Networking For Remote Workers

The remote job board black hole is real - but there's a backdoor almost nobody is using... 👇🏼 Ever feel like your carefully crafted applications disappear into the void? Like you just don’t have the right “trick?” You're not alone. I recently worked with someone who had submitted 100+ remote job applications through traditional channels with absolutely nothing to show for it. Radio silence. Then we pivoted to a completely different approach that transformed his results overnight. The game-changing insight? The most valuable remote opportunities are being discussed in specialized Slack communities long before they hit any job board. Here's the exact strategy that generated 4 interview opportunities in just one month: ✅ 1 // Target micro-communities, not mega-platforms Forget the crowded job sites where you're competing with thousands. Instead, join 3-5 Slack communities specifically focused on your skill set or industry. ✅ 2 // Deliver value before asking for anything Don't immediately announce you're job hunting. First, become a genuinely helpful community member. Answer questions, share resources, and demonstrate your expertise organically. ✅ 3 // Watch for the "pre-job signals" Look for phrases like "We're scaling the team soon" or "Getting busy and might need help." These casual mentions often happen weeks before formal job postings are created. ✅ 4 // Position yourself as the obvious solution When you notice these signals, you're not a random applicant – you're already a known, helpful community member reaching out at exactly the right moment. What makes this approach so effective? A staggering 40% of remote positions are filled through network connections before they're ever advertised publicly. In one case, a simple conversation that started with "I noticed you mentioned expanding your development team..." led directly to an interview, completely bypassing the traditional application process. The fundamental shift is moving from transaction to relationship. From being one resume in a stack of hundreds to being the person someone already knows and trusts. Remote work is built on trust – shouldn't your job search strategy reflect that? Which communities have you found valuable in your professional journey?

In my early career, I thought networking was all about building as many connections as possible. But I quickly learned that effective networking isn't about the quantity of your connections—it's about the quality. Throughout my career, the connections that have truly made a difference weren’t the ones where I just asked for help—they were the ones where I made it easy for others to want to help me. If you want to make others genuinely want to help you, it’s crucial to move beyond simply asking for favors. Instead, focus on creating value and building relationships where both parties benefit. So, how can you do the same? Here are four tactical tips to help you network effectively: ✅ Do Your Homework Before reaching out, research the person or company you’re interested in. Understand their work, challenges, and how you can add value. For instance, instead of asking a connection for job leads, do your own research first. Identify specific roles and companies you’re targeting, and then ask if they can help with an introduction. This approach shows initiative and respect for their time. ✅ Be Specific in Your Ask Whether you’re asking for an introduction, advice, or a referral, be clear and concise about what you need. For example, instead of asking, “Do you know anyone hiring?” say, “I noticed [Company Name] is looking for a [Role]. Would you be open to introducing me to [Person]? I’m happy to send you my resume and a brief write-up you can pass along, too.” This shows that you’ve taken the initiative and makes it easier for your contact to say yes. ✅ Offer Mutual Value When requesting a meeting or advice, frame it as a two-way conversation. Instead of saying, “Can I pick your brain?” try something like, “I’d love to exchange ideas on [specific topic] and share some strategies that have worked for me.” This not only makes your request more compelling but also positions you as someone who brings value to the table. ✅ Follow Up with Gratitude After someone has helped you, don’t just say thank you and disappear. Keep them in the loop on how their help made an impact. Whether you got the job, secured the meeting, or just had a great conversation, let them know. This closes the loop and makes them more inclined to help you in the future. Your network is one of your greatest assets—nurture it well, and it will be there for you when you need it most. What’s one networking tip that’s helped you build stronger connections? *** 📧 Want more tips like these? Join Career Bites - free weekly bite-sized tips to supercharge your career in 3 minutes or less: lorraineklee.com/subscribe 📖 You can also get behind-the-scenes stories, updates, and special gifts for my upcoming book Unforgettable Presence: lorraineklee.com/book

Remote work isn't broken. The rulebook is: Most companies wrote one set of remote rules and handed it to everyone. But managers and employees need to run it differently: 1. Set core hours ↳Manager: Pick 3-4 hours the whole team is online, then stop scheduling meetings outside that window ↳Employee: Block those hours on your calendar and protect the rest of your day for deep work 2. Overcommunicate context ↳Manager: Explain the why behind a task, not just the what, so no one has to guess ↳Employee: Add a quick note to every update so your manager never has to ask "where are we" 3. Ask before you assume ↳Manager: If a message sits unanswered for an hour, check in before you jump to conclusions ↳Employee: Ask before you guess, it saves both of you a redo 4. Default to written ↳Manager: Put decisions in a doc or channel, not just a call, so nothing gets lost ↳Employee: Recap verbal conversations in writing so there's a record everyone can check 5. Trust the work ↳Manager: Judge output, not hours online, and say that out loud to the team ↳Employee: Share progress often so trust builds without anyone having to ask for it 6. Show up on camera ↳Manager: Make camera use a norm for some meetings ↳Employee: Turn your camera on for priority calls 7. Build in real connection ↳Manager: Schedule time that isn't about work, even 15 minutes, so the team stays a team ↳Employee: Show up to that time, skipping it quietly adds up to feeling cut off 8. Document everything ↳Manager: Keep one source of truth for decisions so new hires can catch up fast ↳Employee: Write down what you did and why before you log off each day 9. Ask for feedback ↳Manager: Check in at least monthly on what's working and what feels isolating ↳Employee: Speak up early if something feels off, don't wait for the review 10. Guard the boundary ↳Manager: Don't message after hours unless it's urgent, model the behavior you want ↳Employee: Set a hard stop time and actually log off when you hit it A rulebook only works if both sides read it the same way.  Most don't. Which of these feels hardest to actually follow, as a manager or as an employee? --- ♻️ Repost to help remote teams work better together. And follow me George Stern for more remote work content.

You don’t need to attend awkward networking events to build connections. Here are 10 ways to network online (from your couch) to land your dream job, mentorship or just to stay in touch: 1. Start with warm calls, not cold DMs Reaching out to strangers is intimidating. So, begin with people you already admire or respect: past colleagues, old classmates, mentors, or anyone you’ve gotten value from. Reach out, share your goals, ask for advice, or simply reconnect. — 2. Build (or join) a 3-6 person mastermind Invite people you admire to check in monthly or quarterly. Ask 3 simple questions in each meeting: • What’s your biggest win? • What’s your biggest challenge? • How can we help each other? This becomes your personal board of advisors, and their networks become yours, too. — 3. Make intros within your own network Instead of always trying to add new people, try connecting two people you already know. It builds goodwill, and often sparks reciprocity. Some of my best opportunities came from introductions I made first. — 4. Be the tortoise, not the hare Strong networks aren’t built in a week. They come from consistency, trust, and staying top of mind. Check in. Celebrate small wins. Be helpful, even without asking for anything.  — 5. Send snail mail Want to stand out in a sea of LinkedIn messages? Send a handwritten card or even a fun comic with a note. The person will always remember your “extra” effort. — 6. Elevate the interaction • Only chatted with someone online? Try a call. • Had a few calls? Try a Zoom meeting. • Know them over Zoom? Meet up in person. Each upgrade strengthens the connection. — 7. Pick one platform to dominate Instead of being everywhere, go deep somewhere. For example, if it’s LinkedIn: • Endorse people • Write thoughtful comments • Share niche insights your network actually values   This depth pays off more than shallow visibility. — 8. Curate, don’t just connect Curate the best insights, tools, or articles in your niche, and share them regularly. You’ll become a trusted source people keep coming back or referring to. — 9. Do something fun together Shared activities build bonds. This could be as simple as playing a game, joining a sweepstakes, or co-hosting a webinar.  People remember who made them feel something. — 10. Swipe right (yes, really) Apps like Shapr or Invitly are designed for warm outreach — you match with people who want to meet others. It’s cold networking without the awkwardness. Networking isn’t about pitching. It’s about planting seeds. Start with one person. Reach out. Reconnect.  Then keep showing up, helping others, and making connections that count.

The 'Out of Sight, Out of Mind' Trap: How to Conquer the Distance Google is a global company with offices all over the world, and while this diversity is a strength, it also presents unique challenges for communication and collaboration. Especially when your key stakeholders and decision-makers are continents away! Those hallway conversations, spontaneous coffee chats, and quick desk drop-bys that teams at HQ take for granted? Yeah, those aren't happening when you're separated by oceans and time zones. And that can lead to a disconnect. Your team's amazing work might get overlooked, your challenges might go unnoticed, and your stakeholders might feel out of the loop. But fear not, fellow remote leads! Here are a few strategies I've learned along the way: ‣ Tailor your communication approach: Every leader has their preferred communication style. Some love detailed reports, others prefer concise bullet points, and some just want the TL;DR. It's your job to adapt and deliver information in the way they'll best receive it. ‣ Embrace Radical Transparency: The worst thing that can happen is your leadership feeling blindsided by a problem or a missed deadline. Over-communicate! Share updates regularly, highlight both wins and challenges, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. ‣ Educate Your Leads: Help them understand the unique challenges of leading a remote team in a different location. Explain why you might need more proactive communication or different approaches to stay connected and aligned. ‣ Build Relationships Beyond Email: Travel when possible. Occasional visits to the main office can be invaluable for building relationships and understanding the nuances of the company culture. ‣ Celebrate Wins: Make sure your stakeholders are aware of your team's accomplishments, both big and small. This reinforces the value of your team and keeps them top-of-mind. ‣ Iterate and Improve: What works for one lead might not work for another. Experiment with different communication styles, ask for feedback, and continuously refine your approach. Leading a local team in a remote site requires extra effort and intention. By mastering the art of communication and building strong relationships with your stakeholders, you can ensure your team's success, no matter where you are in the world! What are your favorite tips for leading remote teams across continents? Share your insights in the comments! 👇 #RemoteLeadership #Communication #TechLeadership #lifeAtGoogle

#linkedin is not for Employees Building a solid network on LinkedIn as a company employee is essential for career growth and professional development. 1. Optimize Your Profile Start by creating a professional LinkedIn profile. Use a high-quality profile picture, write a compelling headline, and craft a detailed summary that highlights your skills and accomplishments. Include keywords relevant to your industry. Example: John Doe, Marketing Professional | Passionate about data-driven strategies and brand growth. 2. Connect with Colleagues Begin by connecting with current colleagues and former coworkers. Personalize your connection requests to remind them of your professional relationship and express your desire to stay in touch. Example: Hi [Colleague's Name], it's been great working together at [Company]. Let's stay connected and continue sharing insights! 3. Engage with Content Interact with industry-related posts and articles. Like, comment, and share valuable content to show your expertise and interest in your field. Engaging with others' content can lead to meaningful connections. Example: Comment on a post - "Great insights! I've had similar experiences in [industry] and agree with your perspective. 4. Join LinkedIn Groups Find and join LinkedIn groups related to your industry or interests. Actively participate in discussions and provide thoughtful comments or answers to questions. This can help you connect with like-minded professionals. Example: Join a Marketing Professionals group and share an article relevant to the group's interests with a brief comment explaining its significance. 5. Create Your Content Share your knowledge by creating original content. Write articles, share case studies, or post industry updates. This showcases your expertise and attracts connections who are interested in your insights. Example: Write an article about the latest trends in your industry, sharing your unique perspective and experiences. 6. Attend LinkedIn Events Keep an eye out for industry-related webinars, virtual conferences, or networking events on LinkedIn. Participating in these events allows you to connect with professional who share your interests. Example: Register for a virtual marketing conference and actively participate in the chat or Q&A sessions. 7. Request Recommendations Request recommendations from colleagues or supervisors who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. These recommendations add credibility to your profile. Example: Send a polite request for a recommendation, specifying the skills or projects you'd like them to highlight. 8. Message Thoughtfully When reaching out to new connections, send personalized messages. Explain why you'd like to connect and how you can mutually benefit from the connection. Example: Hi [New Connection's Name] I noticed your expertise in [specific skill] and thought it would be valuable to connect.

If you want to build a network in 30 days, read this: Goal: Build a foundation for your professional network by forming genuine connections with 10 individuals relevant to your career goals. Before you start: Define your goals: What do you hope to achieve by building your network? (e.g., career advice, industry knowledge, potential job opportunities) Identify target individuals: Who are the people you want to connect with? Consider their expertise, experience, and potential value in achieving your goals. Days 1-10: Laying the groundwork Utilize social media: Update your LinkedIn profile to showcase your skills and experience. Join relevant groups and follow industry leaders. Start small: Reach out to 2-3 people you haven't spoken to recently or connect with 1-2 new contacts. Personalize your message and focus on value. Attend online events: Look for webinars, online conferences, or workshops related to your field. Participate actively and introduce yourself to others virtually. Identify industry influencers: Research thought leaders and key players in your field. Follow their work and engage with their content online. Volunteer your expertise: Research volunteer opportunities related to your industry. This allows you to give back, network, and build your reputation. Days 11-20: Building connections Follow-up with initial contacts: Send a follow-up email or message expressing your appreciation for their time and reiterating your interest in staying connected. Engage in online communities: Participate in relevant online discussions. Offer your insights, answer questions, and build your online presence. Connect through mutual connections: Research your existing network for potential connections who know people you'd like to meet. Seek introductions and personalize your outreach. Attend local events: Look for industry meetups, networking events, or conferences in your area. Prepare conversation starters and actively connect with new people. Leverage alumni networks: If you're a college graduate, reconnect with alumni in your field through professional groups or university resources. Days 21-30: Nurturing relationships Share valuable content: Share relevant articles, industry news, or resources with your connections through emails or social media. Offer congratulations and support: Celebrate your network's achievements and offer support during challenges. Show genuine interest in their lives and careers. Schedule informational interviews: Reach out to individuals you admire and request informational interviews. Use this opportunity to learn more about their career path and gain insights. Be a resource: Look for ways to help others in your network by offering introductions, sharing opportunities, or providing relevant information. Schedule coffee chats: Invite 1-2 people you've connected with for virtual or in-person coffee chats to deepen your relationships and explore potential collaborations. Source: "Reach Out" by Molly Beck

Nothing is the same as it used to be 5 years ago. The way we consume content. The way we communicate. The way we learn things. The way we do work. The way we talk. Everything changed. So, why are we still using the old methods to get a job? Sending out resumes and cover letters, waiting for responses, and going through multiple rounds of interviews—no longer aligns with the fast-paced, digital world we live in. Here’s how you can modernize your job search: 1️⃣ Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like LinkedIn to build your professional brand. Share your work, engage with industry leaders, and connect with potential employers. 2️⃣ Create a Digital Portfolio: Showcase your skills and projects online. Use websites like Behance, GitHub, or a personal blog to highlight your achievements. 3️⃣ Network Virtually: Attend virtual conferences, webinars, and meetups. Networking is no longer confined to physical events. 4️⃣ Utilize AI Tools: Use AI-powered platforms to tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application. Tools like Jobscan and Resume Worded can help optimize your documents for applicant tracking systems (ATS). 5️⃣ Apply Strategically: Instead of applying to every job opening, focus on positions that align with your skills and career goals. Use job search engines like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn Jobs to find the best matches. 6️⃣ Prepare for Remote Interviews: With remote work becoming more common, be ready for virtual interviews. Ensure you have a good internet connection, a quiet space, and practice using video conferencing tools. 7️⃣ Showcase Soft Skills: Employers value soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Highlight these skills in your resume, cover letter, and during interviews. 8️⃣ Stay Updated: Keep up with industry trends and continuously upskill yourself. Online courses, certifications, and webinars are great ways to stay relevant. The job market has evolved, and so should your job search strategy. What new strategies have you tried? Share your experiences and tips below!

Are your networking convos going nowhere?  Then, you are likely not asking the right questions at the end of the chat. So let me fix this for ya. Here are my favorite end-of-chit-chat questions to make sure you keep the new connections moving forward. ⭐ Expanding Your Network: "Based on our conversation, who else would you recommend I speak with to gain further insights into this field?" ⭐ Gaining Deeper Industry Insight: "Are there any groups, associations, or forums you think I should join to connect with other professionals in this field?" ⭐ Understanding Company Culture: "Who in your organization has been pivotal to your understanding of the company culture, and might they be open to a discussion?" ⭐ Exploring Opportunities: "In your opinion, which companies or teams are doing exciting work in this space that I should explore further?" ⭐ Finding Mentors and Advisors: "I'm interested in finding a mentor in the field. Is there someone whose career path you admire and who might be open to a mentorship conversation?" ⭐ Learning About Roles and Functions: "Which colleagues of yours have taken interesting paths or roles that you think I could learn from?" ⭐ Asking for Introductions: "Would you be comfortable introducing me to anyone in your network who you think could provide additional perspective on my job search?" ⭐ Keeping the Conversation Going: "What events or meetups would you suggest I attend to meet like-minded professionals in this industry?" ⭐ Following Industry Developments: "Are there any upcoming industry events or webinars that you think would be beneficial for someone in my position to attend?" ⭐ Staying in Touch: "How can I best keep in touch with you as I continue exploring this field and potentially seek your advice again in the future?" So...will you use these banging questions in your next networking chat? Then drop a "YEAH" Lil Jon style in the comments below. #networking #networkingtips

To all the job seekers diligently searching for a new job right now, I see you. I want to share my family's story, which includes a relevant strategy for today's job search that could help. My husband lost his job during the pandemic. At the time, layoffs and job searches were at a peak, similar to today's market. With a concentrated effort, my husband landed a new role in just 2 months. He did it without applying for hundreds of jobs or relying solely on job boards. In fact, he applied for just 3 jobs. He also convinced an organization in another province to hire him remotely (when the role was not originally a remote position). Here's how he did it: ✔️ Nailed down a clear and defined job target. He resisted the temptation to cast a wide net and focused on what he was good at and what he wanted to do. ✔️ Built a tailored and results-rich resume for his job target (yes, of course, I helped, but I also taught him how to own the customization process). ✔️ Created a job search plan with a daily schedule – and executed it. This included time for job search activities, plus personal and family time. The schedule kept him focused and moving forward, but not burning out. ✔️ Conducted lots of research and searched out decision-makers, mainly here on LinkedIn (we also ensured his profile was fully optimized). ✔️ Identified a well-suited opportunity that was not in our city, so he dug into the organization, found a person in his network who worked there, and reached out to that person. ✔️ Developed an internal champion for himself inside the target company. This person vouched for him, gave him inside intel, and helped him shine during the hiring process. ✔️ Ensured that his resume was given directly to the hiring manager (care of the internal contact) in addition to applying for the role online. ✔️ Prepared diligently for multiple interviews, including a well-thought-out pitch on how he could manage the role remotely (remember, this was at the start of the pandemic and not as popular as it is today). ✔️ Secured the offer! Job seekers today can benefit from a similar strategy, remembering to lean on your network. Relationships matter a lot during a job search! Tell everyone you know what you need and what you are good at. Seek out decision-makers. Foster your network. People hire people. #jobsearch #layoffs #laidoff