How to Network As a Telecommuter

Telecommuting can be a convenient way to work from home, rather than having to commute to work in an office every day. As a telecommuter, you are often required to stay connected to the main office by email or by phone. It can be difficult...

Method 1 of 3:

Using Online Networking Tools and Social Media

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    Join an online professional network. One way you can network as a telecommuter is to join an online professional network like LinkedIn. These types of networks are great for connecting to other business professionals in your field. Having a profile on an online professional network can make finding potential clients and employers much easier. These sites usually have thousands of members, including professional headhunters and human resource representatives for large corporations and are often free to join.[1]
    1. Many online professional networks allow you to store a resume online and allow you to list your professional skills as part of your profile. This can make it easier for potential employers or clients to locate you based on your skillset. Add your resume and other applicable information to your profile on the professional networking site so your profile is robust and engaging for potential employers or clients.
    2. You can also try using community networking sites like hi5 and Jigsaw. These sites can connect you to job hunters, potential clients, and peers.
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    Create a professional social media account. Social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and Snapchat can be great networking tools. These tools can help you connect to others quickly and constantly. Make a professional account on these platforms that you use for your career only. Then, follow industry professionals and other potential clients or employers using your professional social media account.[2]
    1. Use a profile picture that is appropriate and makes you look like a professional in your industry. Include biographical details in your social media accounts that break down your skill set in a few words. For example, you may write, "I am a copy editor and translator based in the U.S." or "I am the owner of Smith's Bakery, a family owned bakery in Edmonton, Alberta."
    2. Make sure you keep your professional social media accounts separate from your personal social media accounts and pages. Your professional social media accounts should look presentable and client-friendly.
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    Make a professional blog. A professional blog can help you promote your skills and network with others in your field. This may be a good option if you are in a profession where you need to connect with others online on a constant basis and can promote your skills through a blog.[3]
    1. If you are a professional copy editor, for example, a professional blog of grammar and style in writing may be a good way to network with other copy editors online. Or if you are an aspiring fashion stylist, you may start a blog to promote your fashion styling ideas and inspirations.
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    Create a professional website. A professional website for your business or brand is a great way to promote yourself to employers or clients. It is especially useful if you work on your own as a telecommuter and want to promote your skills on a larger platform. A professional website can help you connect with other professionals and allow you to promote your expertise and skills.[4]
    1. You can also add links to other professional websites to your website so you can connect with others that way. Listing other professional websites and commenting on the sites of others can allow you to network more effectively.
Method 2 of 3:

Using In Person Networking Tools

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    Go to a meet up. If you are looking to networking with others in person, try going to a meet up in your area that focuses on your industry. Meet ups are a good way to network in a casual, relaxed way with professionals in your industry. Search for meet ups specific to your industry online or chat with other telecommuters you work with to see if they know of any meet ups. There is usually a list of meet ups by area on Meetup.com.[5]
    1. For example, if you are a copy writer who telecommutes, you may look for a copy writing meet up in your area. This will allow you to network with others in your industry in person.
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    Participate in networking events in your area. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to find local networking events that you can attend. Networking events are often put on by local business associations or leaders in the industry. They may notify individuals in the industry by email or social media about networking events that might interest them.
    1. For example, you may attend a networking lunch event for copy writers in your area so you can meet others and build your clientele. Or you may attend a networking brunch in your area for small business owners to get to know others in the area and to promote your business.
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    Become a member of a professional business association. To make your networking more field specific, check to see if there is a professional business association you can join that connects to your field or industry. Often, professional business associations will have a strong online presence and can work as a networking tool. They also give you the opportunity to meet peers or people in your industry face to face at networking events put on through the professional business association.[6]
    1. For example, if you are a computer programmer, you may look for a professional business association in your area for computer programmers.
Method 3 of 3:

Being Confident and Proactive When Networking

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    Send out an introductory email. Once you have set up networking tools, you will need to then put them into action. Go through contacts on your professional networks and on any professional business associations you belong to. Send out introductory emails to these contacts so you are on their radar. You may note a current project you are working on that may be of interest to them or you may offer them your expertise.[7]
    1. Be respectful, friendly, and brief in the introductory email. State your professional role and note what you can offer to the person or what you would like to request from them. Follow all the rules and guidelines of a professional business email.
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    Start a private conversation on a networking site. Another option is to start a private conversation with a contact on a networking site like LinkedIn. Doing this can serve as an informal introduction that still comes off as professional and friendly. Send a brief 'hello' as well as comment about a recent post the person made on the networking site. Or offer your services for a position that the person posted on the site earlier in the day.[8]
    1. Keep the tone of the message friendly but professional. Make the message short and to the point, while still being sociable.
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    Network via social media. You should also use your professional social media pages to network with others. Follow potential clients or employers on social media. Comment on their posts and 'like' them. Do this consistently so they are aware of your social media presence.[9]
    1. You can also post content that you think will attract the attention of your social media followers, which can then help you connect and network. For example, you may post content about copy editing for corporate briefs on Facebook as a way to gain the attention of potential corporate employers.
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    Keep your online presence constant and active. To be an effective networker online, you need to have an online presence that is constant and active. Update your social media pages on a daily basis or several times a day. Make sure your profiles on networking sites are current. Post new content regularly to any professional blogs or social media pages you have.
    1. Having a constant and active online presence will also ensure that you are made aware of job opportunities or potential clients right away, especially if you are part of a good networking community. This can allow you to take your career to the next level and network better as a telecommuter.
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    Introduce yourself with confidence in person. When you are attending networking events in person, make sure you always introduce yourself to others at the event with confidence. Maintain eye contact and open body language, with your arms relaxed at your sides and your chin up. Turn your body towards the person you are addressing and smile to engage them in conversation.
    1. Use a firm handshake when meeting someone and say something pleasant like, "Hello my name is [Name]. Nice to meet you," or "Hi there, I'm a small business owner in the area. Nice to meet you."
Update 24 March 2020
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