Networking for Remote Workers

Building a relationship > Blindly networking Quality is always better than quantity while networking. And how do you focus on quality? ✨ - Carefully pick the people you reach out to. - When they add you to your network, follow up with them. - Introduce yourself. Share how they can add value to your career. - Be very specific on what topic you need help on. - When you ask, think of the things you can give to them. - If you’re scheduling a call, set a clear agenda for the call. - After the call, make sure you send a thank you message. - Follow up every 3-6 months with updates. And, do you know how you can stand out? Give before you ask! 💡 When I was meeting a Senior PM who also happened to be content creator, I offered to design her LinkedIn banner. She did not expect this and I bet she still remembers me. 💡 One of the Group PMs I was meeting was starting out with content on Youtube so when we met we talked about product management but when he asked about content creation - I shared my content creation experience with him. Most of the times we think we won’t be able to add value to someone senior to us. But all of us have unique capabilities that can add value to others. So focus on adding 10 people to you network who will vouch for you uncountable times instead of 100 people who will not add any value. Hope this helps! In the next post, let’s talk about things to do on a networking call. #career #students #networking #linkedin

7 Ways To Follow Up After A Networking Call (Without Being “Annoying”): 1. The Post-Networking Call Struggle You worked so hard to land this networking call. You hopped on and it went great! But now... You have no idea what to say to keep the conversation going (or ask for a referral). Let’s fix that today. 2. Proactively Plan For The Follow Up The best follow up strategy starts in the call. Start by brainstorming questions the open the door for a follow up. Ex:  - What’s one book you’d recommend reading on [Industry]  - What could I do in the next week to level up my [Skill]  - What’s the biggest challenge your team is facing right now? 3. Plan For The Follow Up - Part 2 These questions are great because they open the door for a natural follow up. Using the same examples, now you can:  - Read that book, then follow up with a thank you + what you learned  - Take action on that advice for leveling up that skill, then report back and ask for more  - Brainstorm ideas for how to help them overcome that largest challenge 4. And If You Weren’t Proactive? Sometimes we’re not as proactive as we’d like to be. In those cases, the best thing you can do is have a system for capturing information during or right after the call. It could be taking notes during the call. It could be doing a voicenote brain dump that you have ChatGPT turn into a transcript. Do your best to minimize the time between call and notes. 5. Turn The Notes Into Ideas When you have your brain dump in front of you, review it for ideas. I love to use ChatGPT for this. Upload your notes and ask: “I just had a networking calll with [Person] who works in [Job Title] at [Company]. I’m attaching the notes from our conversation. Please help me identify their challenges, goals, and iniatives. Then help me brainstorm 5 ways to follow up with value (with email templates). 6. Don’t Be Afraid To Keep Following Up People are busy. Don’t be offended if your first follow up doesn’t get a reply. Instead, keep working on what they shared with you and find additional ways to follow up again. I recommend giving it 7 business days between follow ups. But if you keep following up with a focus on value? You’ll get the reply. 7. Asking For The Referral Now for the moment you’ve been waiting for. If they haven’t proactively mentioned a referral, wait until you’ve corresponded 3-4 times (via email, on a call, etc). Then say: “I’ve really enjoyed our conversations. I wanted to share an update. X, Y, and Z things have changed in my current role and I decided to begin looking for new opportunities as a result. If you know of anything, would you keep me in mind?”

A single coffee chat changed the game for me. ☕️ Not because it led to a job. But because they asked one simple question at the end: "Is there anyone else you think I should talk to?" 🤯 Wow, why had I never thought to ask that? I introduced them to another person in my network who I thought would be a good connection for them. The next time I had a coffee chat, you better believe I used this same strategy. That one question turned one conversation into two. Then those two turned into ten. Before I knew it, I had a full calendar and a growing circle of people who knew my name and my story. Most people stop after one chat, then go back to cold outreach and get frustrated when people don't respond. But networking isn’t about collecting names. It’s about building relationships. And some amazing relationships can be ignited through a warm intro. People want to help. They just need a nudge. The next time you’re on a coffee chat, don’t just say thanks and sign off. End with: 👉 “This has been so helpful. Is there anyone else you think I should connect with as I explore [insert your goal]?” If you're a clinician navigating this networking thing for maybe the first time in your career, this approach can change everything. You don't need to know everyone—just someone who knows someone. Keep the chain going. One chat at a time.

If you struggle to keep conversations going during networking, this tip will increase your response rate. Talk about people’s passions. Why? After getting more than 17,000 followers and networking with hundreds of job searchers, I can confidently say that: People love talking about what excites them. It’s an easy way to build rapport. Here’s how I’ve helped 50+ data professionals leverage this strategy to increase response rates and build meaningful relationships: 1️⃣ Do some research. Look at their LinkedIn or portfolio. Find something impressive. 2️⃣ Start with flattery and curiosity. Example: “Hey [Name], I noticed you [accomplishment/project]. That’s incredible! What’s the part you enjoy most about it?” 3️⃣ Follow their passion. Ask questions to show genuine interest. Let the conversation flow naturally. 4️⃣ Find common ground. When they mention something you relate to, dig deeper. Build the connection. 5️⃣ Tie it back to your goal. Shift the conversation to their role or company. Example: “Oh, does your team work on X?” “How does your company approach Y?” For instance, let’s say their passion is travel. You: “That’s awesome! Where’s the most interesting place you’ve been?” Them: “I loved Thailand!” You: “That’s on my list! Did you manage to work remotely while there?” From there, the conversation naturally moves toward their job. Pro Tip: Not everyone will engage, and that’s okay. You don't have to be "perfect" to start networking. Yes, you will still get rejected, that’s part of the game. But you'll get better after multiple iterations. Focus on connecting with the right people. Try this next time you’re stuck in a conversation and let me know how it went.

As an introvert, the thought of large professional gatherings can be overwhelming. However, you know that networking is crucial for career growth and professional success. One strategy that has worked for me is leveraging online platforms to build meaningful connections. Sites like LinkedIn allow for thoughtful engagement without the immediate pressure of in-person events, making it easier for introverts to connect and engage. By creating and sharing content, you can attract connections naturally. Platforms like Medium, YouTube, GitHub, and X also offer great opportunities to expand your reach and showcase your expertise. Start by joining online communities related to your field and contributing valuable insights. This approach not only helps you build your network but also positions you as a thought leader in your industry. Online networking allows you to take your time crafting messages and engaging in conversations at your own pace. It breaks down the barriers to the hardest part of networking: meeting a large volume of people. For introverts, this method is more manageable and comfortable, opening doors to new opportunities and meaningful relationships. Do you consider yourself an introvert? If so, how have you thought about effectively networking? #Networking #Introvert #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment

Most people tell you to network, but they don’t teach you how. Here’s what you can do: 🔹 Quality Over Quantity: Before attending, study the event's attendee list and identify 2-3 people you want to meet. This focused approach can lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations. I’ve recently done this myself at a TED event. 🔹 Adopt a Giving Mindset: Offer to share your expertise or resources. For example, if someone is working on a project you have experience with, volunteer to provide insights or introduce them to someone who can help. This shows you're invested in their success. 🔹 Research Smartly: Look into their recent projects or publications. If your contact has recently published a paper or given a talk, read it and mention specific points you found intriguing or valuable. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart. 🔹 Make the First Move: Send a message acknowledging a challenge they mentioned in a public forum or LinkedIn comment. For example: "Hi [Name], I saw your post about the challenges of remote team management. I've faced similar issues and found that regular virtual coffee breaks helped. Would love to share more if you're interested. Best, [Your Name]" 🔹 Build a Habit: Set a weekly reminder to engage with your network on social media. This could be liking, commenting on, or sharing posts from your contacts. Regular engagement keeps you top of mind and builds a foundation for deeper connections. Tomorrow’s newsletter is packed with actionable insights to turn casual contacts into valuable connections. ➡ Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eE-aFmFy 💜 Career Well-being is the best work-life newsletter, according to my readers! Join us! #NetworkingTips #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #careerbutterfly #CareerWellbeing

Aimless networking won’t get you an interview: If you’re reaching out to people with: ❌ “Hey, are you hiring?” ❌ “Can you refer me for a role?” ❌ “I need a job—can we chat?” Then, you’re doing it wrong. Networking isn’t about ASKING for a job. It’s about BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS that create opportunities. Here’s how to have networking conversations that actually lead to job interviews: 1️⃣ Start with Genuine Interest and Intention of Building the Relationship After some research on the connections, reach out with curiosity, not desperation. Example: “I admire your career path in [industry]. What are some challenges you’re seeing within this space?” 2️⃣ Focus on Their Experience People enjoy sharing their journey. Ask thoughtful questions: ✔ What expertise have you developed in this role? ✔ What are the 2 biggest challenges you’re working on now? ✔ What skills have been most valuable for finding workable solutions? 3️⃣ Share Your Value—Naturally Instead of asking for a job, share what you’ve been working on (or had success in) that is relatable. Example: “I’ve been leading [specific projects] and applying my expertise in [industry]. Sometimes that experience can be a solution to X (one of the challenges they mentioned). 4️⃣ End with a Soft Ask and offer to be a resource for them. Don’t force a referral—invite guidance. Example: “Based on what I’ve shared, who else in your network would be appropriate to be introduced to?” 5️⃣ Follow Up & Stay Visible Keep the relationship alive—send a thank-you note along with a resource for them. Engage with their content, and if you met with a person they referred,  update them on your progress. The best networking is an exchange. It’s strategic and relational. Networking can be challenging if you view it one way.  Make it mutual. Let me know in the comments if you agree that both parties need to benefit from networking conversations and how you prepare to make that happen.

I’ve been talking to a lot of candidates who tell me they’ve been applying to 100+ jobs on LinkedIn and Indeed but aren’t hearing back. The success rate from just applying online is low today. The competition is tough, with hundreds of applicants for each role. The last time I landed a role through LinkedIn applications was in 2017. Over the last 4 years, every opportunity I’ve had came through referrals, recruiters reaching out to me, or connecting directly with someone at the company. If you’re going to apply, look outside of LinkedIn too. I still use LinkedIn but as a tool to research hiring managers or recruiters, not just to send messages. I’ve never relied on InMails. I find other ways to connect instead. Even as a recruiter myself, I’ve received 100+ messages at times and couldn’t possibly respond to them all. That’s why thoughtful, genuine connections matter so much more than mass messaging. If you’re job hunting, here are some strategies that have worked for me and others in my network: -Referrals make all the difference. If you can connect with someone at the company, even just for an introduction, it can go a long way. - Slack communities are a great resource. Channels like Online Geniuses (marketing), RevGenius (sales), HackingHR (HR), The Designership (Design), Tech Ladies, and RemotelyWeWork often have job boards or strong networking opportunities. - Explore platforms specific to your industry. AngelList for startups, BuiltIn for tech and marketing roles, and Reddit/Twitter can help if you’re engaging with the right people. I actually recruited writers on Reddit in my last role. - Tailor your outreach (especially if you're sending Linkedin message). If you’re in a creative field, sharing a portfolio, or even a small project can really make you stand out. To my network: If you’ve had success finding roles recently, what’s worked for you? Feel free to share.

The 10-minute daily habit that's helped my clients land remote roles 3x faster than traditional methods... 👇🏼 Most remote job seekers spend HOURS each day scrolling through the same job boards as thousands of other applicants. Sometimes all these need is a few simple shifts or “hacks” to stand out from the crowd… After helping hundreds of people land remote jobs, I've learned success comes down to consistency with the right activities - not the time spent. I call it the "10-Minute Connection Method" - and it's dramatically outperforming traditional application strategies. Here's exactly what to do: ✅ 1 // Identify ONE ideal company each day Don't spread yourself thin across dozens of random postings. Research and select a single company that truly aligns with your skills and values - whether they're actively hiring or not. ✅ 2 // Find TWO people to connect with Locate someone in your target role and someone on the hiring team. Don't just follow them - study their recent posts and activity to understand what they care about. ✅ 3 // Make ONE meaningful engagement This isn't about generic comments like "Great post!" Leave a thoughtful, value-adding response that demonstrates your expertise and perspective. Make it impossible to ignore. ✅ 4 // Track everything in a simple system Keep a spreadsheet of your daily connections with follow-up dates. This turns random networking into a structured pipeline of opportunities. — The power of this approach is in the compound effect: // After 5 days: You've made 10 strategic connections // After 30 days: You have 60 potential pathways to hidden opportunities // After 90 days: You've built a network of 180 people who can refer you internally — My client Jason had been applying to remote marketing roles for 4 months with zero interviews. Within 3 weeks of implementing this method, he had conversations with hiring managers at 5 companies - 3 of which weren't even publicly hiring yet. The most surprising part? This approach actually SAVES time compared to endless application submissions, while delivering drastically better results. Remote work is fundamentally about relationships and trust. Shouldn't your job search reflect that? Here’s to us “escaping the cubicle” Wes 📌 Remote job searching? Comment “resume” and I’ll send you my Remote Resume Checklist to help you get started. #remotework #jobsearchtips #resumewriter 🎥 (@chandanartacademy)

Networking when everything is remote is very challenging - especially for the post-production crew where everyone is sitting in their various homes all day at a computer. Need I say how important it is? People just starting out in their careers are at a huge disadvantage working remotely since they miss out on all those encounters in the halls that can lead to new opportunities, building ties with all the other freelancers on whatever job they are currently on. I love working remotely, but it definitely impacts the kind of day-to-day networking that we all need to strengthen connections, make new ones, and find the next great gig. Besides the "go to industry events and talk to people" basic advice, think about how the gig you might have right now can lead to future gigs. Here are some ideas about networking-while-remote for assistant editors (and everyone else). What would you add? ✂️ Reach out! Honestly, most editors I know are on the introverted side. That's partly why they are editors. So if you are their remote assistant, reach out to them. Ask questions. Ask to look at cuts and works in progress and then make observations and ask thoughtful questions. Email them and kick-start a correspondence about editing theory (personally, I would love this from an assistant). ✂️ You may be overwhelmed with tasks, but make a commitment to take a few moments every day to make contact with someone on your team about something not immediately connected to this moment in the project. ✂️ Email a cameraperson or a producer and comment on a great shot or well-covered scene. Ask a good question and start a conversation. ✂️ Ask a producer if you can have a few minutes to chat about their process, or how they got to where they are. Research what other things they have done so you have some stuff to talk about. ✂️ Don't wait for someone to mentor you - ask for it. ✂️ Call up the production manager when you are several weeks in, and thank them for hiring you - what a great time you are having, how interesting the project is, what you've learned. (Or email them.) ✂️ Use the production slack message board, or whatever, to start interesting conversations. Maybe bring up a recent documentary you saw, or other general industry topic. Look for ways for more people on the team to know your name. ✂️ When the project is over, write to every person on the team and make some comment or observation about what a great job they did (keep a list for this as you work). Be sincere. Ask them them to keep you in mind, and send them your CV. Basically, don't just hunker down and do a great job, dependably. Get your name in everyone's minds. These are the people that will be recommending you for your next gig and don't miss the opportunity to get them to remember you. Full disclosure - I wish I'd taken more of this advice myself. I tend to be more of a hunker-down-and-do-a-great-job type! What other ways can you think of to network on the job?