Networking over virtual coffee chats
I was recently introduced to the concept of networking over 30 min coffee chats, and I think it is life-altering.
Why networking?
Networking helps you grow professionally and personally. There are countless opportunities in various diverse fields, making it impossible to keep track of them. One way to familiarize yourself with these opportunities is by connecting with new people and gaining insights from their journeys and experiences. You also learn to empathize with people, and you get the opportunity to help them by sharing your amazing journey.
Soft skills are important traits for every role, and virtual coffee chats provide a great opportunity to improve these skills. You can start slow — by setting short duration meetings or by not turning on your camera. After a few chats, I found the virtual platform to be comfortable and safe. It will gradually become the “new normal” for you.
Who do I reach out to?
You can either connect with people you are familiar with or reach out to an unknown person. I recently discovered that it is okay to reach out to new people in a professional setting. For example, you can reach out to potential people who can help you with some issue or a person whose work you admire. Don’t hesitate to take the first step.
What do I talk about?
Networking with a new person feels scary and awkward because we don’t know what we will talk about. So once you’ve set up a meeting, do your research. Find out about their work and have a few questions up your sleeve so you can save the conversation from running dry. Be relaxed — don’t think of it as an interview. Ask follow-up questions during the conversation.
Learn to appreciate. Not only the other person but also yourself. Often while talking about our lives, we underestimate ourselves. Speaking about your achievements does not make you an egoistic person. Once you’re able to appreciate yourself, you’ll find it easier to talk about your journey in these chats.
What do I do after the chat?
I try to maintain the connection by dropping a thank you note after the meeting and connecting on LinkedIn. You can also ask for a follow-up chat after a few days. Share your achievements or stories, or just check-in. Try to put effort into the connection to save it from fading away.
Closing remark
Networking is a beautiful concept that enables you to learn, teach, and share. I want to conclude by adding a quote by Sean Stephenson:
“Communication is merely an exchange of information, but connection is an exchange of our humanity.”
Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn or book a slot on Topmate and connect with me :)
