Challenge and change are part and parcel of any modern woman’s career path. Our Working Women’s Guides are a series of practical, expert-led advice pieces that will help you navigate through the difficult times and empower you to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. In the sixth of the series, we explore how to network successfully when you can't go out...

Remember when networking meant a couple of hours of wine, chat, and canapes, while you swapped career plans and professional anecdotes with a roomful of strangers?

The Covid-19 pandemic has stamped most of that out – at least for now. But love it or hate it, networking is an intrinsic part of progressing your career, especially if you’re starting your own business. And while face-to-face events with strangers are currently off the table, that doesn’t mean you should down tools and give up on networking altogether.

So, what are the best ways to network right now?

Go at your own pace and keep it simple

Confidence coach, Emily Bal, knows that networking makes some people uncomfortable. “It’s a forced environment and we’ve all got misconceptions of what it’s like,” she acknoweldges. She suggests starting your networking journey by addressing what it is that bothers you. “If it’s the word ‘networking’, then change it. I prefer to think of it as making connections anyway.”

Emily, who frequently works with female midlifers going through a career transformation, recognises that networking takes on so many different forms. So, it’s important to recognise what you want from the process.

Ask yourself why you need to network

People network for lots of different reasons. “We live in echo chamber bubbles – quite literally at the moment," Emily says. “Networking and connecting offer a wholly different perspective to consider.”

So, first you need to identify what you want to achieve. Have you been made redundant? Do you need more creative stimuli? Do you have a new business idea, but no one to bounce it off? Answer these questions and the rest of the process will become much easier.

“Networking isn’t just in one direction,” says Emily. Giving and receiving advice and support is invaluable and meeting people more senior and supporting people more junior both have benefits.

Have a plan and look at your existing connections

Now, you need to set yourself some clear goals. Whether you’re sending an email intro or you're about to attend a virtual networking event, think about what you want to say, and get practicing.

Think about all the people you’ve worked with, met through friends, and chatted to at networking events. “We all have hundreds of connections, both personal and professional – and generally people love being asked to help," says Emily. "Plus, reconnecting with old contacts is good for the ego. They’ll reminisce and remind you how far you’ve come without even realising it. Everyone has something to offer.”

You know these people so that first awkward conversation is already over. Just make sure you’re clear on why you’re reconnecting when you do reach out.

Refresh your social media

“Make sure your online identity is the mirror of who you are in real life,” says Emily. That means updating your LinkedIn profile and liking, sharing and commenting on the platform.

LinkedIn has really come into its own during the pandemic, functioning as a lifeline to many of the newly unemployed. The fact that people can recommend their former colleagues for jobs there has had a powerful impact on how the platform works, while strengthening the sense of workplace community that exists there.

Use LinkedIn regularly and connect with everyone there, even if you have only met them briefly. “It feels different to other social networks,” says Emily. “You can follow a hashtag, join interest groups, like/comment/share, and if you’re job hunting seek out people not jobs."

Prefer to do your networking in person? Then you may find virtual networking events more your thing. Do your research though and find out what the format is. There’s nothing worse than joining an event to speak to a specific person only to discover it’s a free for all and that the break-out rooms you were promised are nowhere to be seen.

Remember to listen

“Even I get nervous and I love networking,” Emily admits. Her trick? “I’ll go and find someone standing on their own and just say ‘Hello. Is it your first time here?’. As a coach, I love asking questions. People love to talk, especially about themselves, so just ask one question and then listen.”

The confidence coach believes this is one of the biggest mistakes people make when networking. “The skill is to understand and not reply," she explains. "We live in a noisy world and the silence after a question is both magical and deafening. I’ve learnt that so much of coaching is about holding the space for someone to speak.”

Don't say you don't need to network

Feel established in your field and don’t feel the need to do any lockdown networking? Think again. Regular networking within your industry can have a huge impact on your reputation. Your name will get known and you never know who might be on the next interview panel.

Emily also recommends connecting with associations and signing up for memberships that will work specifically for you. Their online meet-ups, newsletters, and social media channels will all be relevant and interesting to what you are doing.

Find your network

There are so many networking opportunities out there, so you need to identify the channels that work best for you. Emily explains, “One of my first, and favourite, networking events was on a theatre terrace on a warm summer’s evening, hosted by Hub Dot. The question ‘what do you do?’ was banned. Instead you were encouraged to ask, ‘What’s your story?’ as an opener, which I loved. Everyone has a story to tell.”

Explore Allbright Events online and be inspired by the amazing women hosting talks there. And if you’re feeling motivated you can even hold your own virtual networking event. Need some more inspiration? Eventbrite currently has 766 pages of online events tagged as networking related listed on its site.

Be aware of your everyday and be brave

You may be networking already and not even realising it. Whether you’re walking the dog, on the school run or just heading out to do 5km to clear your head, you will be interacting with people – albeit in a socially distanced manner.

Remember that every conversation can lead to an opportunity, so make them work for you. The more you network and connect the easier it becomes.

Emily agrees. “Stepping out of your comfort zone is hard, so remind yourself of the lasting rewards – greater self-confidence, meaningful connections, and maybe even a new job! As Susan Jeffers once wrote, feel the fear and do it anyway!”

AllBright has just launched Sisterhood Matching, our brand-new platform to help you network with other smart-minded women in our community. Whether you're looking for a new partner is business, industry friend or mentor - you'll find them through our tailored pairing service. Head here to meet your matches.