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The power of virtual networks
Networking doesn't have to stop during the coronavirus lockdown
Networking is about creating connections through communication. During the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown, many of us are tapping into digital and virtual networks to support continuing professional development and mental wellbeing.
Below is some guidance on networking in the age of digital and social media from the Museum Practice archive.
Top tips on virtual networking
Meet ups can happen without groups ever actually meeting; contacts can be made and cultivated on the other side of the world, and support and advice can come through an email group.
“Virtual
networks are easier to participate in as they require less time and
resources," said Alex Bird, the senior development officer at Museum
Development North West. “They are also a great way to share advice,
guidance and resources.”
From email groups, including the Museum Computer Group for the sector’s tech professionals, and the Group for Education in Museums
for those working in museum and heritage learning, to Twitter hang-outs, Zoom meetings
and LinkedIn, there is an almost overwhelming array of opportunities.
Finding
the right ones for you is as simple as asking colleagues and friends in
the sector about which ones they use, Bird said.
Katy Jackson,
the public programmes manager at London’s National Army Museum, said that some networks might even “come and find you”.
It is also
useful to follow people you know, admire or would like to meet on social
media sites, including Twitter and LinkedIn. Becki Morris, a steering
committee member at the Disability Cooperative Network for Museums,
also suggested checking out professional hashtags that are similar to
your interest.
The Museums Association’s professional development
officer Tamsin Russell said that people approach virtual networking
just like face-to-face networking. “Identify what purpose your
participation in networks aims to achieve,” she added.
“If it is about deeper knowledge in your current discipline see if there are virtual opportunities to engage in Specialist Subject Networks
(SSNs) or smaller professional bodies; if it is about developing a
different understanding in an aligned field then look to participate
there; if it is about becoming well rounded then why not try #MuseumHour on Twitter.”
Jackson
has been a volunteer with MuseumHour, a weekly discussion on Twitter,
for a year. “It’s informal, but it can be both serious and
light-hearted,” she explained. “It draws people from across the sector,
which is very useful and would be very difficult to facilitate in real
life.”
The beauty of it, she said, is the ease with which people –
even members of the public – can engage.
Twitter and museums go together like “cats
and the internet”, said Sacha Coward, a founder member of Queering Museums, a LGBTQ+ network.
While
digital networking can be “an introverts dream”, Coward believes that
in order to make the most of the opportunities you have to put in the
effort.
He advised that preparing what you want to say at “events”
such as MuseumHour, as well as sharing interesting images, videos and
links. “Sharing some of yourself allows you to feel real while allowing
you to highlight different facets of who you are,” he added.
“People want authenticity. If that is something you can’t find the fun in then you shouldn’t do it.”
It is possible to learn a lot from digital networks even if your own contributions are small.
Russell said : “That may be exactly what meets your needs but, in my experience,
people are very generous with their time and insights. If you want to
ask a question or connect more deeply, then a lack of visibility will
not negatively impact the support and guidance offered.”
LinkedIn
is another useful social network for the sector, said DCN’s Morris. “I
find it quite an important tool. It is a good way of finding out who is
coming up in the sector, as well as offering a way to find out more
about attendees at an event.”
Putting
time and effort into maintaining your virtual networks, however, is as
essential as it is in physical networking.
“The maintenance is around
remaining engaged – liking, re-tweeting, replying, commenting, asking
questions etc,” said Russell. “You need to put in what you hope to get
out.”
This is an edited article from the Museum Practice archive - which is free for individual and institutional members of the Museums Association