Virtual Networking Etiquette 101 by: Taz Sadhukhan, Chief Operating Officer, Centricity

Now that virtual “everything” has become a way of life, I felt it was important to lay out the basics of Virtual Networking Etiquette. Centricity has been hosting networking meetings and events online since 2016. In the past, we glossed over these items and would point them out in communication. However, now, these are no longer optional. Doing things virtually is convenient, but it’s not a license to multi-task. Here's 10 ways to do it right:

1.  Driving Is Unacceptable - If you are driving expect that you will be removed from the event. It is dangerous to you and others around you.

2.  Being In Transit Is No Better - It is very distracting if you’re walking your dog, running, shopping, or on a train or bus. Treat these events like you would any in-person event.

3.  Keep Your Camera On - A video conference is a face-to-face interaction the same as in-person. You can only be face-to-face if your video is on. You wouldn’t attend an in-person event covered by a dark green trash bag so nobody could see you. It’s no different for a video conference. If we didn’t need to see your face, we’d call it an audio conference call. If you agreed to be on a video conference “I’m not camera ready” does not put you in a professional light. It is equivalent to showing up to an in-person meeting without proper attire.

4.  Don’t Promote Your Networking Event At Someone Else’s - Be respectful of the work that it takes to put on an event. Don’t hijack someone else’s event to promote your own unless you have prior written permission. It’s unprofessional.

5.  Choose Your Computer Over Your Mobile Device Over - Using a mobile device to participate in a video conference is the last resort, not your first choice. You will look and come across more professionally if you can use your laptop or desktop. If you have no choice, use it and apologize to the other attendees that this was the only option you had.

6.  Multitasking Is Obvious and Rude - Close down your email, text, and web browser. If you want others to respect you, then you need to respect them first. Shut off your notifications so you don’t look at that text or slack message that just came through at the corner of your screen. Multitasking on a video call is the equivalent of you checking your phone or doing your email while in an in-person meeting. It’s just rude.

7.  Chat Spamming Is Not Cool - The event organizers use the chat window to communicate with all the attendees and help those that need help. When you put your sales pitch into the chat window, you’re committing “Chat Spam” and spam of any kind is not how you win friends and influence people. Chat Spamming also tells everybody that you aren’t paying attention to whoever is speaking and this is just rude. If you want to know when you can put your information in the chat window, simply use the “raise hand” icon to ask the question. The organizer will let you know when it is appropriate.

8.  Clean Your Space Or Have A Background To Hide It - Some of us have no choice but to work out of a room that is not a real work space. Do the best you can to make sure the bed is made, the clothes are in the hamper, the closet door is closed and dirty dishes are hidden. If you are able to use a virtual background in the platform you are using then do so to “hide the mess”. Would you hold a business meeting in an office or conference that was dirty and cluttered? Sames rules apply online.

9.  Breakout Sessions Isn’t The Time To Turn Off Your Video - This is a face-to-face meeting. Be present in the conversation. It’s that simple.

10.  Stay Through The Entire Breakout Session - Unless you have a family emergency, please give the participants the respect of staying through the entire breakout session. This goes back to being distracted free and multitasking. Use the standard you would apply to walking out of an in-person meeting in the middle of the session. If you’d do it there, do it here. If not, be polite and don’t behave in a manner that will damage your personal brand.

Helping people build a professional network and relationships is one of the things that we do best. Remember that human connection, virtually, is accomplished with a plan, designed engagement, and interactivity that resonates. So take every virtual meeting seriously. Visit centricitynetwork.com.