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Are you looking to expand your professional network but are working from home? Hope is not lost!
Networking is more important for your career than ever before. While doing it virtually is different from networking in person and poses its own challenges, it's definitely possible!
Before An Event
Curate your online presence. Make sure you appear professional and your posts and comments align with your goals.
Photo by Ruthson Zimmerman on UnsplashResearch the topic and presenter. Prepare some questions to ask.
Get ready to focus. It can be hard not to multi-task during webinars, but wrapping up tasks, clearing your desk, and minimizing screen distractions will keep you focused on the event.
Quiz
Which would NOT be an effective use of your time during an online event?
Focus on the event and stay busy! Reach out to connect in the chat and on social media, but leave unrelated tasks for later. You can always write your grocery list after the event, but you can't live tweet after it's over!
Did you know?
During An Event
Make the first move. If there's a chat or social media stream introduce yourself with your name, title or industry, and location. Respond to others' introductions to start making connections.
Participate often. Ask those questions you prepared, respond to others' comments, and use the event's hashtags on social media. 
After An Event
Reach out! Connect with other participants on LinkedIn.
In your connection request break the ice and jog their memory: mention a conversation you had, a question or comment you found interesting, or a big idea you got from the event.
Quiz
What would be a good message to send when connecting with participants?
There are countless good ways to reach out! It's great if you can mention something they contributed to the event, but even a simple "We both attended..." works.
Take Action
Don't be shy! You'd be surprised where it could lead.
Sign up for an online networking event today, and don't forget to:
This Byte has been authored by
Kate Zeis
Educator, Instructional Designer, and Grammar Nerd