Key Points:

• Develop a Routine
• Take time to self-reflect
• Cultivate a productive office space
• Research companies & people
• Utilize the virtual landscape to go beyond your geographical location

The initial discomfort of networking in-person has pushed it into the digital space, but it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. The past six months have led us to the virtual world of connection. Networking from home can look and feel differently for many people, but it can offer new and deeper connection opportunities, according to Cheree Bernard, Employee Care Lead at Spectraforce.

1. Routine

Developing a routine can prepare you to always be ready for the uncertain environment we’re all living in. “It stabilizes you and motivates you to stay focused,” according to Bernard. Start by establishing a morning routine before you start your workday (i.e. morning walks, meditation, journaling, etc.), then end your day with an evening routine (i.e. evening walks, reading, yoga, etc.).

2. Reflect

Whether you’re trying to look for a new job or keep one, self-reflection is often missed yet very important. As claimed by Rebecca Fraser-Thill, a psychology professor at Bates College & Senior Contributor for Forbes, ” people who make the space to reflect are more articulate about their goals and “value add” in resumes, interviews, and during meetings in existing roles.” Start by making a list of what works and doesn’t work for you. Identify what makes you stand out, what interests you, and what impact do you want to make. Jakob Lagerstedt, Senior Recruiting Manager at Spectraforce recommends creating a tiers system of companies that fit your “Works for you” list, “what fascinates you” lists and your “what impact you want to make” list. Start with the traditional type companies, then list companies out of the box to give you a fresh perspective.

3. Office Space

Create an office space that cultivates confidence and creativity. According to a recent interview by architect & author Donald Ratter in Architectural Digest, “What we see can literally change how we think.” Ratter states, that “the color blue boosts creativity, while red encourages attention to detail. A pop of green can also put people in an imaginative mood—and there are other ways to go green besides paint. “You can try to bring nature inside,” Rattner says, with (hardy!) houseplants, botanic prints, and nature photography.” Consciously creating the perfect office space takes an intentional effort, but once you have designed it, it can help you effectively and productively work.

4. Research

Effective connection starts by putting in the time to research your ideal employer. While on the search, look for companies that share your values, understand their benefits, learn their business options, and research their decision-makers. Tools like LinkedIn and Glassdoor can assist in discovering who to reach out to and start a dialogue with. Lagerstedt states, that it is best to start engaging with decision-makers through their posts. A simple message could bring attention to your profile. Before reaching out, however, think about what you have to offer. Why are you genuinely interested in the industry or company? It is best to have an authentic response in case you’re able to score a meeting or interview.

5. Geographic Location

Lastly, networking virtually from home offers the opportunity to build connections beyond your geographical location. We are no longer bound by location or personal obligations. Networking from home can contribute to high-quality interactions, because ” you’re reaching out to someone intentionally, someone you’ve done a little research in advance…” as mentioned by Tiana Clark in the NYTimes “How to Network From Home” article.

Resources:

Image: https://unsplash.com/

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/11/business/networking-home-coronavirus.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/rebeccafraserthill/2020/04/05/targeted-reflection/#36d9a0bb5947

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/set-up-best-work-from-home-space