ON PAPER, networking is a relatively simple task. Mingle with like-minded professionals while sipping wine and you greatly increase your chances of landing a coveted role or building your dream career.
Pre-COVID, gearing up for a networking event, you would probably have walked into a venue, thinking, "Smile. Remember your elevator pitch. If all else fails, talk about the weather."
Now though, many of us are faced with a slightly different predicament: How to network while working remotely. Operating out of makeshift home offices, with children demanding tea or pets stepping on keyboards, we have collectively become BBC Dad, aka Robert Kelly. The Busan-based political scientist famously went viral in 2017 when his children interrupted a live interview he was doing on television and his wife had to scramble to get them out of his office.
As tricky a proposition as it might be to meet people in such circumstances, research shows that rising to the challenge is worth it. According to one online survey, networking accounts for up to 85% of all filled vacancies. It can also lead to substantial pay rises, as evidenced by a recent story of how one employee secured a £24 000 (R480 000) pay rise solely through networking.
Online networking, even before the pandemic, was a crucial tool for career development.
My research shows that in early 2022, 44% of young people used social media to look for career information-up from only 19% a decade ago-and 42% consulted their social networks when looking to make a career decision.
Online networking, even before the pandemic, was a crucial tool for career development.
How to network online
This story is from the August 2022 edition of Personal Finance.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2022 edition of Personal Finance.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Hack' your money psychology
Spending too much money? Tempted by sales? These money psychology hacks’ can help
Accounting tips for small businesses
It's important to properly manage your business finances
KIDS AND MONEY: FIVE WAYS TO START THE CONVERSATION
WHEN IT comes to teaching young children about the world, parents may feel that some topics—like politics and religion—are too tough to broach.
REDUCE THE PAIN OF DOWNSCALING
Investing in a holiday home as a retiree
THE RISKS INVOLVED IN INVESTING
Finding the balance between eating well and sleeping well
TESLA: WHY IT MIGHT BE TIME FOR MUSK TO GO
What 2023 holds for the electric vehicle company
FINDING SOMEONE TO STEP INTO YOUR SHOES
The Eskom crisis demonstrates again the importance of proper succession planning—loDSA
BORROWING MONEY ISN' ALWAYS A BAD THING
On the contrary, debt can be a sensible way to build wealth
WILL SOLAR POWER INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME?
The upfront investment is high, which you'll want to recover when you sell
WHERE NEXT FOR THE GLOBAL ECONOMY?
Why central banks face an epic battle against inflation in 2023