Welcome to this week's episode of the Modern Mentor Podcast. I'm your host, Rachel Cook,

and today I'll be sharing some thoughtful ways of building relationships virtually.

As we continue to persist in this new version of

normal, it's likely many of us will experience a sense of isolation and disconnection.

Practicing social distancing and working remotely can make the idea of relationships,

of human connection, feel like a thing of the past. But as we all continue to move

through this historic and anxiety-provoking moment, connection and relationships matter more than ever.

Though in-person lunches, coffees, conferences, and happy hours may be off the current list of

options, there are still many ways in which we can

and should create and nurture relationships right now. First, put yourself out there strategically.

Meaningful connection begins with letting people know how and why to connect with you. Who you are is a complex equation.

You're the sum of your professional skills, interests, and affiliations, your hobbies,

your alma mater, your community, and so much more. Putting up profiles of yourself on social

networking platforms is a good start. But being strategic about how you

position yourself, what details you highlight, what experiences and qualifications you broadcast

will influence the audience that finds you. What do you want to attract right now? Are you seeking

clients for your small business? Are you looking for a new job? Are you striving to

position yourself as a thought leader in a subject area? Wanting to connect with old friends and

classmates? Whatever your answer, make that desire known. Personal branding expert William

Aruta shared some of his favorite tips for thoughtfully

composing a LinkedIn profile that attracts the network you're striving to build.

His suggestions include focusing on skills and keywords that are relevant to the people you

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