Networking is one of the ways to thrive and attain excellence in a profession. When you network with prospects and experts/colleagues in your industry, you stand a chance to pick up industry trends and close more deals than ever before.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, most networking ideas range from hosting a social event for charity to seminars for prospective clients. But the pandemic has changed our lives in numerous ways. A lot of countries imposed lockdown, flight restrictions, and social distancing to curb the spread of the virus. All these safety measures make it hard to network.
But what if there are creative networking event ideas that allow you to host events from the comfort of your home?
In a moment, we will look at some of these networking event ideas. Not only are these ideas hassle-free, but they can also be a saving grace for issues such as flight delay, traffic, and emergencies. Without further ado, let’s get down to it.
Apart from the benefits to human health, coffee brings the best in people. It brings productivity at work, improves meetings, sets the mood for engaging conversations in work meetings.
Which brings us to: How do virtual coffee chats work?
Virtual coffee chats is a meeting set up with people you intend to add to your growing network. This is just like showing up for a meeting in a coffee shop. The only difference is it is via video software like Zoom and Skype.
Coffee chat can either be in the form of a group discussion or a one-on-one coffee chat. As mentioned earlier, the virtual coffee chat networking idea will help set the mood of your attendees.
The truth is not everyone would like to have a virtual video meeting with you, and this is why you need to consider their preference before hosting any virtual networking event.
This networking idea is ideal for attendees that would not favor video meetings. Audio-only Softwares like Clubhouse and QurantineChat allow you to discuss with people while you are driving and strolling. Think of audio-only discussions as a revamped old telephone conversation.
Not only that, you won’t need to go through the stress of setting the stage or worrying over your lighting position.
Apart from the stress-free factor of audio-only discussions, it is always cost-effective for people on a tight budget.
Fundraising for a good cause is indeed a noble gesture. But the COVID-19 safety measures make it hard to host parties in most countries. Hosting virtual fundraising events is a perfect way to do some good and network with people.
Facebook Live and Youtube Watch Party are some of the best channels to host events like this. These channels allow you to broadcast real-time video and engage your guests. In this virtual event, there will be an order of events, presentations, auctions, art exhibitions, raffles, and more.
Virtual fundraising events require that your guests are to dress for the occasion from their respective homes. Also, if it’s not too much trouble, you can send wine before the event to spice things up.
Are you thinking of hosting virtual networking that gives room for intellectual discussion?
Then you should host a roundtable event. A roundtable event is like killing two birds with one stone.
First, your attendees will be able to rub minds together. And secondly, it’s perfect to network new people.
When you have large numbers of attendees, it is advisable to divide them into groups. For instance, let’s say you have 50 attendees for a roundtable event. You can group them into a group of 5.
Networking is not limited to coffee talks, meetings, and fundraising parties. A lot of people network via recreational activities such as golf, poker, and non-violent spar fights.
With that said, there are virtual games that allow you and your companion to have a great time and network at the same time. Some of these virtual games are:
Now that you are familiar with virtual networking ideas, you should start planning weeks before the event.
Also, first impressions are crucial in every meeting. Therefore, you must create a good impression with your attendees. Here are some tips and tricks for virtual networking events: