[must be a W. P. Carey (ASU) Alumni] What is one tip you would share for successful virtual networking? - List your degree and graduation year at the end of your response.

I was not an early adoper of LinkedIn. I already had about 10 years of work experience by the time it was launched and had lost track of contacts I had made in prior positions. More recently, I have made a point to connect with almost everyone I meet. Over the years, people take on greater responsibility and move into new positions. You never know when your paths may reconnect. It might open the door to a new job, or business opportrunity. But that shouldn\'t be your only motivation. Relationships matter and can outlast careers.

The best tip to share for becoming a successful virtual networker has to be researching who you want to reach out to beforehand. We have access to so much information that a simple Google search, social media search, or word-of-mouth digging could provide an excellent way to spark up a conversation. If you want someone to truly remember you, you should ask a question or make an introduction that connects to strong aspects of that person\'s life. Maybe you both have a similar work history or enjoy rock climbing. Being personal, approachable, and memorable all starts with a trip to the virtual library. - Name: Colin Romaglia - Class: ASU Class of 2021 (Fall) - Main School: Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication - Major: Sports Journalism (BA) - Minor: Digital Audiences - Certificate: Sales and Marketing Essentials *The Certificate was completed through the W. P. Carey School*

At all group events, screenshot the participants to create a follow up list, with reminders of who and why you have a meaningful connection. Use the chat to side bar greetings and conversations to acknowledge individuals you already know. Contribute concise solutions-based questions, resources, or events relevant and valuable to the group. Attend regularly, edit your nametag accordingly, and announce your affiliation to build recognition (always with a smile). Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies - Business & Communication, 2009

Think about your background and lighting - how you present is so important. Try to sit facing a window to ensure you\'re not backlit. If a window or light source is right behind you, it\'ll wash you out. Also, be mindful of what\'s in your background to prevent any distractions from the conversation. You can even get fun with it and find a Zoom virtual background online to use! - Lindsay Hahn Arizona State University - Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication Bachelor’s Degree, Journalism and Mass Communication 2014 - 2018 Arizona State University - W. P. Carey School of Business Certificate, Marketing & Sales Essentials 2014 - 2018

Mindset ~ Networking is about building relationships, not making sales. This means that everyone you meet has value, even if they will never be your customer. Also, by developing relationships that align the most with your values and goals, you are creating a network of people who care for your success. Pick 4 to 5 values that you are looking for in potential relationships and rank each person you meet on a scale of 1 to 5. Those who rank higher are the ones you want to follow up with within 1 to 2 days. Those who score lower are the ones you want to send an email/LinkedIn message saying it was wonderful meeting them. Then you keep up with them via their social page(s). Lastly, planning ~ Here are specifics questions to answer as you’re building your plan: 1. Why are you attending this networking event? 2. How are you going to measure value? 3. What’s your plan to follow up with those you meet? 4. Do have all my information ready to share online? MBA ~ 2001

Most professional cohorts have developed communities uniquely geared toward making virtual connections. Step one is narrowing your focus to communities that have people you\'re looking to connect with as a part of them. Step two is narrowing to those communities with robust virtual options (Slack/Teams groups, monthly webinars or virtual meetups). Step 3 is joining and adding value so the community can learn what you can bring, and what you\'re looking to get from the community!

I\'ve always stressed that one of the most important tenets of success in business is relationship building. The pandemic and our switch to "virtual everything" has made building relationships at work harder but not any less important. If you are working remotely, my advice is to make time for small talk. A casual exchange about your pets or the latest pop culture news contributes so much to building rapport with your team members (and make work so much more enjoyable). So, make sure to join in on the small talk before Zoom meetings, take part in virtual happy hours, if your company hosts them, and be proactive and schedule catch-up or, if you\'re at a new job, "get to know you" meetings. By taking the initiative to get to know people, you are building the rapport that will help you advance your career. B.S. in Management, 2013

With so many automations and spam accounts it’s not hard to tell when someone’s message is manufactured. It’s important to stay true to yourself while remaining professional, no one likes to feel like they are speaking to a computer. Avoid using buzzwords without examples to illustrate. Don’t hesitate to connect with others who share similar values. Use the internet to your advantage: a place for you to begin or enter any conversation.

Practice Your Writing: Not all networking interactions will necessitate the use of audio and video. Some contacts will prefer to message back and forth as their schedule allows, allowing them plenty of time to consider appropriate responses to your inquiries. Begin refining your writing talents for the benefit of these people and your connection invites. Begin by reading some of your previous posts, emails, and texts. Is your voice formal? Are there any obvious grammatical errors that should be corrected? Analyzing your existing writing will help you figure out what needs to be fixed. Above all, make sure your writing comes across as respectful and professional. People in your network are gladly making time for you in their hectic schedules, and your writing should show your attention and appreciation. Send a thank-you note to anyone with whom you interact.

One tip I would share for successful virtual networking is to send handwritten notes after the event. In a digital age, it's easy to forget the power of a handwritten note and how it will leave a lasting impression. But studies have proven that handwritten notes are more personal and appreciated than emails or text messages.

As an undergraduate student, I found virtual networking invaluable. Platforms like Linked In can give you access to professionals that you admire most. My biggest tip when looking to be successful in virtual networking is to start with a goal in mind. There are several reasons why you could be networking: job opportunities, career advice, or even to learn from a pro in a particular field. For example, say your goal is to learn a bit more about a successful entrepreneur's journey, you can then narrow down a list of focused and intentional questions that you have prepared to ask that person. This will help expand your knowledge base and get the most out of the interaction that you’re virtually having. Amanda Wade, Business Communications (2020).

Dress professionally: Dress as if you were meeting someone in their office — if the person you were meeting worked in a professional office, you should dress professionally as well. Networking via video, in my opinion, makes no difference. Dress as if you are meeting someone in person to explore work opportunities or merely to have an informational interview. I'm still astounded by how many individuals wear sweatshirts to business meetings!

While working virtually, keep your network active: I used to advise people in office environments to think about getting out of the office and networking throughout the year. You don't always need a cause to contact your network; in fact, it's better if people hear from you even when you don't want anything from them. Consider reaching out to friends you haven't spoken to in a while to see how they're doing and to reconnect. It will make scheduling a meeting with them easier when you do require their support.

Negotiating job offers goes beyond the financial benefits (i.e. salary, 401K, bonus, etc.). When considering a job opportunity, take the time to think about that you can contribute and what you need to obtain from the company. You should also assess your current personal values and needs and allow those to directly influence the factors upon which you will negotiate. Do you need more flexibility for family reasons? Would you like more professional development opportunities? Do you need a hybrid working arrangement? Rather than negotiating a higher salary, ask for the company to provide you with resources to help you design the life you wish to have while still building a career you enjoy. Tanika Fitzgerald Master of Business Administration - 2006

Participate in networking event breakout sessions: I've been to a lot of conferences and events that have taken place during the last year. The majority of these events have incorporated networking breakout rooms for smaller groups. My advice here is to be there and switch on your camera when you are placed in a breakout area. When they are suddenly on a screen with multiple strangers, many people find this awkward. To get the most out of these seminars, you must be an active participant. Ask questions, discuss perspectives, and make a list of people with whom you might wish to connect offline.

Plan Virtual Walks with Your Coworkers: Setting a goal to connect with various coworkers from your organization away from the screen once a week is something I advocate. You can achieve this by suggesting a virtual stroll, in which you talk on the phone while each of you goes on a separate walk wherever you are. With fewer distractions and more time for conversation, these outings will not only help you and your coworkers connect better. Furthermore, you can discover more about each other than you would if you were connecting from behind your screen. These conversations help you both develop a better grasp of the organization and become more productive employees. The knowledge you obtain will help you advance within the firm. I believe that these kinds of relationships with coworkers can be just as valuable, if not more precious, than those with people outside your business, and that they may be the ones you preserve and cultivate long after one or both of you has left the company.

Remember that authentically expanding your network takes time: I feel that networking is a lifetime activity. The honest connections you make now may lead to a slew of fresh connections and opportunities later on. I advocate taking little actions, such as reaching out to a couple of contacts per week, saying you're thinking of them, and asking how they're doing, to individuals who are feeling overloaded, especially caregivers balancing competing demands and workers across the board who are experiencing burnout. Start planning for the future for those who may find that even that is too much right now. We're starting to see a glimmer of optimism that we'll be able to return to some kind of in-person [activity] in the not-too-distant future. Use this time to consider the community you want to create, how you can help others, and what you can contribute. Consider who you might be able to contact in the future. That way, when the moment comes, you'll be ready to act.