Five Networking Lessons Learned as a Virtual Board Member

By Jacqueline Janelle

Jacqueline Janelle offers tips on how to make connections and keep engaged with your network virtually.

One of the great benefits of being a member of IABC is the opportunity to network. A good peer-network is an essential part of a rewarding career. Peer networks help us stay inspired and engaged in our profession. Tapping into my IABC network has helped me find solutions to communications problems, discover new tools, refine ideas, and make new friends.

Serving as a board member with IABC/Toronto, among many other benefits, has helped to amplify my network. I’ve always been on the clumsy end of the networking spectrum. Being a member of the board has given me an easy conversation opener at events – I could welcome people and ask about their experience with IABC.

Then everything moved online, and suddenly my networking toolkit was no longer useful. Mind you, the other benefits of serving on an IABC board haven’t changed. I can still use my skills in different ways, learn new things, and contribute to my profession. But “making friends” has been harder.

Here are five tips that have helped me overcome the challenges of making connections in virtual networking situations:

1. Reset your mood: After a long day of back-to-back video meetings, I’m often drained and rather tired of seeing myself in a little window among other floating heads on screen. If the prospect of facing another online event – with strangers – feels daunting. Try resetting your mood by doing a quick pre-game warm up: Stand up, stretch, close your eyes and smile (even a forced one will do!). Remind yourself of why you are attending the event, and set one small objective that’s aligned with that goal.
2. Keep your camera on: We’ve all become comfortable with life rumbling into virtual meetings – children on laps, cats on keyboards. But virtual meetings have also been around long enough that we should be able to present our working-from-home professional selves (that includes our dogs snoozing at our sides). If your goal is to meet people, keep your camera on. It shows you’re listening, and makes it easier to join the conversation. Also, take a minute to make sure that your face is well lit, and that you’re properly centered in the frame.
3.  Leave space for others: Now that you’re ready to be a commanding presence, leave space for others. Online events can be clumsy, because really only one person can talk at a time. So often, we are stumbling over one another and trying to sort out who should speak next. Instead of fighting to be heard, focus on being present and taking the time to really listen to others. When you’re ready to ask an insightful question about something someone said – put your hand up. That way when it’s your turn, you can take command of the floor.
4. Use the chat thoughtfully: The chat can be a great way to show support, add to someone’s point and even reach out directly to someone with whom you’d like to build a connection. Use the chat feature to support the success of the event and build momentum. Avoid creating long side conversations that draw attention away from the main event.
5. Follow up with your new connections: After the event, reach out on LinkedIn to the people with whom you’d like to connect. Make sure you include a personal note with the request, remind the person where you met, and ideally, something you found interesting about them that you’d like to follow up on.

While I remain an imperfect networker, and I often blunder through virtual events, I have made some strong connections through virtual networking. I’m still learning and improving – and, thankfully, I’ve got a great IABC community of support helping me.