Networking, an essential tool in times of crisis

Covid-19 epidemic was something none of us had been prepared for. It was a major world crisis that influenced the performance of many companies and their commercial networks. The ability to observe, respond and take risks was a critical indicator of any team’s success during these challenging times. The teamwork was critical, but there can be no team without communication. During the lockdown, the teams existed in a digital world but influenced the real one thanks to networking.

Virtual networking is crucial in times of crisis, especially one like the Covid-19 pandemic. It is a complex problem that influences every part of our lives. Therefore, it affects every company on many levels, such as supply, online presence, legal requirements, etc. There is a situation unknown until now, in which we must resort to technology to develop new commercial networks.

The management of teams within organizations is the task of leaders. They must be confident and assertive to support their team and boost morale. The problem is that leaders have not faced any of this before; they can feel lost and confused, just like their team members. That is why business networks change the rules of the game.

The leaders can set an online meeting with other CEO’s and business people worldwide, do a brainstorm, and try to tackle this crisis together. The leaders that succeed during a crisis might share the winning strategy with others. Due to the number of people doing business networking, we might get solutions to any problem we may face, from leadership issues to supply and marketing considerations.

At this point, we can clearly see that networking is critical in times of crisis. With the current world population and human traveling trend, the next pandemic is possible. We should learn from our past and be ready for any crisis that may come. Or at least know exactly what to do if it happens.

HOW TO NETWORK VIRTUALLY?

Networking during Covid pandemic was a game-changer. After this crisis, we should all know how to network virtually. After all, it can only benefit you and your company.

In order to participate in virtual networking, you would need to join Business Networking club – such as GBO. From there, you have plenty of options, especially useful in times of crisis. You can benefit from mentorship, exchange of ideas, new business partners, or employees.

If the pandemic has taken away your motivation, influenced your mental health, and made you feel lonely, then you need networking. Social network during a pandemic is essential as it helps you to find friends that are also in this tough situation. Make friends with business people from around the world, stay connected, support and motivate each other, and exchange ideas. This is the power of networking – it benefits you on both a professional and personal level.

Networking does provide plenty of benefits, but during a crisis, it is much more than that. During the pandemic, business networking was more of a necessity than an option. Businesses had to move online and needed help from others in order to come up with a plan that would lead them through this crisis.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO NETWORKING?

There is one central principle crucial for networking; without it, business networking would be pointless: You need to provide value. Every person in the business networking meeting has something to offer. It can be advice, useful contacts, or experience, or it can be simply the fact that this person is a great conversation partner.

You can offer many things but what you should avoid is attending meetings thinking only about gaining something. You should have a mindset of being ready to help others. Business networking works well because participants have exactly this mindset.

Networking is about meeting people and building relationships with them. The way you are viewed is important and the one thing you want to avoid is being seen as an opportunist.

If you go to the meeting with a proper mindset, you will benefit naturally. The goal of participants is to help each other. Be authentic and helpful.

When planning to join a meeting, always prepare in advance so you can discuss the topic. This way, everybody gets the most out of meetings; through the exchange of ideas and discussion of businesspeople with different perspectives, you are going to get an in-depth understanding of the problem.

These factors are crucial, especially in times of a pandemic. We all need to think about the solution to our problem, prepare a plan and present it. The brainstorming will allow the community to choose the best idea or update and improve the existing ones.

GBO is the solution

The future is unknown, but at some point, we are likely to experience another crisis. Make sure that you are prepared for it. GBO offers everything you need: a pool of experts, matchmaking, leaders from around the world ready to advise you, and even a startup support hub. All of that in a fun and easy-going atmosphere. Together we will not yield to crisis and thrive regardless of its presence.

Are you ready to start enjoying business networking? 🤗 https://gbo.international/