Navigating the new era of remote working, tech professionals may find it challenging to maintain and expand their professional networks. But the digital realm offers unique opportunities to grow connections, even when in-person events are off the table. Here are some practical professional networking tips tailored for tech-savvy individuals.
Give your online presence a refresh
Whether you’re connecting with old colleagues or reaching out to potential mentors, your online profile is your first impression. Start by ensuring that your LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or blog is polished and up-to-date. It should reflect your current situation, your latest accomplishments, testimonials from references or clients, and the best ways to reach you.
Your online presence is more than just a resume; it’s a representation of your personal brand. Ensure that all your profile pictures, banners, avatars, and other visuals are consistent across all professional platforms.
Canva is the best tool around for tech professionals and entrepreneurs to create and maintain a consistent brand image. If you’re serious about your online presence, get Canva Pro – it’s incredible value for money.
🔥 Hot tip: Get a custom LinkedIn URL. This makes sharing your page easier and it looks much more professional. Learn how to do it in this article.
Follow and engage with thought leaders in your industry
Following thought leaders and staying updated on the latest trends is crucial. Think about your goals and aspirations, and work backward, to discover key influencers that align with your career goals.
Use this time to delve into industry reports, find inspiration, and follow professionals who can enrich your career journey.
For example:
- If you want to become a Product Management thought leader, seek out thought leaders via programs such as Reforge, or newsletters like Lenny’s.
- If you’re looking to build a career in fintech, follow top companies such as Stripe, Revolut, and Wise, and look for 2nd-degree connections on LinkedIn you can reach out to.
It’s not enough just to follow industry thought leaders; active engagement can set you apart. Whether it’s a video, a podcast, or a LinkedIn update, don’t hesitate to comment with your thoughts, ask questions, or even respectfully challenge points you disagree with. Thoughtful engagement can spark a conversation and help you become more visible to the thought leader and their followers.
🔥 Hot tip: If a thought leader’s content resonates with you, repost it but ensure you include a personalized comment about why you find it valuable. This will help add incremental value to your network as well as strengthen your connection with the thought leader.
Craft personalized connection requests on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a powerful platform for professional networking, but it requires a thoughtful approach. Don’t send generic connection requests; personalize them to reflect how you discovered the person and why you want to connect.
Before sending a connection request, take the time to explore the recipient’s LinkedIn profile. Look for details about their current role, past experiences, shared connections, or mutual interests.
A casual yet informed tone can make your connection request stand out, such as:
Hi [name], I came across your recent post on [topic] and found it incredibly insightful. As a fellow tech professional, I’d love to connect and learn from your expertise. Best, [your name]
It’s also important to convey why you’re reaching out and what you hope to gain from the connection. Maybe you admire their work in the tech industry, share common professional interests, or see potential collaboration opportunities. By stating a clear reason for connecting, you make it easier for them to understand your intentions.
🔥 Hot tip: Mention something specific from their profile that caught your attention, such as a shared alma mater or a project they’ve worked on, to demonstrate that your request is thoughtful.
Showcase your value on professional networking channels
Add value to your professional networking efforts by offering unique insights and sparking engaging discussions. Regularly invest time in commenting on relevant threads, sharing your perspective, and producing your own content, such as blog posts.
As a tech professional, participating in open-source projects not only sharpens your skills but also showcases your expertise and collaboration ability. Share your contributions on platforms like GitHub and highlight them on LinkedIn or other social media channels, explaining the problems you solved or the technology you used.
✨Want to brush up your speaking skills? Check out my tips on how to host remote presentations.
Choose webinars wisely
While webinars can be a great way to learn and network, they can also become overwhelming. Focus on selecting webinars that genuinely interest you and offer opportunities for interaction. Focus on joining 1-2 engaging webinars per month, and explore on-demand content when it suits you.
Before signing up for a webinar, research the speaker’s background. Look for their experience, expertise in the subject matter, and previous presentations if available. If they’ve delivered insightful talks before, they’re more likely to provide value again. Be sure to search for videos or podcasts featuring the speaker to gauge their presentation style and depth of knowledge.
Webinars should have a clear agenda and defined learning objectives. Look for detailed descriptions that outline what will be covered and what you can expect to learn. If the webinar seems too broad or lacks clear goals, it may not provide the focused insights you need.
Many webinars offer networking opportunities, such as breakout sessions, Q&A with the speakers, or post-webinar discussion forums. Assess these opportunities and how they align with your professional networking goals. For tech professionals, connecting with like-minded individuals or potential collaborators can be as valuable as the content itself.
🔥Hot tip: Look for webinars that use platforms allowing for interaction and engagement with other participants, and prepare some questions or topics in advance to make the most of these opportunities.
With these professional networking tips, tech professionals can foster meaningful connections and growth opportunities. Even in a virtual landscape, the potential for networking is unlimited; it just requires a more strategic and authentic approach tailored to the modern tech-savvy individual.
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