Ways to Build Professional Connections After Isolation

This week, I had the opportunity to be part of Ajman University ’s Career Fair, where I engaged with so many ambitious students and professionals looking to take their next big step. I was also invited to speak on Ramsa Podcast, where we discussed a topic that kept coming up throughout the event— Networking. Many candidates asked me, “How do I build meaningful connections online?” “What’s the right way to reach out to people?” “How do I network without feeling transactional?” "Does LinkedIn really work ?" The truth is, networking today isn’t just about exchanging business cards or adding someone on LinkedIn—it’s about building real relationships that create value for both sides. The rules have changed, and we need to approach it with more intentionality, authenticity, and strategy. Here are six simple but powerful ways to make better connections online: 🔹 Connect, don’t collect – Quality over quantity. Your network is about depth, not numbers. Do your homework before reaching out. 🔹 Don’t make it about you – The best way to build relationships is to show genuine interest in others. Ask insightful questions and engage meaningfully. 🔹 Become a familiar face – Comment on posts, join discussions, and contribute before you reach out. Visibility builds credibility. 🔹 Bring in-person online – Follow up after meeting someone. Reference a shared conversation or take a photo together to create a stronger memory. 🔹 Be thoughtful – A simple emoji reaction isn’t engagement. Craft responses that add value and spark conversation. 🔹 Follow up or fail – 80% of successful networking is simply staying in touch. A quick DM, a shared article, or a check-in message can keep relationships alive. If there’s one thing I left the Ajman University Career Fair and Ramsa Podcast reflecting on, it’s that our networks are one of our greatest assets—but only if we nurture them. So here’s my challenge for you: Think of one person you’ve been meaning to connect with. Maybe it’s a mentor, a hiring manager, or someone in your industry. Reach out today. The best opportunities often come from the conversations we start. What’s your biggest networking challenge? Let’s discuss! 👇 #Networking #CareerGrowth #PersonalBranding #AjmanUniversity #RamsaPodcast #BuildingConnections

Your colleagues are not your friends. Do your job. Get paid. Go home. I completely agree with this… If you want work to be a place of cold isolation that may eventually impact your wellbeing and productivity. Some of my oldest friends today, are people I worked with, from bosses to peers and even external collaborators (vendors & suppliers). And they made work better, happier, more engaging and satisfying for me. Humans by nature are communal creatures; we need to connect with others, feel part of the group. If you think about it, all the levels in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs are essentially about human connection; physiological needs, safety, love and belonging, esteem and self-actualisation all require human connection with others. In the past it was easier to create friendships at work because you saw people and interacted with them daily. Today, with remote and hybrid work, it’s a little harder but still doable. Here are some tips on building relationships with colleagues even when you rarely see them physically: 📌 Make the Effort: If you want to build relationships at work, you have to be intentional about it; reach out, communicate, interact, participate. 📌 Offer Value & Build Trust: As selfish as this may sound, people gravitate towards those who add value to their lives. And since value is subjective, start by being generally optimistic, positive, friendly and willing to be helpful. Make sure to follow through on promises. Consistency and reliability are important for building trust 📌 Use the Tech: Most of today’s workplace interactions happen with the use of technology; emails, instant messaging, video conferencing, etc. Use them. Don’t wait for a time when you can interact physically. 📌 Communicate Effectively: Because it’s harder to connect virtually than physically for most people, you’ve got to communicate more often and leave no room for ambiguity as virtual communication can be open to interpretation (and misinterpretation). 📌 Virtual Socials: Don’t limit workplace interactions to work stuff. Share personal interests and hobbies to find mutual interests you can bond over. I love the idea of a pyjama coffee meeting or virtual lunches with colleagues. Who doesn’t relax while drinking a beverage? Or in PJs? 📌 Celebrate Colleagues: Celebrate your colleagues’ achievements or milestones, professional and personal. Even small gestures of recognition go a long way in relationship-building. Building relationships in a remote work environment requires being proactive, patient, and empathetic. By actively engaging with your colleagues using remote tools, and finding ways to connect beyond work stuff, you can create strong and lasting professional relationships, even when you rarely meet in person. Do you believe in work-friends? How do you build and maintain friendships with remote colleagues? #LinkedInNewsEurope

Networking changed my career for the better! I haven’t always been the best at keeping relationships, especially after leaving a role. However, I’ve been networking within my industry for the past several years, and it has changed everything. First, I began to attend events in my field. I joined the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches to continue learning more about resume writing and career coaching. Over time, I began to get to know my fellow peers. I started to reach out and respond to those who contacted me. Sometimes, we messaged on LinkedIn and that was it. Other times, I had Zoom calls. And in a special case, I set up bi-weekly Happy Hours to talk business and share ideas. So why network? - Insights and Knowledge: Interacting with professionals in your field can provide a wealth of knowledge and different perspectives. I’ve learned so much from Denise Bitler, MRW, CPRW, CDBS, CICNC, CIC, Mark Misiano, MBA, CPRW, CDCS, and John Suarez, MBA, CPRW. - Mentorship: Networking can connect you with potential mentors who can guide your career development. Angie M. Callen, CPRW, CPCC became a friend and mentor. We discuss business strategy and how to bring more value to my clients. I’ve evolved countless times since meeting Angie. - Career Opportunities: Often, new job prospects come from within your network. It’s about being in the right place with the right connections. Because I was vocal during webinars, Margaret Phares asked me to lead a webinar series for PARWCC. From there, I later landed a role on the leadership team, developing and administering the CPRW (a resume writing exam). How can you network effectively? - Be Genuine: Authenticity in networking creates meaningful connections. Don’t wait to be laid off from your role. Make connections constantly. - Attend Professional Events: Conferences, seminars, and industry meet-ups are great places to meet like-minded professionals. - Engage in Online Forums: Platforms like LinkedIn groups, industry-specific forums, and virtual webinars offer global connections. - Offer Value: Networking is a two-way street. Think about how you can help others as well. Let’s discuss: How has networking influenced your career? Do you have any tips for effective networking? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below! 💬 #professionalnetworking #careerdevelopment #careergrowth #networkingtips

“I didn’t attend a single conference during my PhD. No travel, no funding, no PI support.  But I still built a strong professional network — from my laptop.” If you feel behind because you're not jetting off to conferences, you're not alone. Francesco Rugolo, PhD (a molecular biologist and postdoc) shares in this honest, practical video how he built his entire network online. Watch it here: https://lnkd.in/dq2KDWH4 Here’s 4 things from the video that worked for him (and can work for you too): 1. LinkedIn – Don’t just list your CV. Show up. – Like, comment, share your learning. – Avoid AI-generated fluff. Be real. – Think value: “How can I be useful to someone reading this?” 2. Cold emails + Zoom coffee chats – Reach out to people whose work you admire. – Keep it short and thoughtful. – Be curious, not transactional. – Respect their time. Prepare. 3. Webinars & Online Communities – Join free academic webinars via mailing lists and reach out to people afterwards. – Find Slack/Reddit/Discord communities in your field. (he recommends Alma.Me’s Slack community, you can join here --> alma.me/community-sign-up) 4. Mentorship programs – Many are free and open (even if you're not at that university). “It wasn’t fast. It wasn’t flashy. But it worked.” You don’t need a conference badge to start building meaningful connections. You just need to start. If you’re an academic hoping to build your network, I’d recommend watching Francesco’s video. And if you're setting up coffee chats like Francesco recommends (or nervous to start), check out my coffee chat guide to help break it down into easy steps: https://lnkd.in/dbsfxZac Have you tried any of these approaches? What’s worked (or not) for you in networking remotely? #PhDLife #Postdoc #Networking #GradSchoolTips

Diksha, I'm struggling to grow your professional network. What should I do? This is what a candidate asked. If you have the same question, keep reading... You're not alone. I receive tons of messages from people who feel hesitant or unsure about how to network effectively. If the thought of networking makes you uneasy too, here's a fresh perspective to help you embrace it with confidence: ⤷ Start with Who You Know Begin by reaching out to friends, family, and acquaintances. They can offer introductions to others in your field of interest. Remember, networking is about building genuine relationships, not just collecting contacts. ⤷ Utilize Social Media Wisely Platforms like LinkedIn are goldmines for networking. Engage with content relevant to your field, join industry groups, and don't hesitate to share your thoughts and articles. This visibility can attract potential connections who share your interests. ⤷ Attend Industry Events Whether online or in-person, events are fantastic opportunities to meet professionals in your field. Prepare an elevator pitch about yourself and your career goals to make meaningful conversations easier. ⤷ Follow Up and Stay in Touch After making a new connection, follow up with a thank you note or an email expressing your appreciation for their time. Keep the relationship warm by checking in periodically, sharing interesting articles, or congratulating them on their achievements. ⤷ Offer Value Networking is a two-way street. Think about how you can offer value to your connections, perhaps by providing insights into a shared interest or volunteering your skills for a project they're working on. Start building your network today; it's an investment in your career's future that will pay dividends for years to come. #networking #networkingtips #linkedinforcreators #interviewing

New grads — if “networking” makes you feel uneasy or a little cringe, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be awkward, transactional, or fake. One of the most effective — and authentic — ways to build professional relationships? Informational interviews. Think of them as curiosity-driven conversations, not sales pitches. Here’s how to get started: 📌 Use LinkedIn to find people in roles or industries that interest you 📌 Ask for 20–30 minutes to learn about their career path 📌 Lead with curiosity, prep thoughtful questions, and show appreciation 📩 Nervous about reaching out? I’ve created templates to make it easier (graphics below 👇) 💬 Not sure what to ask? I’ll drop go-to questions in the comments. Truthfully, this approach helped me land my job at LinkedIn. Through low-pressure conversations, I learned what really mattered in the role, built real relationships, and followed up when the time was right. Next week: I’ll wrap up this mini career series with tips to crush your next interview. #InformationalInterviews #NewGrad #Networking #JobSearchWithClaire ___ 🔔 Follow me, Claire Silcox, to catch the final post ♻️ Tag a new grad who's navigating the job search 💼 Explore career coaching at clairemsilcox.com

Tailoring your resume is just one small part of the job hunt. What’s made the biggest difference for me? Networking. I know that word alone can make people cringe especially if you're someone who'd rather let your work speak for itself than send cold DMs or walk into a room full of strangers. I still remember my very first networking event. I felt so awkward and barely spoke to anyone. I just kind of sat there hoping it would end quickly. But I had to shift how I saw it. Networking isn’t about “selling yourself” or constantly chasing opportunities. It’s about connecting with people, learning from their journeys and sharing your own story. If you're feeling unsure about how to approach it, here are a few tips that helped me: 1. Start with Curiosity: Instead of thinking, “What can I get from this person?” try asking, “What can I learn from them?” Ask questions, show genuine interest, and listen. 2. Be Yourself: It sounds simple but so many of us forget that people connect with people. Share your story, your passions, your challenges etc. Be authentic.  3. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: You don’t need hundreds of contacts, just a few meaningful connections can make all the difference. 4. Use Social Media & Slack Channels: Engage in conversations on LinkedIn or even Instagram (has worked for me). Comment on posts, share your thoughts, and join in on relevant conversations. Slack channels and online communities are also great places to connect with like-minded professionals, share ideas, and build relationships in a more casual setting. Networking doesn’t have to be awkward or pushy. It’s about showing up, being real and having a genuine desire to learn and connect. If I can do it, you can too. Remember, everyone’s just human. 😊

We often hear that networking is crucial, but the idea of putting yourself out there can feel overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve been there too. But once you crack the code, it can change everything for your career. It’s not something that comes naturally to everyone, but it’s a game-changer. Before you dive into job applications and try to stand out: 🧚♀️ Start by attending industry events, both online and in person. It’s your chance to meet people who can open doors for you. 🧚♀️ Reach out to professionals in your field—don’t just connect, but engage. Comment on their posts, share insights, and ask thoughtful questions. 🧚♀️ Join relevant online communities or groups. These are goldmines for networking and learning from others in your industry. 🧚♀️ Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Many industry leaders are happy to mentor someone who shows genuine interest. You’re more than just a job seeker—you’re a valuable connection waiting to be made! 💫 Remember, networking isn’t about asking for favors. It’s about building genuine relationships that can support you throughout your career. 💫 Celebrate every new connection and conversation. Each one brings you closer to your career goals. As a career coach and university speaker, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful a strong network can be. I’m here to guide you in making those connections that can transform your career. 📌 What’s the next step you’ll take to start building your professional network?

10 simple ways to start networking. Build connections before you're desperate for them. The best professional relationships? They're built when you don't need anything. Here's how I transformed my contact list into a network That landed me opportunities (including my current role): 1. 𝗠𝗮𝗽 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: List current contacts by industry, role, and relationship strength. Know who you already have in your corner. 2. 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀: Commit to meaningful contact with 2-3 people weekly. Consistency beats intensity every time. 3. 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵: Track interactions in a simple system (even a basic spreadsheet works). Schedule follow-ups to stay organized. 4. 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸-𝗶𝗻𝘀: Drop a 2-3 sentences referencing their recent win or something interesting from their profile. Simple but powerful. 5. 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Comment meaningfully on their posts or share content that aligns with their interests. Shows you're paying attention. 6. 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲-𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴: Forward resources that match their goals - "This project management framework reminded me of your team challenges..." 7. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Propose brief coffee chats or calls without an agenda. Building rapport takes time and consistency. 8. 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁: Lead with curiosity about their work and challenges. Authentic relationships create mutual value. 9. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: A quick note celebrating their promotion, new certification, or company milestone goes far. 10. 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: When appropriate, ask mutual connections to introduce you to people in your target companies or roles. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁. I started small - committing to meaningful contact with just 1-2 people weekly. The results? More referrals, insider knowledge about openings, and stronger professional relationships. Great networking happens between job searches. (not during them) PS: What's your biggest networking challenge? 🧡 Follow me for PM leadership & career insights. ♻️ Repost to empower your network.