COVID-19 may have sent us indoors, but business has not slowed down. Remote workers and business owners are working harder than ever to meet their customers’ needs and goals. Virtual Networking keeps businesses and customers connected.
Before COVID-19 virtual networking did not mean what it does today. Now, remote workers and business owners are expected to connect with their current and new following in unprecedented ways. Since April 2020, more than 300 million people use Zoom. It’s hard to find just one person who hasn’t used Zoom at least a handful of times since the start of the coronavirus outbreak.
While Zoom may have its advantages, it also comes with limitations business owners must overcome. Virtual networking helps business owners overcome the challenges of remote learning and working. The following are a few ways your business can connect with its following and team through virtual networking:
Who doesn’t love a healthy dose of competition every now and then? We’re used to participating in games and events in person. However, a live virtual competition is a great way to connect with your audience. Consider having individuals on your team give a 5-10 minute presentation to the audience on a similar topic, like a product or offering. Ask your audience to vote for their favorite presentation. You could even take it a step further by selecting one lucky winner from the audience to receive a discount on said product or offering.
What better way to connect with your audience than by going live? According to techjury.com, Videos on social media generate 1200% more shares than texts and images. Going live creates a sense of urgency among your viewers. They are more likely to tune in live as they don’t want to miss out on important information.
Educational content is taking the world by storm. A great to connect with current and/or new followers is to show them what you’re all about! If you’re selling a product or service, consider creating a fun and informative video tutorial you can promote on your website and social media channels. Be sure your tutorial is personable but sticks to the point. You don’t want to lose your audience by going off topic, or presenting dry and unhelpful information.
Giveaways are an excellent virtual networking practice! Consider throwing a hashtag contest, photo contest, themed giveaway contest, coupons, and more! You could even flat out ask what your customers would love to receive in the coming year(s). Giveaways inspire followers to promote your services. Be sure to promote these giveaways on your social media channels.
