Skip to main content

7 Ways to Make the Most of Networking in a Virtual World

Published Aug 31, 2020 by Julia McGowen

Chris Perfect, Owner and Principal Consultant Concept and Perspective, LLC

The global pandemic has caused innumerable shifts to the way that people live, work and do business. One such change is how we connect with others. Since March, people have been called to master video conferencing and new technologies that make business and communication possible in a socially-distanced world. 

While Microsoft Teams and Zoom meetings have become commonplace, developing meaningful connections with new contacts through these mediums can prove to be challenging. To help business development professionals and entrepreneurs navigate networking in the virtual world, we asked Chris Perfect, Owner and Principal Consultant of Concept and Perspective, LLC about how to make the best digital impression that leads to valuable connections. 

How have you approached networking in a virtual setting?
For my business, success is driven by strong relationships of trust. Virtual networking is an opportunity to make an initial connection that leads to further meetings, discussions, etc. Time is limited in virtual networking events, so I'm very focused on presenting what I do as clearly and succinctly as possible, but also make sure that I give others an authentic view of who I am.

What are your top tips for making the most out of virtual networking events?
For the organizer, make it fun (but not inane), be creative with the format, and find an engaging facilitator. The Partnership has been great in offering this during their Net Effect virtual networking events.

For participants, remember that you are on show. Take online networking as seriously as you would in person. Be mindful of your camera angle, background, and the quality of your picture. Also be ready to share something about yourself, otherwise you're unlikely to make a connection. Use moments of inactivity to connect via LinkedIn and then follow-up!

What advice can you give to those looking to develop business connections virtually?
The more events that you participate in and the better you are able to show others who you are and how you can help, the more connections you will make. Take the time to nurture relationships.

What are your secrets to success when working a virtual room?
Think about what your personal brand is and then make sure that you reflect that. I want people to think of me a friendly, polite, interested, and engaging, so that they are open to that next conversation.

My top tips for working a virtual room:

  • Only speak first if it’s to ask a question of others or to encourage others to speak.
  • Post you email address and phone number in the chat straight away.
  • If someone says something smart, funny or interesting, tell them! Or, even better, tell someone else "I like Jane’s ideas for improving online networking."
  • Never miss an opportunity to say thank you or to praise the facilitator/host.
  • Make sure that you've read the news. Topics such as the weather, business, sports, and events could come up in conversation.
  • Tell everyone that you are keen network and invite others to connect with you on LinkedIn and then follow-up!
  • Most of all – be authentic! 

Take advantage of the Partnership’s upcoming events to connect virtually with other members. Learn more about leveraging business development and connections through Partnership membership here.

Related News

International Business

Exploring Houston’s Growing Relationship with Brazil

3/21/23
Growing business ties and economic opportunities between Houston and Brazil were the focus of discussion during a recent Partnership event. Both regions share economic interests such as the growing startup and tech ecosystems and energy transition efforts. Business Beyond Borders, an internationally focused Business Resource Group (BRG) offered by the Partnership, convened global business professionals recently for a discussion on Brazil’s economy and trade as Houston’s third largest trading partner and Texas’ top South American country for foreign direct investment and trade. The program featured Ambassador Maria Izabel Vieira, Consul General of Brazil, who provided remarks to kick off the event, followed by a discussion with John Moseley, Chief Operations Officer, Port of Houston, and moderator, George Y. Gonzales, Partner, Haynes Boone. A major theme throughout the discussion was the increasing growth and opportunity Brazil presents. Trade between Houston and Brazil reached a 10-year high in 2021 at $16.9 billion. “Brazil has one of the largest and most dynamic economies in the world that has shown remarkable resilience,” Vieira said. She added Brazil holds a significant position in the oil and gas industry as well as  a growing position in the innovation and technology sectors. Moseley echoed Vieira’s sentiment as he discussed opportunities Brazil offers to Texas and Houston with the country’s growth potential. “When you think of international trade, you immediately think of China. Brazil doesn’t get a lot of headlines, but they have a significant economy in North America and the world that has global stature,” Moseley said. Here are a few more key takeaways from the discussion: Brazil’s Clean Energy Grid Renewables meet almost 45% of the primary energy demand in Brazil, making its energy sector one of the least carbon-intensive across the globe. The country’s energy grid has one of the cleanest in the world coming from renewable resources.  Moseley said there’s an excellent opportunity for Brazil and Houston to continue the conversation surrounding the energy transition. Events like CERAWeek and the Partnership’s Future of Global Energy conference serve as avenues, allowing both regions to discuss challenges and opportunities.  Digital Technology Brazil touts itself as one of the largest innovative and entrepreneurial places that fosters growth. Vieira highlighted the country’s rapidly growing digital tech scene, emphasizing the massive potential of the Porto Digital Technology Park. Vieira said in 2020, 8.4% of Brazil’s GDP was within digital technology, and this is expected to grow to 10% by 2025. She added there has been a 20% increase in the number of startups in Brazil, further signaling the growing interest in innovation. According to a report by IBM, 78% of business leaders plan to invest in AI and digital tech across the globe, which Vieira said that places Brazil in a valuable and favorable position for these investments. Houston’s position as a global leader in tech and innovation creates opportunities for the Partnership with Brazil, leading to beneficial aspects for both countries. Brazil’s Unique Position and Growth “Brazil’s proximity to Houston as the energy hub of the world provides a unique opportunity. There are lots of parallels Brazil has with Houston including a focus on the energy transition and having one of the largest agriculture economies,” Moseley said, adding the country’s leadership in the renewable energy space also provides a significant opportunity for leadership in this sector. According to a 2013 study by the Boston Consulting Group, the rapid recent growth of the middle class has outlined an opportunity for firms to invest in Brazil. “There has been an incredible rise in the middle-class population with nearly 40 million accounting for the overall increase in the region,” Moseley said. Gonzales added “the middle class is what drives the economy – healthcare, education and infrastructure.” Want to hear more internationally focused programming? Click here to opt-in to our Business Beyond Borders email roster for more information.
Read More

Related Events

Membership

28th Annual Golf Classic

The Greater Houston Partnership returns to the greens for its 28th annual Golf Classic on Thursday, October 12 at Memorial Park Golf Course this fall. We are honored to have this year's tournament chaired by …

Learn More
Learn More
Executive Partners