It’s no secret: networking is a vital part of career success. But in the midst of a global pandemic, in-person networking isn’t an option. This doesn’t mean networking is any less important. Networking is still the best way to make meaningful and mutually beneficial professional connections.

So how can you continue to make important connections while adhering to social distancing guidelines? By taking your networking online. 

Here’s how to network virtually:

Get Active on Social Media 

Social media can be a powerful professional tool. And while everyone is working from home and only venturing out for essentials, it’s one of the best ways to connect with other professionals.

Of course, LinkedIn should be your go-to for professional networking online. Start by searching Linkedin for professionals in your industry and connecting with them. Start conversations or share interesting content with your connections to try and establish a relationship. Check-in frequently to see what people are posting. Add comments to posts to get a conversation going and share engaging content on your feeds to spark some discussion and show your followers that you stay current on industry news and trends.

Join Online Groups 

There are tons of online groups for every topic imaginable. LinkedIn and Facebook are great places to start searching for discussion groups in your industry. But you can’t just join the group, you have to get involved. Start by commenting on active discussion threads. Once you’re comfortable, start a discussion of your own. 

Reddit is another good social network to search for subreddits in your niche. Frequent participation in these groups is a great way to showcase your knowledge and make a memorable impact on people in your industry.

Become a Content Creator 

You know what’s even better than sharing articles online? Creating them yourself! Creating content is a great way to show off your knowledge in your industry. 

Choose an area you are especially knowledgeable in and start creating content to showcase your expertise. Once you have an article written, publish your content on Medium and LinkedIn, or you could even start a blog if you plan on creating content on a regular basis.

If you’re especially tech-savvy and ambitious, try your hand at starting a podcast to share your knowledge and insight on topics in your industry.

Whatever you decide to create, don’t forget to share it on social media with your followers to get eyeballs on your content.

Connect With a Recruiter

Establishing a relationship with a recruiter can expand your network exponentially because recruiters have huge networks that you can tap into once you’ve made a connection. Not only are they connected with multiple professionals like yourself, but they also have relationships with employers.

Start by finding recruiters in your industry to connect with. Message them on LinkedIn, or get their contact information from their recruiting firm’s website and introduce yourself. From there, they will most likely ask you about your career goals so they can learn more about what you’re looking for in a new position. 

Even if you’re not looking for a new job right now, it beneficial to create a connection now so down the road when you’re ready, you’ll already have an established connection with someone who can help you find the next step in your career. 

If you’re an accounting or finance professional in the St. Louis area, connect with the recruiters at Burchard & Associates. We want to learn about your experience and career goals to see if there are any opportunities for you. Contact us today to get started.