Networking during the time of coronavirus

Canceled events, meetings, and conferences have caused many business interactions to slow down. There are still some things you can do to continue your relationship-building plans without risking the spread of COVID-19.

Set up meetings using virtual meeting platforms. It is an excellent substitute during the health crisis. You get the benefit of seeing someone's face and body language while remaining separated by a screen. Reach out to someone you want to connect with and send them an invitation for a video conference chat. If you're going to make it over coffee or lunch, do that in your office/home office and bond over self-quarantining.

Connect with your social media network. Spend some time connecting with your contacts. Interact with them. Comment on their posts with your own insights. Don't just "Like" a post. Treat social media like you would a networking event and interact with those you want to create a connection and speak up.

Expand your social media network. Make a list of people/potential clients that you'd like to get to know better and reach out to them on LinkedIn. Be sure to "Add a note" when sending a request to connect. Follow their company pages and see what they're posting.

APACC Connections on LinkedIn. Follow APACC on LinkedIn Here. Introduce yourself to the "APACC Connections on LinkedIn" in the comment section of the post. Include your title, company and what you do. Be sure to comment on other's introductions.

Bring it all together. Follow up with your social media networking contacts. Just as you would send a follow-up meeting request after a networking event. Send your new social media contacts an invitation for a video conference chat.

What other ways are you networking during this time of coronavirus? Share your ideas in the comment section below.