When you move into a long-term remote work situation, it may at first feel like an ideal setup—you get work done more efficiently, use your former commuting time productively, and enjoy the savings on travel costs. However, after some time, remote work can create a sense of isolation. In an office, you often run into clients, visiting experts, and other professionals who offer unexpected networking insights. These chance encounters help you build connections naturally. In a remote setting, most of your interactions become intentional. To grow your career, you must actively seek remote networking opportunities and build relationships in the online space.
That being said, you can absolutely create your own networking encounters as a remote worker, which can boost your job satisfaction and reinforce your confidence that you’re continuing to advance in your career. You might seek networking opportunities to keep your skills current or want to offer valuable insight to newcomers in your industry who are figuring out their next steps. Regardless of your reason for networking, consider exploring these outlets while working remotely.
Join Social Media Groups for Professional Organizations
While social media may seem too casual for the average professional organization, many now run Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn pages specifically designed to connect their members. You can maintain professional boundaries, if you’d rather not link your personal Facebook to a professional group, consider creating a separate, professional Facebook page. First, determine where your professional organization has the most active presence. If you find only one or two posts this year, that page probably isn’t the best place to engage.
If you notice that no one responds on your organization’s social media pages, ask whether they need someone to manage and update them. By volunteering for this small role, you can post questions and discussion topics to engage fellow members. You may end up connecting with exactly the people you want to know through this effort. You’ll also demonstrate your involvement and visibility—an asset, even to those who don’t actively participate on social media.
Use Outreach Emails to Create Video or In-Person Meet-ups
Whenever you travel, consider making the most of your trip by reaching out to professional contacts you’d like to cultivate in that area. Let them know you’ll be in town and would love to meet for coffee—this approach is both proactive and casual. You can also look up local chapters of your professional organization to see if you can attend a meeting as a guest. Most groups feel excited to welcome a visiting member and learn from your expertise and background.
You can also use other events as a reason to connect—such as a webinar appearance, a recent publication, or a shared professional interest. While video chat coffee dates aren’t yet common in many fields, you can still suggest one with a clear agenda and purpose for the conversation. Be sure to observe the norms in your industry, but especially when offering the opportunity to newer professionals eager to learn, you can help lead the way in creating remote networking opportunities.
Volunteer as a Board Member or Organization Officer
While connected to the above options, this is actually a more traditional method of networking that becomes even more helpful when used in the context of remote work. Whether there is an organization in need of a new board member, or your professional organization needs members at-large or officers, volunteering your time can be a great way to put yourself in the path of many networking conversations.
Obviously, there may not be time for every kind of participation in your busy life, so keep your eyes peeled for opportunities that fit your skill sets, your interests, and your time availability. The volunteer opportunity should be, primarily, fulfilling in itself, but secondarily valuable as a networking opportunity.
Make the Most of Your Conference Attendance
When going to conferences, many individuals may put networking on the back burner compared to learning new things; this is completely reasonable, especially since networking opportunities often feel serendipitous and hard to create. However, recognizing who is listed in the program can give you the opportunity to make plans to meet up ahead of time. This can be an especially good time to reinforce old connections, asking to get a coffee and catch up between sessions. These requests are of course sincere, but the added benefit of learning whatever is new and different in your past connection’s professional life will also help you feel connected to your industry.
If you aren’t much for socializing in the evenings, make plans to be at morning coffee or breakfast meet-ups, and if you prefer night-owl hours, make sure you aren’t only socializing with the same two coworkers every evening. Even if you cannot muster much chatter after a day of sessions, aim to say thank you to panelists and speakers who impress you after each talk; they’ll appreciate it and it makes you a little more memorable. A little added effort at conferences can dramatically expand the circle of individuals you talk to at conferences. Organizations, like Life Science Cares, have local chapters that can be beneficial to attend in person. Research life sciences organizations to leverage any networking opportunities remote or in person.
Want to receive Career Insights right in your inbox? Sign up for our monthly newsletter.