Networking is Alive and Well

In recent years, networking has become an important tool for many of us striving to survive in the competitive workforce. The current Covid-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges when it comes to holding down a job and looking for a new one due to furloughs and layoffs. This isolating environment has especially impacted how we network, from a distance.

As we all struggle to take care of loved ones who may become ill, maintain physical distancing, spray down food, wash clothes in hot water, and keep up with hard-to-obtain supplies of PPE—plus home schooling and any work-from-home responsibilities—no wonder this new reality leaves us exhausted at the end of the day.

However, this is not the time to take a break from networking. If you belong to a professional group that meets via Zoom (or similar), jump in and join the conversation. People will understand if you’re wearing sweats and multi-tasking in your kitchen. Yup, that’s part of our cultural change right now. Even if it’s a quick email or text to check in with people in your existing circle, this is the moment when it matters to simply stay in touch. It will pay off when things finally do return to some semblance of normalcy, making it easier to approach them for employment or sales later on.

Personally, I have been hearing from colleagues with whom I worked in the past (5 years ago and longer), as they reached out through LinkedIn to see how I am doing. Likewise, I have done the same…even taking the opportunity to rebuild bridges where needed. I like to think we will come out of this a better country, a better world, with better relationships.

So, who can you contact today? I urge you to do so…

Stay safe & be well,
Deborah