The world of technology is one that is rapidly evolving and you must be able to cultivate meaningful connections to sustain your personal and professional development in your industry. And with networking events mostly migrating online, several new challenges and opportunities have sprung up in this context.
So, if you are looking forward to making the most out of these networking events with online tech community, here is everything you will need to know.
The landscape overview
Becoming the norm after the global pandemic, virtual networking events have become an excellent opportunity to connect with industry experts, potential partners and a ton of like minded individuals. However, for many, the digital interaction might seem daunting at first, but overcoming the challenges does lend a unique opportunity for networking.
Understanding the digital platforms
The first step to mastering virtual networking is learning how to use the platforms used for these events. Typically ranging from the likes of Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams and more, there are a plethora of conferencing options that can help with organizing a tech event akin to this. Ensure that you take enough time to go through the UI, settings and hardware compatibility options and test everything for a hassle free event.
Create your profile
Just like your appearance matters in an in-person event, your virtual appearance will matter in a digital one. So, it is advised that you create a compelling profile with a professional photo, an impactful bio and hyperlinks to any of your social/professional profiles to boost your visibility during the event. Plus, it also makes for an excellent option if you are looking to make meaningful connections outside the event.
Your elevator pitch
The average attention span of a human has been rapidly becoming shorter and therefore, you will have a very short amount of time to make the right impression. For this, you can prepare a short pitch where you introduce yourself and talk about your experience and what made you join the event. This will make it much easier for other attendees to connect with you and have more meaningful conversations.
Engaging in the discussions
It is common for networking events to have discussion panels, chat forums and Q&A sessions, which are great opportunities to put forth your views and actively participate in the discussion rather than being a passive observer. Ask thoughtful questions, offer your insights and build on others’ ideas to help stand out, creating more chances for one-on-one conversations with those sharing similar interests.
Virtual coffee chats
Many of us tend to miss out on those casual chitchats during breaks at any physical event. A great way to recreate these moments is by organizing a group coffee chat by using the platform’s baked-in messaging and networking features. Grab yourself a cup of coffee, prepare for conversations on a more personal level and connect with like-minded individuals.
Leverage social media
Make it a point to give out your social media links to everyone attending the event. A great option is to create quick QR codes that hyperlink directly to your profile on platforms like LinkedIn or X. It is more like an online business card.
And with an active social media presence, you should be able to add an extra layer of connection and help create solid relationships during these virtual events.
Conclusion
Networking is an invaluable skill that everyone must master, no matter which industry they are in. Not only does this help to connect with like-minded individuals but it also helps you to forge collaborations and friendships. And if you have the right path to navigate the world of virtual networking, you should have endless possibilities to grow both professionally and personally.