BUSINESS NETWORKING IN A CONTACTLESS WORLD

IN A RECENT Zoom meeting that I attended, I quipped, “Time to start our Yuma Hollywood Squares.” While we are all getting far too familiar with this type of gathering, there is still a longing for true personal connection. Several of us were mentioning how long it had been since we had seen each other and it used to be a common occurrence.

If you are in a professional position that relies on meeting contacts, building relationships or initiating partnerships, your success is dependent on interpersonal interactions. The lack of face-toface networking is not only driving you a little crazy, but is more than likely affecting your pocketbook. Socializing in person is especially important to sales professionals and entrepreneurs looking to make those important initial contacts.

Networking at the outset of the current pandemic came to a screeching halt. Literally, every business and social gathering we all took for granted was canceled or postponed indefinitely. Charity events were sidelined and even small business meetings were nixed. The online meeting became the norm and we all had to learn a new skill set – meeting virtually.

The notion that networking is all about nurturing relationships has never been more magnified than it is today. So how can you continue to network in a no-event world?

Here a few tips that might help you get through the next few months.

1. Continue building a close network – When you think about it, some of the best contacts you’ve made have been through an introduction from someone in your circle of influence. Usually there is a certain affinity tied to your circle – industry peers, friends of friends, those with whom you share a hobby or passion. Use this time to solidify your close network and start looking for like-minded people who may fit right in. Ultimately, these will be the people that will have your back and you will likewise have theirs.

2. Remember the “checkup” – From the start of this current situation I have had people call, email, text or message me on social media who are just checking up on

me. While I never considered myself the best at this tactic, I have learned that this simple effort pays big dividends.

If it comes from the heart, the rewards are reciprocal and abundant. Be proactive with your touchpoints and put your close network checkups on your calendar. Reach out using whatever technology necessary, especially social media, to keep the lifelines open.

3. There’s no secret formula – The new contacts you make have to be personal. What better way to break the ice with a new acquaintance than to wish them a happy birthday or congratulate them on a recent success? As a business owner, showing your customers you care with a well-timed, heartfelt message will keep them in your circle of influence. A personal message to someone in your close network will let them know that you care and are thinking about them.

4. Cut yourself some slack – If you find yourself too busy and you miss touching base with someone for while, get over it and reach out. The preciousness of others should still be an imperative to you so communicate with those who are important to you, those in your network, and even new contacts. Life is a bit more complicated these days and everyone understands that our timing is far from perfect during this situation.

5. Pay attention to what your community is doing – One of the quickest ways for a group of people to strengthen their bonds is to work together serving others. Your close network can become a powerful force if their efforts are focused on a singular goal. The community events that did not happen opens doors of opportunity for affinity groups to step up. This may take your networking group to a whole new level.

The digital world has given us all an opportunity to see what is possible during these times of trouble. Networking may look a little different but it can still accomplish its goals and a lot more. Continue to touch base meaningfully and often. There are plenty of digital tools and platforms available for business owners and professionals to use to continue down the path of success. From making personal connections to broadcasting an important message to the masses, digital media can be a huge benefit in making the world a smaller place.

If you would like more information on how to utilize digital tools to extend and strengthen your network, and broaden the reach of your message, please contact Sun Media Digital at advertising@yumasun.com or call

(928) 574-9873.