PIVOTING TO NEW WAYS TO NETWORK

By: Scott Bahr

As we are adapting daily to our new world, professional networking has taken on entirely new forms. The shift to an increasingly digital world has meant in-person conferences are either cancelled or adapted into online events, and trade shows have been cancelled.

With traditional networking options virtually erased due to limited in-person interaction, developing new and meaningful connections is more challenging than ever. Even maintaining established relationships with clients, vendors, customers, and colleagues has been tougher than ever. We know we can't be the only ones feeling this, so Bit Service wanted to open up a discussion surrounding networking in a socially-distant world.

Many people in the mining industry gravitate toward the line of work because of the prospects of working in-person with a hardworking and tight-knit team and working with everyone involved in carrying out successful mines. Historically, in the industry, phone calls or virtual communication has tended to be brief and kept to a minimum because it was crucial to be physically at the site. With everyone on-site, the business operations were streamlined, and it was easier to understand the status of projects. In-person communication has long been instrumental for us in developing both personal and professional relationships.

MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIPS: WORKING WITH SOMEONE WHO ISN'T TECH-SAVVY

Everyone is adjusting to the technological communication shifts in different ways. The ability to adapt to new technology often comes naturally for younger generations who have grown up with the fast-paced advancements in the technology sector. For those who enjoy working independently or at a computer, adapting to new online work demands will be far more enjoyable. Many of the introverted engineers we have seen entering the industry have been keen on working from their home office space. 

But for individuals who have been in the mining industry for years or decades, shifting ways of working so drastically may come with more of a learning curve. Consider providing IT resources as a company to ease the transition from physical to digital workspaces. Most importantly, remain understanding and work together to find the communication methods that work best for your team dynamics.

LOSS OF TRADE SHOWS: ADAPTING THEM FOR THE NEW NORMAL

Understandably, all of the major trade shows Bit Service participates in annually were cancelled in 2020 and have been cancelled for this coming year as well. Typically, trade shows are instrumental networking opportunities to meet with mining customers, suppliers, and stakeholders worldwide. But with restrictions in place about travelling within our own country, or even just to our friend's house, it is wild to imagine travelling across the world for a conference with 100,000 people. 

The risk of spreading infection at trade shows is far too high. So how can we transfer the concepts and networking opportunities of a trade show into an online event? If event capacity remains capped long-term, the future of trade shows will look a lot different.

Perhaps it's time to adapt the venue into a virtual space. This could be a digital event with live videos of each vendor's booth, a Q&A and comments section for the booth to moderate, and vendors' option to allow others to join on video to network and discuss. While there is so much potential for online events in the future, only time will tell what happens to trade shows. 

GLOBAL NETWORKING

Previously, travel was a barrier when it came to connecting with cross-country and international clients. With digital meetings being such a staple of global work, companies are getting used to the shift, and we are seeing fewer connectivity issues or time-zone mishaps. Adjusting can be challenging, but there are benefits to adapting. Take having access to meetings with suppliers in Germany, from the comfort of home, and with absolutely no jet lag, for example. 

And for introverted people, fewer conferences and travel restrictions means fewer daunting in-person meetings halfway around the world.