Networking may not be high on your list of things to do right now.
Networking is about building relationships. It happens at work and outside of work. It is something you desire to do but not often with any level of joy or confidence.
According to a RockPaperStar research study of 500 people, the larger the group, defined as two or more people, the more likely people are to dislike networking. Words to describe networking are “dreadful, a necessary evil and something that makes me feel slimy.”
The good news for those of you who don’t like large groups is that we may not have the opportunity to connect in those formats for a long time.
Yet, networking is how you build and maintain relationships, learn new skills and connect with people. It’s a skill to learn, such as learning how to use your email, make a PowerPoint deck or develop skills on social media or LinkedIn.
We are all going to be faced with a new world of building relationships post-Covid-19, and the rules are yet to be written. Empathy is a crucial component to building better relationships for the long term with people. Empathy also makes it easier for you to relate to the other person and connect with meaning.
I wanted to provide three tips to add more empathy to your “online” networking approach.