5 Ways to Create Meaningful Connections in a Virtual World

This list was initially created for students embarking on a new career during covid-19. It also includes EQ techniques helpful for everyone.

1. Connect with intention.
   • Before engaging with someone online, take a step back and ask why you are doing so.
   • What is the purpose of the interaction?
   • What are you hoping to gain or give?
2. Make it all about them.
   • Listening is an essential ingredient in effective communication, online interactions included.
   • Listening also provides a much needed break from monotonous internal dialogue.
   • In a virtual world, “listening” often takes place through reading and staying open to another person’s perspective. No matter how different.
   • From “Me to We”
3. Do the people research.
   • The first thing I do before I engage with someone online is read their page – literally!
   • I read their “About Me” biography. Plus their comments and interactions on social media, blog posts, and articles. And if available, I listen to their interviews and watch accompanying videos.
   • I love learning about the people I interact with. Especially their strengths.
4. Do the company research.
   • This is where I get curious about what makes a company tick!
   • The people, the history, the economics, the geography, the philosophy.
   • The company’s motto and theme song (check out their facebook page).
   • Pick up the phone and talk to the receptionist and administrative assistants — the pulse of the organization. And if possible, engage with front line workers and management.
   • This is also the time to assess if the company’s core values match up with your own.
   • Is it a good fit?
5. Create a need for your services.
   • What makes YOU .. YOU?!
   • What makes you unique, different, quirky, goofy, all kinds of wonderful?
   • This is the part of the online interaction process where your personality wraps around your talents, education, and abilities.
   • For example: when I was a kid, my Dad always said: “Andrea, you better get a job where you get paid to talk” because.. I couldn’t stop talking! (you should have seen my grade 8 report card)
   • This is why I come alive in the classroom but would fade away in a research lab.
   • What parts of your personality make your skill set stand out?

Your Turn: How Do You Create Meaningful Connections in a Virtual World?

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