Networking for Remote Workers

Networking for Remote WorkersNetworking for Remote WorkersOne of the benefits of working in an office is the people. Every day, you are exposed to a variety of similarly-minded professionals from whom you can learn and grow. However, when you telecommute or are a remote worker, its easy to become isolated. Here are a few ways to keep your networking efforts up to par when you dont have the crutch of encountering new colleagues as a matter of course.Join a Third-Party AssociationScout out the industry organizations in your field and become a member. Attend their events and conferences, and volunteer to help organize activities. Youll learn more about your business while simultaneously building your contact database.Start a Meetup GroupMeetup.com is a terrific way to get acquainted with other local remote workers, share war stories, and pool resources. Its also nice to have a group with whom you can go out for the occasional happy hourHold BrainstormsUse your home office or living room as the launch pad for a gathering of influential peers to discuss current issues and events in your field. Arrange to meet monthly, and select a theme to keep the conversation and insights focused. These events reinforce relationships that may be mostly virtual and help you stay relevant in a world thats constantly evolving.Do at Least One Touch-Base Each WeekWhether you need work now or not, call or email contacts periodically to see whats new in their lives and businesses. A great excuse to touch-base is a contacts birthday. While they may get a hundred Facebook greetings, youll stand out as one of the other people who calls. Youd be surprised at the opportunities that unexpectedly arise from these types of informal interactions.Remote workers, what else do you do to stay plugged in?