‘Virtual or in-person networking? Do we need skills for both?’ | Webinar summary and recording
jobs.ac.uk brought together Paula Keville, Andrew Unwin, and Susan Sheehan Watson to discuss the topic and help gain insight into the importance of both virtual and in-person networking.
In today’s interconnected world, building and nurturing professional relationships is a crucial part to many professionals’ roles. Not only are we networking face to face but businesses are leaping to virtual networking using video conferencing tools. The future of networking is to master both in-person and virtual events and build skills for both.
You can now view the full webinar recording or read on for a summary of the main points exploring the topics.
What are in-person and virtual networking, and how different are they?
In-person networking is where you and others network socially face to face, at conferences, and other events, whereas virtual networking is all done online via a device of your choice.
In-person networking consists of a range of activities. Dedicated events are advertised for networking either within a conference programme or a day of activities.
In-person networking is used in daily activities you attend, it can be used in a routine daily meeting, when meeting new people, or connecting with old contacts either friends or colleagues. Open-mindedness is key to in-person networking for general events, always keep an open mind about what you can contribute to the event, helping to develop your career.
Virtual networking is a platform for people to connect across all different technical capabilities via it being a laptop, smartphone, or any other device. It provides you with great accessibility to events that you may not be able to attend in person.
Virtual networking’s main advantages are accessibility, scalability, and environmental impact.
Will in-person networking fade into the background?
Andrew believes in-person networking will not fade into the background and hopes people will still connect socially. It could be reduced, due to various virtual networking advantages, but he believes human connection leads to richer more natural conversations.
Paula agrees and feels there is a blend of both types of networking. Expressing how Covid-19 had a big impact on the rise of virtual networking. Being the only tool to help stay engaged and connected during the pandemic. Virtual networking helped everyone develop and continue to grow.
Going forward into today’s interconnected world, having the blend of skills for both types of networking is imperative.
Building confidence in both is vital, however, it could be argued the population has gotten so confident in virtual networking that they are no longer comfortable with going out and socially networking. It is essential to build confidence in both forms of networking, as sometimes you have no choice on what type of event you will need to attend.
Why is it important currently to have skills for both types of networking?
When networking is required, it is important to understand and be aware of the different levels and types of communication. Virtual events are important in terms of being present and thinking about why you are there and what you can take away from the event. Whereas in-person events are more focused on research for both, discovering why you are attending and working out the next steps going forward.
It is essential to have skills for both, as you don’t always have the choice to connect in person. Particularly, if you are trying to connect with somebody whose working hours are hybrid. This limits the time frame of when you can meet someone in person.
Although it is good to consider both types, one might be better for one person than the other in terms of sustainability. Sometimes in-person networking isn’t always beneficial due to the global impact.
Andrew shares how he often has virtual meetings with his regional company as it is easier to get everyone together digitally than in-person. The team can see the benefits of this in terms of, reduced travel and budget costs.
Andrew mentioned how once the pandemic restrictions were lifted, he organised the first in-person event for AHEP and everyone was ecstatic to attend. Finalising how it is important to have different communication skills.
Learn how skills for both types of networking can help you in your private life events and develop your skills whilst also expanding your contact list worldwide.
Developing your skills for both types of networking helps boost your confidence, enabling you to grow your outreach.
Is virtual networking as effective as in-person networking?
Attending in-person events can show dedication and greater commitment as opposed to virtual events. In-person events are a significant and easier way to build your network and engage with new stakeholders.
Virtual events are beneficial when you are planning to develop your career and expand your knowledge in your industry. However, it is important to note virtual events are extremely useful for research and recapping notes you potentially missed during the event.
Although the pandemic has had a huge influence on the rise of virtual networking, there were many tools around before Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Skype and other networking tools existed allowing us to connect virtually around the world.
In today’s industry, you will find it is more successful to use virtual networking to set up the initial meet and greet, making it easier to share documents and conduct research together. Both tools are a great way to build on your relationship with your colleagues.
Andrew finds it useful to have an online meeting with his team and have the final meet up in person. A vital skill to develop during virtual events is knowing when the right time is to speak up and pause.
Paula includes how when she attends virtual events, if a particular person stands out to her, she will later make the connection, addressing how they were both in the same event. Expressing how their input aligned with her fault set, after the connection has been made, she would then proceed to arrange an in person follow up.
How can someone stand out over a video call– what skills would they need?
The cost of events, travel, and time has a big impact on networking, sometimes leaving the host with the only option but to put on a virtual event.
Essential skills to develop for video calls are listening, taking notes, and knowing the correct time to respond. Stay engaged during the call, and don’t get distracted by other applications on your device.
Make a list of your objectives before attending the call, covering who you would like to connect with and what you want to get out of the event. Developing these basic skills will help you have a more natural and easy flow while meeting via video call.
Hosting your virtual event as a follow up event is also a great strategy for building your network. Especially if you feel you have more information to share on the topic or a different view on that event, setting up your event will help you move forward in virtual networking. If you are hosting an event, it is important to do technical checks before, ensuring your background is clear and professional.
Andrew expresses how due to technology we can save on cost now, making it more sustainable to have a quick call online rather than traveling, paying for fuel, or public transport is crucial and something to consider when planning events. Touching up on the importance of research before attending the event. Consider who it is you would like to connect with, and how can you help them with their development.
LinkedIn is a great way to connect virtually, Paula mentions how she has made great connections and met some amazing people by attending virtual events and then reconnecting with them via LinkedIn and using that as a platform.
What type of activities do you both use networking skills for?
Networking skills are used for most daily tasks, from personal to professional life, it is a great skill to have when job hunting and going into a new job. It is an advantage to develop networking skills, particularly if you change institutions, or change sectors in the higher education industry.
Andrew talks from experience and shares how after working at Durham University for 22 years, changing institutions to the University of Edinburgh could have felt daunting, however having in-person networking skills and being able to connect with people was useful.
Conferences and dedicated events are useful for developing ideas and helping connect other professional bodies from just one simple conversation.
Building a network across institutions is always a great asset to have, as we all have unique skills and talents from different sectors, but one project could require multiple skills where having a large network could come into play and be beneficial.
Andrew mentions he feels that health and resilience also play an important role in networking, and having certain skills can be crucial in turning a bad day into a more positive day. Being able to reach out whether it’s with a colleague or a friend and just vocalise is helpful.
Paula adds a major part of her role is engagement and networking both virtually and in-person, connecting within her job and then engaging with other networking groups. During Paula’s time as a Network Engagement Manager, she discovered there are multiple private networking groups available. Being part of a networking group helps expand your passions and where you see yourself in the future.
Expanding your networking groups and not keeping them streamlined into one area and focus is a good space sounding board from both personal and work perspectives. Not to mention the networking groups are great for mindfulness and well-being.
LinkedIn is the biggest online networking tool used by millions of academics and professionals globally helping them connect daily.
As a Network Engagement Manger, Paula uses LinkedIn daily, connecting with various industry-leading experts. Expressing how the platform is not just for networking but also as a learning tool for discovering webinars and other articles, LinkedIn is very useful in terms of career learning and accessibility.
Andrew finds LinkedIn incredibly useful, the digital business card aspect and being able to cement an early connection. He feels it is essential for certain industries, as it is your online shop to the world in terms of your experience.
Paula goes into more detail on how to come across as more friendly when making an initial connection, explaining why you are reaching out to the candidate, and the purpose of the relationship and not using it as a jobhunting recruiter toolkit, as it can be a disadvantage.
Susan uses the platform to make the final connection with people she has already met at meetings and events, which helps her stay connected. LinkedIn is great for people she has worked with but moved on to different roles or industries.
Q&A
As someone who hates working from home, is isolated, and needs in-person interaction, how can I improve my virtual networking skills?
Andrew answers by expressing how speaking to someone on your team is important and explaining that you enjoy the in-person interaction and struggle with online connection.
Find a supportive environment to address your concerns and develop your online skills with them before the original event.
Helping support other colleagues, struggling with virtual events is a great skill to have, and helps you further your skillset.
Finalising how other colleagues can help find a solution and making a blend of interaction moving forward.
Key takeaways
Both presenters share a top tip on networking
Paula’s top tip is to consider all your strengths and weaknesses, if you feel like you’re stronger with in-person events, think about how you can transfer those skills for virtual and think about your strengths and how you can change coming into in-person events and look at the accessibilities on both and where you want to view.
Think about your visions. Why am I here? What am I doing it for and what are my next steps? Not just attending every kind of virtual or in-person network event. Have a personal objective or outcome that you want to obtain.
Andrew finalises the webinar by sharing his top tip, be mindful and not get disheartened by not making all your intended connections. Not all connections will flourish into something rich and meaningful in the future.
When meeting new people, follow the simple method of introducing yourself, establishing some kind of connection, and then set out what you hope to get out and give from that conversation.
Meet the Panellists:
Our host:
Susan Sheehan-Watson has held Professional Service roles at Newcastle University for over 14 years and is Newcastle Universities Association of Higher Educational Professionals (AHEP) Ambassadors and AUA Yorkshire and Northeast Deputy Network Coordinator.
Speakers:
Paula Keville started her professional career at the University of Warwick and is now a Network Engagement Manager for Tessiant and Founding Member of Women in Change.
Andrew Unwin has over 23 years’ experience in the Higher Education sector and is the Coordinator for the Scotland Network of the Association of Higher Education Professionals.
Visit other articles and webinars from jobs.ac.uk on Networking:
- ECRs: Sharpening your virtual networking strategies
- Networking post-COVID Webinar Summary
- Networking: How to Maximize Opportunities and Boost Your Career Connections
- International Networking
Interesting webinar, thank you
This is a first.
I will definitely like to join if I’m available it’s a shame that it’s not closer to the month of May.
I sincere hope it’s going to be interesting.
Actually am technician plumber Am interested to join but am from Nigeria how may I going to attend to the webinar
Looking foward to hearing from you
Thanks for organising this. I pray you send a reminder when the date is close as there is tendency for such long dates to be forgone.
I will definitely attend, all things being equal.