Networktivity

Unless you are extraordinarily introverted (like me), you may be having a hard time during this most recent round of restrictions put in place by our government.  Life during a pandemic does not have to feel isolated.  We absolutely need to do things differently; we can’t grab a drink after work anymore or meet up for coffee to pick each other’s brains and discuss whatever problem has come up at work or home.  But there are options for us. These suggestions will revolve around a video meeting platform.

I am sure that you have noticed that the arts community has really stepped up and made performances and other events accessible online.  It’s fun to enjoy them from the comfort of your own home and see how creative organizations are doing things differently.  Speaking as someone terrified of meeting people in real life, I enjoy these new developments.  One of my favourite pandemic events was a performance of the Il Cristantemi by Puccini at the Palau Opera House in Barcelona. for an audience of plants. Here are some ideas on how to network and connect with others when you can’t meet new people and feel desperate for new energy and new ideas.

Try out a new club, group, or service.

Do you belong to a networking group or community already?  Have they moved their meetings online?  Check with your group. The meetings won’t be the same, but most organizations are finding a way to carry on. Often the online meetings will be smaller.  Take advantage of this. A smaller gathering will give you a chance to ask questions, and your opinions will be heard and discussed. If you don’t already have a networking group, let me offer up my personal favourite, Creative Mornings. Edmonton has its own chapter. Spend a Friday morning drinking your coffee with these guys. You will learn a great deal, often about topics you didn’t even know were important. Don’t let the name of the group scare you away.  The very first part of the manifesto reads: “Everyone is creative.”

Meet new people safely.

Since we aren’t going out to bars, parties, or even trade shows right now, and we may be getting a little bit bored with our current circle of friends/acquaintances/loved ones.  There is a solution to this problem. It’s called Lunchclub, and it’s a free curated professional networking service – that will connect you with a like-minded individual, or at least with someone who shares common interests.  You get to have a video chat for 45 minutes, and from there, you can decide if you want to stay in touch. It’s a great way to practice your conversational skills.  When we aren’t able to see people regularly, we often feel awkward talking to new people. This platform gives you a chance to practice just that. Meeting like-minded, or not all like-minded people, is a great way to find new interests and new friends. This is an invite-only service.

Speaking of practicing skills, do you have a library membership?  Did you know that a library card comes with a free membership to Lynda.com?  You can learn new skills in business, or design, software development, etc. It’s absolutely worth looking into. We have all this time; why not make use of it.

Change the way you connect.

One thing I have this year is that video meetings have replaced phone calls. I have a love/hate relationship with this. I don’t mind using a video platform if I am expecting the meeting.  But if you call randomly, you shouldn’t expect us to want to use our cameras.  There is a level of respect that needs to be adhered to. Just because you are confident using a camera doesn’t mean we all are.  Start the meeting off with an audio-only connection, and then ask if the other person wants to move to video.

Ask your connection personal(ish) questions. For instance, how they are coping during this time.  Or how their families are doing. A bit of interest and empathy go a long way, especially when people feel locked up and disconnected.  Being real and authentic is important. Not only for the people you are reaching out to but for your own self. We can all spare a few minutes to care about others.

Ask your friends and colleagues about how you can be helpful during this time.  Helpfulness is infectious. This idea will germinate, and you will notice that your connections will pick up the practice. Empathy and being of service to others will change society.

Be patient.

The most important lesson that I have learned from COVID is that life moves at a much slower pace now. I still catch myself sighing and rolling my eyes when technical difficulties arise during a webinar or meeting. I am far from perfect myself, but I really struggle when I feel that people are wasting my time. Realizing that I have nowhere else to go right now is starting to help me cope a little better.  Since time moves slower (or at least feels like it does), we can actually get more done during the day – because the distractions are less, unless, of course, you also have kids at home who are engaging in remote learning.

There is a wonderful phrase that has been used a lot during this pandemic that can be applied to networking at home.  Be patient, be kind, and be safe. If we all follow these rules, we can move forward into a better society. After all, everyone is connected, and we should cherish and protect these connections.