens to my podcast and really enjoys what I do and we talked about some really cool texture innovations.

A few people also asked to connect because they liked what I said.

The game of showing initiative is different but it is something I don’t see much going on. When the Q+A is barren, that is the best time to ask a really engaging question that will have people notice you. If you already have a reputation, it’s nice when they shout out your name but if you don’t it’s the best time to personalize the interaction.

I find that contributing to the discussion on any webinar makes the webinar experience richer as a whole.

Contribute to the World

When the pandemic hit, I bolted into action and took advantage of two mediums. One that I’m comfortable with and one that I’m not comfortable with. Podcasting has gone on, with more of the attention focusing on experts and their opinions on the pandemic. Food Safety, supply chain, financials and international relations are all part of the stew. In the next couple of weeks, I’ll be launching a few small business ones.

Webinars have been especially rewarding as it’s a new medium I’m not an expert in but asking my friends to share their knowledge was the best way I could think to give back. I think all webinars should be free regardless of value during this time. My webinars can’t compare to webinars like the Naturally Network or GFI but I am so glad to see people go to mine.

What I found the most growth in was giving webinars on super-specific product development topics. I’ve done two and a lot of smart food scientists join and grill me on technique. I find it extremely exhilarating sharing the tricks of the trade because no one does it and it sounds like there’s an opportunity there.

To me, a webinar is just like hosting a talk or event. You’re bringing people in one place and you’re giving them the chance to talk and learn at the same time. Before the pandemic, I used to dislike webinars and found them extremely boring or uninsightful. I think the dynamic has changed whether because people put more effort in them or I’m just hungry for good advice.

Those that create and are the catalyst for bringing people together will thrive in the networking world. I truly believe all professionals have the power to branch out digitally during this lockdown. Whether a blog, podcast or webinar we all have a unique perspective to share. A simple insightful paragraph on LinkedIn and exploring ways to optimize that might be the perfect project right now.

All crises have silver linings and looking for opportunities allows us to adapt. Though things are different, our craving for human interaction is still there. Though there are roadblocks to the norm, the need is still there. People still need to eat, have fun, and talk to one another and we’re all finding ways to deal with it. The fundamentals are the same and as long as you realize that, you can still network.