How to embrace networking’s new normal

Get your lighting right

‘Don’t underestimate the value of good lighting and feeling confident about the space you’re attending the event from,’ says Ceylan Boyce (right), cofounder at Academy for Women Entrepreneurs.

‘It’s like going to an important event feeling confident because you know you look smart and professional. Good lighting and a professional background might provide you with that same boost’

Make use of breakfast time

Francesca Baker (right), marketer and copywriter at So She Thinks, says one of the positives of the virtual networking event is that you don’t have to drive to it.

‘During Covid-19 I’ve been attending online morning networking meetings. In the physical world I am never going to get up at 5am to drive to a motorway side hotel and make small talk over a cooked breakfast, but this has been a great way to dip my toe in,’ she says.

Listen more than you talk

‘Whether networking in a physical or virtual space, always remember to talk less and listen more. Also, listen to be heard. Only by listening to others and hearing what they have to say can you adjust and pivot so that your message is resonant and impactful,’ says Johnny Warström (above), CEO & co-founder of Mentimeter.

Memorise your elevator pitch

Networking online can feel stilted and it’s easy to forget why you’re really there. Vix Meldrew (left), founder of online business network Grow & Glow says that memorising your elevator pitch gives you the opportunity to shine at the drop of a hat. ‘Whenever you get the opportunity to connect online, even in snatched moments, it’s always handy to be able to get across who you are, what you do, who you do it for and where they can find you,’ she says.