In today’s digital world, remote work doesn’t mean the end of professional relationships—it’s just the beginning of building them in new ways. Networking from a distance has become an essential skill, enabling you to make connections, expand your network, and foster meaningful relationships without stepping outside your door. Here’s how to build and maintain strong professional relationships through remote networking.
Start with Authentic Connections
Remote networking is most effective when you focus on building genuine connections, not just adding contacts.
Approach Networking with Curiosity
When reaching out to new connections, show genuine interest. Rather than leading with a pitch, ask about their career path, challenges, or industry insights. This approach fosters meaningful conversations and establishes rapport, even if you’ve never met in person.
Personalize Your Messages
Avoid generic introductions. Take time to personalize your messages when reaching out to people on LinkedIn, Twitter, or email. Reference shared interests, recent work they’ve published, or mutual connections to show you’re truly interested in connecting.
Make the Most of Virtual Events
Virtual conferences, webinars, and networking events provide unique opportunities to meet and connect with others in your industry.
Engage Actively During Sessions
Participate by asking questions, sharing insights, or adding helpful comments in chat sections. By being an active participant, you’ll stand out to both presenters and attendees, increasing the chances of memorable connections.
Follow Up with Attendees
After the event, send follow-up messages to people you interacted with or found inspiring. Mention specifics from your conversation to reinforce the connection and open the door for future communication.
Visit Eventbrite to explore upcoming virtual networking events and conferences tailored to your industry.
Use Social Media to Build Connections
Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even industry-specific forums are powerful tools for building and maintaining professional relationships.
Share Valuable Content Regularly
Sharing articles, insights, and resources relevant to your industry positions you as a thought leader and keeps your network engaged. It’s a great way to stay visible and relevant, sparking organic interactions and conversations with others in your field.
Join Industry Groups and Participate
Find and join LinkedIn groups or Twitter chats that relate to your industry. Participate regularly to connect with like-minded professionals, share ideas, and discover collaboration opportunities.
Schedule Virtual Coffee Chats
A virtual coffee chat is an informal way to strengthen new connections and get to know someone beyond email exchanges and comments.
Keep it Friendly and Low-Key
Virtual coffee chats are an excellent way to connect on a personal level. Keep it relaxed and conversational — ask about their career journey, interests, or advice they’d give to someone in the industry.
Set a Clear Time Limit
Respect their schedule by setting a clear time frame, such as 15-20 minutes. This shows professionalism and makes it easier for your connection to agree to a quick meeting.
Follow Up Regularly to Maintain Relationships
Staying connected is crucial for long-term relationships. Consistent, thoughtful follow-ups can keep your network strong and active.
Check-In with Purpose
Reach out with a purpose, whether it’s to congratulate them on a recent achievement, share a relevant article, or ask for advice on a topic they’re passionate about. Purposeful communication shows that you value their insights and contributions.
Be Mindful of Frequency
Aim for quality over quantity in your follow-ups. Stay in touch without overwhelming them, reaching out every few months or as relevant opportunities arise.
Wrapping Up: Build Strong Connections from Anywhere
Remote networking is an invaluable skill for today’s professionals. By approaching each connection with authenticity, engaging actively in virtual spaces, and maintaining thoughtful follow-ups, you can build a robust professional network — no matter where you’re working from. Take these tips into your remote networking strategy and start building connections that can support and inspire your career.
Embrace remote networking and create connections that go beyond the screen to fuel your professional growth and success.
