For the last couple of years, it’s definitely not been easy networking through lockdowns, restrictions, masks, and social distancing. In 2022, there is cautious hope that there will be some kind of a return to being able to meet people in person, and perhaps a revival of networking. But not everyone is diving for the group bookings form and dusting off their lanyards. There is still a lot of uncertainty on what networking, and business as a whole, will look like in a post-pandemic world when that arrives.
If you’re looking to start networking again face to face, but you’re not sure where to start, here are some simple ideas to get you started.
- Look close to home. If events aren’t being set up in your area yet and you’re in shared office space then look at who is in your building and who might be helpful to meet. Even if they aren’t specifically in your industry or you might not see the value, it could be that they would be able to pass your details on at a later date to someone of interest, so remember to be a good neighbour!
- Hybrid networking. Hosting events doesn’t mean having to choose between a big in-person meeting or event, or a totally online affair. People are mixed in how comfortable they’re feeling and with vulnerable people out there who still want to be a part of the business world. By offering a choice of in-person or online attendance, you can potentially reach everyone.
- Look for a completely new approach, and give it a go. The phrase ‘the new normal’ is thrown around a lot at the moment, but the fact is that in a world that is readjusting following the unthinkable happening, people are more open to new approaches than ever. This is evident in the way you see companies recruiting, operating, and evolving. So if you’d had an idea for networking before that you thought was a bit too ‘out there’, then now is the time to give it a go.
