Tools for Networking and Socializing in a Remote World

Many of us have been working from home the past few months and will be doing so for the remainder of the year. Many medium and large sized companies are moving towards full on remote policies and reducing office spaces.

There are a whole host of benefits that go along with this, including reduced office costs for companies, access to more talent in a distributed workforce and a better quality of life for employees when you eliminate long commutes, reduce living expenses, and you get more time with friends and family.

I still think it is hard to replicate the interaction of a team working together in person, but we are forced to adapt and get creative in the situation we now face.

It has been interesting as well as challenging to build new relationships with people when we cannot network and socialize as much as before. It is great to have a core group of people you work with, and your existing network to nurture, but expanding your network and meeting new people brings about new opportunities in a fast paced world.

As we build out Startup Sanctuary, I've been utilizing a few different Networking and social tools to meet new people and build relationships. It has been refreshing to speak with others from all around the world and get insights about what they do, how they work and discuss how there is so much opportunity to build and collaborate.

Here are the Top 3 tools I use:

1. Lunchclub

Lunchclub is a professional networking service that connects people with mutual relevant interests. Originally built to give people the opportunity to network and meet in person for lunch, it has now pivoted towards connecting professionals via video chat. They also just recently raised $24.2 million to put their valuation above $100 million.

2. Get Cuppa

As the name suggests, Get Cuppa is designed to facilitate 1-1 virtual coffees. Login with your Twitter credentials and reserve slots in the Cuppa calendar for others to join. Each 'Table' is typically 30 minutes and you can create your own or opt to join one that is already in the Calendar.

3. Cafe Cito

Cafe Cito is another great way to network. As their intro suggests, you can break away from your usual daily tasks and enter thought-provoking conversations with other tech creatives from around the world.

What other tools are you using to socialize and network in a remote world?

If you want to follow along, you can check out more of what is going on at Startup Sanctuary.