It’s Time to Reconnect: 6 Ways to Rebuild Your Professional Network

If the lockdowns and social isolation of the past year made it difficult to maintain and grow your career contacts, take steps to reemerge and reconnect! 

The pandemic played havoc with our social and professional networks. And it’s time many professionals up their networking game to counter the damage. 

According to Yale management professor Marissa King, “If we talk about what’s happened to our networks in the pandemic—they've become more closed and sealed off… more of an echo chamber.” Her work showed that during the crisis, networks had shrunk by 17%.

Although women have done a better job than men of keeping up with their personal and professional contacts, it’s still a long way back to “normal” for many people. This starts by redefining networking as trying to reconnect continually, not just at a weekly or monthly event. 

1. Bring something to the table

Do not think of networking as a purely transactional event — do consider what you can offer a potential contact. That may seem contradictory, but it isn’t. Focus on building mutually beneficial, lasting relationships. 

Even if you are relatively inexperienced or in the early stages of your career, you have some valuable resources to offer. 

If you specialize in an uncommon or new subject area, you have unique professional experiences to share. You could have contacts in companies of interest to a fellow networker. An exchange of information or perspective, advice rooted in expertise, and referrals are networking gold. 

2. Create reasons to connect

It’s time to get active again, even if that still means virtually. The steps you take now will put you in a favorable position when things fully reopen and professional life feels more "normal."   

Go over your contacts list and send some emails to lay the foundation for reconnecting in person. For example, you could invite rarely seen colleagues or professional contacts to a small, socially distanced meetup. If you’ve changed jobs or locations during the pandemic, reach out and let people know where you are and what you are doing.

Don’t be discouraged if some of your attempts meet no response; people are “awakening” from last year at different rates.  

3. Get bold on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an essential networking tool for professionals at every stage of their careers. According to the American Bar Association’s Legal Technology Survey, nearly 80 percent of law firms reported maintaining a LinkedIn presence — and that was way back in 2016.

Even a limited amount of engagement on LinkedIn can help you discover new connections. Consistent, strategic use of this social networking tool can propel your career. 

Some LinkedIn guidelines are obvious: make sure your profile is complete and attention-getting, use a professional-looking headshot, write a headline that positions you accurately, and write an engaging “About” section. Here are some lesser-known tips.

• Post “updates” consistently. It doesn’t need to be original long-form content; share meaningful posts from industry experts and relevant professional news as often as you can.

• Use keywords and hashtags strategically. Sprinkle your profile with identifying keywords, so it shows up in searches. Learn how to use work-appropriate hashtags on your posts.

• Join all relevant professional groups. Search for industry, community, and alumni groups, and become an active online member. Volunteer to help administratively if you can.

• Be open to accepting connection requests from people who you don't know. 

• Reach out to second- and third-level connections. Don’t be afraid to mine your network for potential contacts — that’s what it’s for.

4. Continue your education

Taking classes in areas of interest to you is a way to meet like-minded people and add to your skills base. Even online courses allow for some interaction with other attendees, and many offer sidebar “chats” that are low-pressure, potentially helpful networking spaces. 

While the restrictions on travel and large group gatherings continue, virtual conferences continue to draw large crowds. Many industry- and specialty-specific online events feature expert speakers and informative, interactive "break-out" sessions. They are an excellent way to learn of new developments in your field and connect with other attendees.

5. Put your social contacts to work

You never know who may know someone who could change your life or become a great mentor or colleague. Your social network can be a great help in growing your professional network.

Reach out to friends of friends, cousins, in-laws, college acquaintances, or former teammates. Making that initial effort to approach a third-level connection or a social “weak tie” may feel a little awkward, but it could have a tremendous payoff.

6. Discover how to be present again

If you spent the past year in a funk or doing the bare minimum to get by, there’s some comfort knowing that was a common response to the pandemic. Chances are, many people in your professional circles are ready to reconnect, also.

Your networking “comeback” does not need to be dramatic or all-consuming to be effective. If you are intentional about your outreach and sincere in your intention, even small efforts will be rewarded. Baby steps will help move you in the right direction. Just start taking them!

Carrington Legal Search is celebrating 20 years in business: we were in the trenches with our clients during 9/11 and 2008. We partner with our clients to identify leaders and mission-critical talent to shore up and grow companies even during the most challenging times. We are here for you! To make our nationwide network work for you, get in touch at 512-627-7467 or email carrie@carringtonlegal.com.