Networking in person can be scary. Many people would, at the very least, say that they sometimes find it uncomfortable and awkward. The pressure to approach people and make the right first impression is terrifying. No surprise, then,that for the longest time I was a passive networker and avoided such opportunities. As an alternative I joined LinkedIn, an online professional networking platform, with the hope to be “found”. The idea of connecting with people with the “ulterior motive” of finding a job sounded selfish to me, so here I was, still very passive and resisting any attempts to actually network. Funnily enough, the only people who found me on LinkedIn were sales executives trying to convince me to buy their services. This further added to my resistance. 

Thanks to the pandemic and my desperation to find a job coinciding, I discovered the true essence of (virtual) networking. I was sick of spending sleepless nights editing my CV, applying for jobs and reading job hunting advice. Just when I was about to give up, I got a connection request and message from HK-based executive coach, Nerice Gietel. I was still hesitant because I am in Delhi and had no plans to return to Hong Kong but then I gave it a shot to see where it takes me. That was a turning point as I realized I was losing out by not harnessing the potential of networking. Today, I proudly assert that virtual networking is not as scary and opens the door to many opportunities and learnings. 

Here’s why.

1. Get found even when you’re not looking

The scope of virtual networking is practically impossible without an online presence on business social networks such as LinkedIn or Dajie. Having an updated profile on LinkedIn with keywords describing your experience helps recruiters find you, establish credibility and build connections, even when you are passive and not looking out. Nerice told me that my updated profile on LinkedIn is the reason why she found me, trusted me and connected with me which led to a meaningful and exciting collaboration; so much so that I considered not cancelling 2020.

2. More time to think, research and respond

The nature of in-person networking requires you to think and respond instantly, which is what can make it terrifying. Fret not: when networking virtually you have as much as 24 hours to think about what to respond, and check the credibility of the person contacting you. Moreover, it allows you to do research on the background of a person you want to connect with and understand how to pitch yourself in the right way. Prior research about the person also helps you to strike a relevant conversation, making it easier to build relationships. This makes networking so much more comfortable for shy and introverted people, like myself. 

3. More connections, even beyond borders

Networking can open many doors, including to those in your connection’s network. I was introduced to other people through Nerice who helped me get more clarity for my plans for postgraduate education in the UK. LinkedIn made it easier for me to connect with these people from the other side of the world, without having to spend all that money to visit the UK. If not directly, you might end up getting introduced to the right person indirectly, be it the CEO or recruiter of your dream job or a co-founder for your start up. Aren’t we all connected through six degrees of separation?

4. Access to meaningful opportunities

All it takes is a little self confidence, some background research and willingness to know more about the other person to find an intersection which gives rise to many opportunities. Virtual networking not only helped me to intern at The Career Lounge, but also learn new skills and realize competencies I didn’t know I possessed. In return, I got access to Nerice’s online courses and coaching sessions which helped me gain clarity on my values, skills, motivations and goals. Just by being open to one connection request, I was upskilling, getting work experience and coaching to confidently step into the world of work, all while looking for a full time job. 

Give it a shot, and see how many doors open for you! Be open, because even if a connection request doesn’t lead directly to a paid job, it can lead to many other worthwhile opportunities. 

5. Build confidence and open even more doors

The common intersection helps you realize how you add value which boosts confidence and changes the narrative of networking being a “selfish” relationship. I personally took back immense confidence and validation as I saw my ideas not only being heard but implemented. With this mindset, I was open to actively engage and further build my network. This led me to an internship which has the potential to convert into a full time job (my actual goal), a community of Emotional Intelligence enthusiasts who organize exciting conferences and many more exciting opportunities in just a span of three months. All fuelled by one positive experience and the confidence I gained from networking virtually.

Read more: Building Confidence: How To Demand And Get More

It’s never too late to make that LinkedIn profile you’ve been avoiding, find connections and begin networking. Just being open to a relationship, finding an interesting intersection and trusting the journey that follows can add value, help you learn, take back meaningful experiences and eventually achieve your goals. With all these benefits of virtual networking, isn’t it worth giving a try?

You can begin by sending Nerice Gietel or me a connection request and message. Let’s explore how we can add value to each other.

If you are struggling to find a job amidst COVID-19, check out the online course ‘Finding a job in a global meltdown’ for practical advice and encouragement.