How can you build a network in social impact when you work remotely?

While navigating remote work during the Covid pandemic for two years, I successfully cultivated a social impact network by harnessing virtual tools. Engaging in video conferences, online forums, and social media, I connected with organizations and individuals. Participating in virtual events and webinars allowed me to collaboratively address social challenges, such as promoting education in underserved communities and facilitating healthcare access. Consistent communication via emails and virtual meetings played a pivotal role in fostering enduring connections, contributing to tangible social impact initiatives despite the physical separation.

One of my big "values" is to be led by curiosity. In every aspect. Be curious about learning, about the world, but also about people. Don't go into networking with the intention of getting something out of it. Go with the intention of learning about people and about something new. If you are led by curiosity, you will discover what your passions are as well as what challenges there are to solve, and you will be more aware of how to align your actions with your values. Curiosity will bring out more of what is authentic about you, which will resonate more with people. Put in another way, curiosity can lead you to your "why", and your "why" can then lead you to the right steps to take to get to the "how" and find the right communities.

The pandemic introduced us to remote work like never before but instead of disconnecting the world connected more virtually and it became a true global village. As someone who expanded my network during this period of time,I highly recommend finding your niche by firstly examining yourself to find out what you are good at and secondly look for networks where you are going to be able to apply that which you know already. It's good to leave your comfort zone at times but In order for you not to feel connected while working remotely,it is important to be in a network that aligns with your interests and expertise. This will lead to even more social impact.

Vous pouvez partir de vos expertises acquises dans une carrière, un hobby ou des centres d'intérêts pour les croiser avec l'impact. Exemple : je suis une ancienne architecte. Si je croise ceci avec l'impact, je peux aller vers les matériaux de construction durable, la circularité dans la construction, mais aussi l'agriculuture urbaine, la participation citoyenne autour d'un projet d'architecture ou de réaménagement urbain ... De cette manière, je ne pars pas de zéro.

Remember, building a network in social impact, especially remotely, is about creating meaningful relationships over time. It's important to be patient, persistent, and genuine in your efforts. People working in social impact can spot a fake a million miles away. What organizations do you look to to find information and inspiration? Who do you follow for the same? Look at their LinkedIn and see who they are connected to. You may meet new people and learn new perspectives in the community you are trying to impact. Where do you stand on the issues? Are you passionate and educated enough to create content that others may find helpful and inspiring? If yes, then go for it!

Become a member of online groups and forums dedicated to social impact and the specific topic of work is crucial. Platforms like LinkedIn groups or specialized forums provide spaces for discussions, sharing resources, and networking with people who share similar goals.

Use a combination of online networking with in person networking. In this age of remote work, I think it is important to make the effort to go out into the world and interact with real people and communities. Find the innovation and tech hubs in your city, look for events that interest you, meet new people and support them by going to their events. By supporting and giving value to others, your network will expand and people will learn about what you do and what you are interested in. With that said, make sure to leverage social networks along with in-person networking. Every in-person event is an opportunity to share photos make a post on Linkedin, and give recognition to people.

In addition to LinkedIn groups, Slack communities are growing in size and access across topics. Organizations like NationSwell offer both in-person and virtual opportunities for impact leaders to connect, share resources, and find collaborative opportunities.

I believe that remote work systems can be a positive and empowering asset instead of a limiting factor for networking. Online communities remove local and international borders and can provide you with the opportunity to connect with people with diverse experiences who live and work with individuals and groups that you typically do not have access to. This allows you to access new perspectives and expand your horizon as a social impact leader.

On the contrary, you want as much human-to-human interaction as possible; by that, I mean in-person contact. Connect with like-minded individuals, both within and outside the legal profession. Networking can open up opportunities, provide mentorship, and expose you to different perspectives. Collaborating with NGOs, advocacy groups, and other professionals can enhance the impact of your work.

As someone who transformed from an introvert to a social media influencer, I know the power of leveraging digital platforms for brand building. Here's a DIY guide: 1. Choose the Right Virtual Events: Find events that align with your interests and goals. 2. Engage Actively:Don’t just listen; participate! Ask questions, offer insights, and be a visible, active participant. 3. Follow-up is Key: Connect with speakers and participants on LinkedIn or Twitter post-event. 4. Host Your Own Event and Be a Speaker: Share your knowledge or passions by organizing a virtual event. It positions you as a thought leader and attracts like-minded individuals. Remember, every interaction is a step towards building a strong, impactful network!

slight change: "attend" events virtually... meaning, follow conference hashtags and join conversations. Years ago I followed #SMMW14 on Twitter and wound up being the 5th most engaged person at the conference (although I was in Dallas and the conference was in San Diego). I made numerous connections, several I worked with in later years.

Here is where many people fall short: they stop making the same effort to connect and attend events after a while, essentially if no short-term gains are seen, like immediately getting a client, project, or opportunity from your networking. But building a good network of genuine and high-value people is a long-term game. There is a tremendous value in multiple touch points that is so often overlooked. By multiple touch points, I mean continuing to show up and be seen. It takes a while to get to know people on a more personal level and for people to become more familiar with you—many conversations, many interactions. Being consistent with showing up and interacting with your community is the best way to become a leader in that community.

Virtual events have emerged as a pivotal avenue for networking in the remote work landscape. Attending webinars, conferences, and workshops tailored to social impact has provided me with the opportunity to virtually meet professionals, practitioners, and thought leaders. Sharing my experiences during Q&A sessions, actively participating in discussions, and leveraging virtual networking opportunities have all contributed to expanding my network. These virtual interactions have translated into meaningful connections and collaborations that might not have been feasible in a traditional setting.

Prepare: Research the event, speakers, and attendees; prepare a brief self-introduction. Actively Engage: Participate in discussions, ask meaningful questions, and use chat functions. Utilize Breakout Rooms: Engage in smaller group discussions for more meaningful interactions. Connect on Social Media: Follow up with attendees and speakers on platforms like LinkedIn. Follow Up Post-Event: Send personalized messages or invite for virtual coffee to continue the conversation. Join Online Communities: Participate in event-specific forums or groups for ongoing engagement. Above all, be authentic and professional! Respect people's time!

Be intentional. I remind myself and tell others all the time. In the remote world, it can become easy to simply have a digital coffee chat and call it a day. This is a huge mistake people make when trying to build their network because, in hindsight, it makes the initial conversation feel transactional. Instead, it's important that you stay in touch through different ways and genuinely remain curious about the other person/people you connect with! Share links to articles the other person may find interesting, ask them how they're doing simply because you care, or ask to schedule regular catch up calls.

Remote networking requires a deliberate approach to following up and following through. After engaging in virtual events or connecting with professionals online, I make it a point to follow up with personalized messages expressing gratitude and interest in further collaboration. Consistent follow-through, whether it's scheduling virtual coffee meetings or sharing relevant resources, has been key to nurturing relationships. These thoughtful gestures demonstrate my commitment to building genuine connections and contribute to the sustained growth of my remote social impact network.

Upholding your word, your promise, is a profound reflection of your character. Far too often, individuals extend offers of help or introductions, only to continuously shift the goalposts for those seeking guidance. It is crucial to recognise that collaboration, not cutthroat competition, propels progress, outcomes, and growth. Let's be steadfast in our commitment. Your word should carry weight and significance to others, either as an unwavering guarantee or, sadly, cast doubt through a trail of constant excuses and reneging. Let our promises be pillars of trust, anchoring us to a shared journey of reliability and collective advancement.

When it comes to networking, follow-up can be difficult. It's easy to feel like you're being a pest when reaching out to the same person multiple times. However, it's important to remember that people have short attention spans due to the many distractions of the virtual world. To effectively network, you must have confidence in yourself and your values. This will allow you to confidently connect and communicate with new people.

Arriving at events with a specific problem or opportunity in mind facilitates focused and productive networking. This approach allows you to seek out individuals who can offer relevant insights or collaborate on your project, making interactions more purposeful. For example, if you're working on an environmental initiative, targeting professionals with expertise in sustainability can provide valuable perspectives and potentially lead to collaborative efforts. Leaving the door open for immediate follow-up ensures the connection remains active and doesn't lose momentum. Quick, meaningful engagement helps cement the bond, transforming a brief interaction into a lasting professional relationship. This is effective in today’s fast-paced world.

One thing I have found that works is to share my passion and excitement for something I am learning. So I might share an article or a research paper that helped me think differently. This last year I shared a lot about CSRD and ESG metrics on the “S”…. The value of networking is helping to expand perspectives so sharing what excites me often gets the best response.

Being generous and authentic is not really a fifth step. It's not a step at all. It should be a value that is lived every step of the way. But along these lines, continue to see where you can bring value. When you become a leader of your community or network, it's your chance to welcome others to the community, lift them up, and help them become leaders of their own.

Understand your values, strengths, weaknesses, and personal experiences. This self-awareness will help you make decisions and choose paths that align with who you are at your core. For example, clearly articulate why you are passionate about human rights and social impact. Knowing your purpose will guide your actions and serve as a constant reminder of the bigger picture. Integrate and infuse your personal values into your professional life, too.

Generosity and authenticity are indispensable in remote networking within the social impact sector. Sharing insights, resources, and even lessons learned from my own experiences has been a cornerstone of building authentic connections. Being genuinely interested in others' work, celebrating their achievements, and offering support without expecting immediate returns have all contributed to fostering a generous and authentic network. In the realm of social impact, this approach not only enhances collaboration but also cultivates a supportive and interconnected community.

Being generous in sharing ideas, insights and lessons from projects is a good way to build professional bonds and create bridges for projects and ideas.

An example of this, if you're someone in my shoes, stay well-informed about current human rights issues, legal developments, and the social, economic, and political contexts in which these issues arise. Continuous learning is essential in a field that is constantly evolving. Platforms like Coursera or EdX are amazing, continuing, online education platforms.

Réseauter en "vrai" permet de marquer beaucoup plus les esprits. Cherchez les événements qui ont un rapport avec l'impact dans votre région ou votre ville. On se fait rapidement connaître dans ce petit milieu.

Continuous learning and personal growth are essential elements of remote networking in the dynamic landscape of social impact. Actively seeking out new knowledge, staying updated on industry trends, and participating in skill-building opportunities have not only enhanced my professional capabilities but have also made me a valuable contributor to my network. By positioning myself as someone committed to ongoing development, I've attracted connections who share a similar dedication to growth and learning.

I found that when I listen to others and ask open ended questions such as tell me more and how do you feel about….it takes small talk to a deeper level engagement. Listening without judgement is an art, not a science.

Working remotely while exploring various coffee shops and restaurants in your local community offers unique benefits. Beyond the flexibility of your work environment, this approach enables you to immerse yourself in the community's pulse. By interacting with diverse spaces and people, you gain a multifaceted perspective that can enhance your understanding of local challenges. This firsthand experience fosters a deeper connection to the community, providing valuable insights that can be channeled into solutions for social impact. Additionally, the blend of work and exploration nurtures creativity and innovation, as the dynamic surroundings stimulate fresh ideas.

Keep searching and keep showing up. Once you identify the spaces that like-minded people are, show up to the conversations and make your presence known. Offering key insights, or personalized anecdotes can make you memorable and engage-worthy.

Something else to consider, especially if you're a law student like me who is looking for social impact, seek out diverse experiences that will broaden your skill set and understanding of human rights issues. This might include internships, pro bono work, or volunteering with organizations that align with your interests. And there is NO shame in starting early!

Relationships are a critical part of social impact work. It can be valuable to invite a couple of colleagues at partner organizations to coffee (virtual or in-person) per month to get to know them better, explore ways that you could work together, and strengthen your network.

Social impact work, much like other fields, thrives on genuine human connections and curiosity. The approach one takes as a kindergartner meeting new friends - being inquisitive, genuinely curious, and open-minded - is universally effective. Don’t forget about snack time. Create a relaxed, informal environments conducive to open dialogue and connection-building. For example, if you are working on community projects use casual coffee as an opportunity to learn about different perspectives and share ideas in a relaxed atmosphere, akin to 'snack time'. This approach breaks down barriers, fosters a sense of camaraderie, and encourages the sharing of viewpoints, all of which are crucial for innovative and effective social impact initiatives.