Networking and Zoom

Networking and Zoom

From Career Tips, 2020 Volume 10, October 2020

 

Zoom and other videoconferencing services have become commonplace tools, much more than ever before. People and companies who did most meetings in person or by phone now typically use videoconferencing.

 

And why not?  Video makes it much easier to gauge people's reactions, get visual clues that help you identify and overcome misunderstandings, comprehend those who might have accents that you sometimes have difficulty with, and build stronger relationships.

 

How can you take advantage of the video capability in an intelligent way, so that you stand out in the pool of candidates?

 

There are tons of low cost and free resources available to you right from your computer. There are hundreds of career networking groups just in New Jersey alone. Previously, you needed to travel, but now virtually all are doing video in place of their in-person meetings. That means you can attend many more if you choose, and catch ones with particularly interesting topics that you might have missed out on before due to the location.

 

Here are two critical caveats:

1. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that if you are going to a lot of those meetings, you are networking.
2. Make intelligent use of those events.

 

Regarding the first point, this has actually been a common trap for a long time, it's just gotten worse in the current environment of ubiquitous events. See this article I wrote on this some time back, "Why Attend Career Networking Groups?"

 

To build a powerful network that propels your search forward, you need to meet with a steady stream of people one-on-one, building strong relationships. This can be in person, by phone or by video, though in the current environment I would opt for the last as much as possible.

 

This doesn't happen by attending a networking event, it occurs outside them. Use events to source people who would be good to build relationships with, and then set up one-on-ones.

 

To the second point, consider which events would be more heavily populated by employed people. Those tend to be contacts better positioned to connect you to the people who can best advance your search, as well as to advocate on your behalf to those potential contacts and positions. Don't ignore the other events, where you might get good speakers on interesting topics, as well as a chance to practice some of what we will talk about next. Just find a way to balance those with events that attract those with whom you most need to be building connections.

 

Now consider how you conduct yourself at on-line events.

 

I've attended or spoken at hundreds of such events, and one of the first things you will notice is how many attendees are very casual about them.  This was always true, and has gotten even more so now that they take place via videoconferencing services. Many don't treat them as serious networking opportunities, or think they are but do it the wrong way. Here are some of the traps you want to avoid:

 

• Too casual clothing: You want potential networking contacts (as well as ones you already have who may be on the call) to see you as the sort of professional they would be happy to refer to others. Dress like it!

 

• Poor video background: A messy background, a video-cam set up in an unprofessional area, badly lit surroundings, etc. communicate volumes about how you operate, and what potential contacts or employers might see if they were videoconferencing with you.

 

• Poor use of virtual backgrounds: These are almost always a bad idea for interviews and other meetings where you are trying to project a strong, professional image, so be careful. Often they result in a fuzzy look around the edges of your outline, disappearing body parts and lags. Plus there's the potential distraction of whatever background you chose, or what message your choice might communicate. Who wants to see you out in space?

 

• Poor video setup: Cams pointed up at you, cell phones that jiggle, setups where you are looking off to the side or in some direction other than the camera, etc. make you look clueless. And a quality camera, microphone, and internet connection makes a huge difference.

 

• No name or an inaccurate or incomplete name on your 'profile': Are you afraid someone might identify you? If so, why are you even in the meeting?

 

• Showing up without video: This makes you look like a stalker, or someone who is embarrassed about your video / background / appearance.

 

• Showing up late, or leaving early: These communicate disrespect of the group and the speaker. They also suggest poor time management skills, since you couldn't have gotten caught in traffic.

 

• Not asking questions: This can suggest a lack of confidence, or disengagement in the group or topic. At the least, it sends a signal of passivity, that may speak to how you operate on the job, and you are missing an opportunity to stand out in a positive way by asking intelligent questions.

 

• Asking bad questions: You may have been told that there are no bad questions; that isn't true when you are trying to make a positive impression. Some try to ask 'gotcha' questions, which makes others in the group shake their heads and say to themselves "There goes Frank again."Others ask questions in a very negative or condescending way, in a manner that demonstrates a poor attitude, or in a way that tries to show off their knowledge, but just turns off the others on the call. And still others will ask long, rambling questions that waste a lot of time. Plus there are the off-topic questions that simply sidetrack the discussion.

 

• Avoiding discussion: Almost always, there's a portion of the meeting at the start or the end that is for informal (or guided) discussion. Take advantage of that! Join in. Don't be the wallflower who is seen as a passive participant.

 

• Poor use of the Chat box: Many networking groups encourage the use of the chat box to provide contact info to other attendees, and that's fine. But what is it about your contact info that will make me actually WANT to connect with you? Think about a tag line or marketing headline. And don't just assume that you should enter your contact info if the group leader or speaker doesn’t encourage it. Do it at the appropriate time - not when the leader or speaker is trying to keep an eye on the chat box for questions!

 

I'm sure you have your own pet peeves – send them to me and I'll expand on this in a future issue. Meanwhile, here are some thoughts from a senior executive who came to one of my webinars.

 

Remember, just because you CAN be casual doesn't mean you SHOULD be. So try to be intentional in your networking efforts!

 

If networking is an area in which you struggle, consider working with a professional on messaging and network skill-building. Take my Career Search Assessment and I'll set up a 30 minute exploratory session to examine your goals, the challenges you face, and how I could help you land the job and pay you deserve.

 

 

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