Social distancing network

How to Network While Social Distancing

This post is courtesy of Annelise Krafft at HMA Public Relations, one of our Public Relations Global Network partners.

As the world continues to social distance in an attempt to flatten the COVID-19 curve, networking and professional relationships can feel impossible to maintain.

Although our new normal doesn’t encourage face-to-face interactions, there are still ways to build and maintain connections in your business network, according to Forbes Magazine.

Here are three ways to network while social distancing.

Strengthen Existing Connections

Now more than ever, reach out to people in your immediate circle. Anything from following up on a request to simply saying hi will go a long way. Now is also a great time to reach out to those you have fallen out of touch with.

Embrace Emotional Bonds

In these unprecedented times, and it’s impossible to continue with business as usual. Everyone is dealing with emotions of anxiety and uncertainty related to COVID-19, and now is a great time to grow emotional bonds between colleagues by having raw conversations with those in your network.

Call Instead of Emailing

Hoping on the phone feels a lot more personal than sending an email or a text.  Much like an open-door policy, encourage and welcome calls at any time. Better yet, set up a video chat to talk face-to-face.

~hoytorg