Remote working is becoming increasingly popular across the globe, offering a range of benefits such as greater flexibility and work-life balance, and the freedom to travel while maintaining a fulfilling career. However, remote work also presents unique challenges, including the need to build and maintain professional relationships from outside of traditional office settings.
Networking is a crucial aspect of any successful career, but for remote workers, it can sometimes seem like a daunting task. In this blog post, we will share some top tips for building professional relationships while traveling, without mentioning the current pandemic.
- Utilize social media
Social media can be an incredibly powerful tool for remote workers looking to network and connect with other professionals. Platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram offer numerous opportunities to stay in touch with colleagues and make new connections, no matter where you are in the world.
LinkedIn, in particular, is an excellent resource for remote workers looking to build their professional network. It’s important to make sure your profile is up to date and complete, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions to showcase your expertise and value in your industry. You can also use LinkedIn to reach out to people you want to connect with and introduce yourself.
Twitter is another valuable social media platform for remote workers. You can follow relevant thought leaders in your industry, participate in Twitter chats, and share your knowledge and insights. Twitter provides the opportunity to engage with others in real-time and can complement the more professional nature of LinkedIn.
Instagram is not traditionally a business networking platform, but it can be used effectively by remote workers to connect with people in a more informal way. You can share your travels, workspaces, and daily routines, which can help to create a personal connection with your followers. Instagram stories can also be an excellent way to share tips, advice, or insights with your followers.
- Attend industry events
Industry events offer an excellent opportunity to connect with other professionals and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in your industry. As a remote worker, plan your travel in such a way as to attend events that are relevant to your work. Even if you cannot attend in person, many events offer virtual attendance options, which can still allow for meaningful connections with other attendees.
Networking events such as mixers, breakfasts, and happy hours can be beneficial in building relationships. Meeting fellow travelers or getting involved in local communities can lead to memorable networking experiences. Often, the most successful connections come from impromptu meetings or casual discussions.
- Use coworking spaces
Coworking spaces offer a community of like-minded professionals who you can connect with, share advice, and collaborate with while on the road. Many offer networking events and workshops, which can help to expand your professional network. Coworking spaces can also provide a solution to finding a workspace while traveling, which can be hugely beneficial for remote workers.
Finding local coworking spaces on the road provides access to amenities and socialization. Many workplaces provide coffee shops, event spaces, communal areas, and networking activities, promoting a sense of community and a chance to interact with others.
- Stay in touch
It is essential to stay in touch with your colleagues and professional connections, even when you’re on the road. Use email, messaging, or phone calls to stay updated on what’s going on in your industry and maintain your professional relationships. Keeping communication open also shows that you still value the connections you have built, regardless of your current location.
Additionally, do not forget other professionals, such as former colleagues or mentors, who can be excellent sources of advice and support. Even if you’re not currently working with them, they can still be valuable for maintaining professional connections and possibly reconnecting in the future.
- Attend webinars and online workshops
Webinars and online workshops are a great solution for remote workers who want to connect with other professionals in their field while traveling. Many organizations conduct online sessions on industry-specific topics, which can provide you the opportunity to connect with other professionals in your field. This can help you expand your knowledge, build relationships, and keep up-to-date on the latest industry trends.
Online workshops such as Skillshare, for example, offer informal learning opportunities in a range of topics, from design to communication and management. These platforms provide connections with other learners and instructors, which can lead to professional networking opportunities.
- Be active on relevant forums
Online forums are another excellent way to network as a remote worker. There are many forums dedicated to specific industries, and by actively participating in these, you can build relationships with other professionals in your field. Sharing your knowledge, asking questions, and joining in discussions can establish you as a thought leader and help you to expand your network.
Some popular forums include Reddit, Quora, and industry-specific forums like Stack Overflow for the tech industry. Posting quality content or engaging with top contributors can gain more visibility and lead to meaningful connections.
- Be purposeful with introduction emails
When you want to connect with a new professional, it is essential to write a purposeful introduction email. Rather than just asking for help or jumping into personal details, explain why you’re connecting and what you’re hoping to achieve. Be specific, concise, and don’t forget to thank them in advance.
Your email should provide enough details for the receiver to find common ground and understand the value of your connection. A clear message and call-to-action on how you can bring value to each other can lead to a positive response. Personalizing your email, by mentioning something you have in common or something specific about their portfolio, can make you stand out.
- Research local organizations and networking events
Research and identify local organizations that are relevant to your industry and attend their events. For example, you could attend meetups, workshops, and conferences for professional development and networking opportunities. This approach can help you expand your network, gain exposure to local professionals, and learn about different working cultures.
A good place to start researching for local events and organizations is social media platforms, such as Facebook and LinkedIn. You can also check local media and business websites for announcements and information. Attending such events can also provide a chance to explore the local area and culture.
- Join online communities
In addition to using online forums, try joining online communities that revolve around your industry or interests. Many communities provide an opportunity to connect with other professionals, share knowledge and opinions, ask for help, and even find new job opportunities.
Networking can also happen in online communities built around hobbies, sports, or other interests outside of work. Joining such communities can lead to new friendships, and who knows, maybe even professional connections or collaborations in the future.
- Make time for video calls
While it’s not always possible to meet in person, video calls are a great alternative that allows you to get a more personal touch in your networking relationships. You can schedule calls with colleagues and contacts to catch up on industry news, projects, or share tips and advice.
Try to make video calls feel more like in-person encounters by choosing a conversation-friendly space and being present and attentive. Being open and sharing your own story could also help build a more genuine connection.
- Consider mentorship opportunities
Remote working can sometimes make you feel isolated or disconnected from the professional world. Being part of a mentorship program can help you build formal relationships with seasoned professionals in your industry, who can provide guidance, insight, and coaching.
Many mentorship organizations have online platforms available to connect you with a mentor, regardless of your physical location. Besides connecting with mentors, mentorship programs also offer access to other resources that can help with your professional development and networking.
- Be mindful of time zones
Being a remote worker means dealing with different time zones. Being respectful of people’s time and schedules can go a long way in building professional relationships. When setting up virtual meetings, make sure to use tools like time zone converters to avoid confusion.
Flexible scheduling can sometimes allow you to set up meetings outside of traditional work hours, but also keep in mind that not everyone may be available at different hours.
- Use technology to your advantage
As a remote worker, you have access to a wide range of communication tools that can help you connect with others, regardless of your location. Tools like Slack, Zoom, and Skype can help you stay in touch with colleagues and contacts, and collaborate on projects.
Some companies also use project management tools such as Asana or Trello, which can be helpful in keeping track of project progress and staying organized. Keeping up with new technological advancements and tools can lead to better communication and collaboration with your network.
- Follow-up on networking contacts
After meeting someone new, make sure to follow up with them via email or LinkedIn. Thank them for their time and mention something specific from your conversation. Demonstrating your appreciation and genuine interest in their work can help establish a connection and maintain a relationship going forward.
You can also suggest future collaboration opportunities such as guest blogging, podcasts, or projects. Building on these common interests can help grow your network and establish new opportunities.
- Attend virtual conferences
Attending virtual conferences is another way to connect with professionals in your industry. With many conferences going virtual due to the pandemic, the cost and time commitment of attending an event have decreased. Virtual conferences are an excellent way to learn from experts in your field, attend workshops, and connect with other like-minded professionals.
Networking opportunities are often present in online conferences such as virtual booths and discussion forums, which offer a way to meet new industry professionals. Also consider live-tweeting, posting on social media, or joining virtual happy hours to connect with other attendees.
Conclusion
Remote work offers a host of opportunities, including working from anywhere in the world, but it does come with unique challenges, including the need to network while on the move. However, by using social media, attending industry events, using coworking spaces, staying in touch, attending webinars and online workshops, being active on relevant forums, writing purposeful introduction emails, researching local organizations and networking events, joining online communities, making time for video calls, considering mentorship opportunities, being mindful of time zones, using technology to your advantage, following up on networking contacts, and attending virtual conferences, you can build strong professional relationships and succeed as a remote worker. Best of luck!