Struggling to network whilst working from home? We’ve got you covered…
At Avenue HQ, we know the power of coworking for making new connections and building successful relationships. We’ve seen success stories in our spaces such as coworking members coming together to form businesses to partnering on products that have gone on to take the market by storm. However, with lockdown now in place due to Covid-19, our AHQ Team & members are having to get creative with how they network and connect with each other. From LinkedIn hacks to a good old ‘House Party’ here are our 5 best ways to network from home…
1. LinkedIn Groups
Everyone is familiar with LinkedIn, but sometimes you need to shake up your usual feed to make some new connections. LinkedIn Groups are virtual meeting rooms/networking groups where people with similar interests can post and hold conversations around topics they want to share or learn more about. Participating in Groups allows you to show off your expertise around a subject and start to grow relationships with like-minded people. Therefore, if you’re looking to expand your contact base but you’re not sure where to start, try finding a group such as ‘Marketing Professionals’ or ‘Regional Sales Representatives’, which will put you in touch with similar people in your field. You never know, it could be the start of something exciting…
Great for: Keen networkers who want to keep things professional
2. Zoom
Forget Skype, Zoom is the newest app to host business meetings and company catch ups, with a huge rise in usage since the lockdown. With dynamic backgrounds where you can make it look like you’re in a boardroom (even if you’re in bed) and high quality video conferencing, it’s the perfect way to still have that Monday 9am, no matter where you are in the world.
Great for: Still being able to pitch that great idea to a client, even when you can’t get to the meeting.
Zoom Call With AHQ Members & Eagle Labs
3. Houseparty
Want to keep the AHQ coworking vibe going even in lockdown? The Houseparty app is quickly becoming the top app of 2020, as you can group video call at the touch of a button. From quick draw games with up to eight guests to one-on-one catch ups, it’s less formal than a Zoom call and way more fun.
Great for: Keeping your coworking relationships going with Friday night drinks.
4. Start a blog
If you’re looking to keep your connections interested without spamming their timelines, blogs are a good place to start. From journaling your remote working experience to general opinion pieces, it’s a great way to diversify your offering when you can’t have face to face meetings. This is a great time to focus on becoming a specialist in your field, so research and essay writing can really give you kudos.
Great for: those with a knack for writing who usually don’t get an opportunity in their roles.
5. Reach out to past leads
More free time is a great opportunity to build your relationship with past customers and leads that have gone a little cold. From sending out an update email to your mailing list to offering support or complimentary services to your contacts, you’ll be surprised at how this can spark conversation. Even if it’s a friendly ‘round up of good news’ to send out, make sure it’s consistent and something for your connections to look forward to. Building that relationship will help with the hard sell when everything resumes.
Great for: those in Sales who can benefit from building their own personal brand.
In the word’s of Avenue HQ’s members Project Four: ‘Let’s do this!’.
In light of Covid-19, we’ve pivoted Avenue HQ’s events programme to temporarily exist online. Stay up-to-date with any virtual events and remain connected with Avenue HQ by following us on Twitter.