Sep 12, 2021 12:00:00

What are the 'five ways' to build relationships online?

Many companies have introduced remote work due to the pandemic of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19), but because the opportunities for face-to-face communication have decreased, 'it is difficult to build and maintain relationships'. Many people should feel it. Rachel Cook, a leadership and work environment expert, explains 'five ways to build relationships online.'

5 Thoughtful Ways to Build Relationships Virtually

https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/business-career/build-relationships-virtually

Maintaining a social distance and working remotely is important to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it also has the problem of diluting relationships and making people feel lonely. Meanwhile, Cook argues that relationships are more important than ever in order to survive an era of instability. Cook cites five ways to build relationships in the absence of events such as face-to-face lunches, coffee breaks, meetings, and meals after work.

◆ 1: Position yourself strategically
In order to have a meaningful connection with someone, it is important to emphasize 'what you are and why you should be connected'. There are various things that mean your existence, such as specialized skills, things you are interested in, the company or community you belong to, your hobbies, and your alma mater. Cook argues that posting such a profile about himself on social media is the starting point for building relationships. On top of that, 'strategic thinking about what kind of existence you should be' also affects potential friends and trading partners.

Even if you simply want to build relationships, 'I want to expand the network of my peers,' 'I want to find clients for small and medium-sized enterprises,' 'I want a new job,' 'I want to be known as an expert in a specific field,' 'Old. There are various purposes such as 'I want to connect with friends and classmates from Japan', so it is important to clearly indicate what you want.

◆ 2: Contribute for people with a broad heart
An easy way to create new relationships and revive old connections is to 'provide your time, skills, and expertise.' For example, Cook's friend James thinks it's important to keep investing in relationships with a view to the future, even if you're not currently working with him. Therefore, when the transition to remote work progressed due to the pandemic, he contacted the customer and gave a lecture on useful knowledge about 'how to put together a virtual team'.

Similar principles are important not only for relationships between individuals, but also for making connections in the community.

Fashion designer Christian Siriano offered to make a face mask with his team when the pandemic was short of medical supplies. Some may blame the move as a 'publicity stunt,' but Cook said it helped connect Scigliano with the people of the community.

◆ 3: Participate in online discussions
In situations where it's difficult to attend a real-life event, you can build relationships by participating in online discussions. Social media such as LinkedIn allows you to join online groups organized for people with common interests, such as college graduates, peers in specific disciplines, and people with an interest in a topic or technology. You can also start new conversations and relationships by leaving comments on articles found online or contacting the author.

In addition, online discussions are useful not only for building new relationships, but also for deepening relationships with family and friends. Holding video calls on FaceTime, ZOOM, etc. and having conversations while enjoying meals and drinks is also useful for maintaining relationships.

◆ 4: Strategically share knowledge
Not only providing expertise to a specific person who wants to build a relationship, but also sharing useful articles found online on social media etc. can be an opportunity to create a new relationship. In this case, Cook says it's important not just to share the article, but to add words that tell you what you've learned from the article and how attractive it is.

Also, the articles you read may be related to recent conversations with a particular client, colleague, boss, etc., or the issues you are working with. Even in such cases, it is good to share the article by e-mail or chat and tell why the article is worth reading.

◆ 5: Participate in online learning
In recent years,

online courses such as LinkedIn Learning , Coursera , and Udemy have been enhanced, and you can learn various topics from business to language and hobbies. In addition to the opportunity for online discussions in some learning programs, enrolling in the same course with friends and colleagues and sharing their insights and questions online weekly can also help keep you connected.

Cook enrolls in a lecture at Yale University with a friend who lives in a remote location and enjoys studying together. “Collaboration experiences are a powerful way to build meaningful and long-term connections between groups of all sizes,” Cook said.