5 ingenious ways to network during a global pandemic

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has forever changed the way we work, play, and relax. As social distancing is the norm these days, many people are forced to work from home, making it difficult at times to help existing clients and reach prospective ones. While events continue to be canceled as the virus spreads, many businesses must adjust to the new norm – a virtual environment. And even though it can be challenging to connect with people without occupying the same physical space, there are ways to stay in touch. Keep reading to discover several ingenious ways to network during a global pandemic.

Send out corporate gifts and promotional products

During this trying time, people are less worried about brands and more worried about how businesses can help solve ongoing issues caused by the novel coronavirus. Having said this, you can still promote your brand and lend a helping hand by sending out corporate gifts and promotional products that depict your brand as well as inspire or help people get through these trying times.

Move meetings and social gatherings online

Even though you aren’t able to physically meet with coworkers and clients, you can still see each other and interact via online platforms such as Zoom and GoToMeeting.

Video conferencing allows you to talk face-to-face with employees, coworkers, and clients from the comfort of your own home, no matter where these people are in the world. This way of communicating has been around for a long time, but until recently, it’s been extremely under-used and under-appreciated as a form of communication in business.

Join a coworking space to network during a global pandemic

Coworking spaces give people a virtual office environment that mimics any physical office experience. Complete with conference rooms, social spaces, lunchrooms, and more, these virtual workspaces are private and secure, with only invited people able to get in. Once inside, employers and their employees can see each other, talk, send links, and share external media amongst themselves.

Use online scheduling tools

With everyone quarantined at home, it can be challenging to get people to show up on time for meetings, and sending out reminders can be quite a hassle. Rather than chase people around, use online scheduling tools to bring everyone together in a timely fashion.

Online schedulers or just a simple WordPress booking system allow you to send out mass emails to notify workers and clients of important events and meetings. Alternatively, you can use the service to regularly reach out to clients to check on their wellbeing and to see if you can be of any help during these tough times.

Embrace social media… Finally

While you are probably already using social media, it’s time to embrace it in a way that furthers your networking agenda now. Instead of simply clicking the “Like” button, take the time to actually read posts and write a comment.

Making the effort to respond to a client or coworker in this manner demonstrates care and engagement, both of which will foster better business relationships. The next time someone needs what you have to offer, you’ll be the first to spring to mind because you take the time to interact with them online and remain relevant in a positive and friendly way.

Concluding words as you network during a global pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way we do business, but just because many of us are forced to work from home, doesn’t mean we can’t still network and drum up business. We simply must adapt to the new way of doing things. The networking tips above were designed to help you do just that.