How To Build Connection

by Jayson Davis

Building connections and maintaining those relationships using {social excellence} while physically apart can be challenging but not impossible. In today’s digital age, numerous tools and strategies can help you stay connected and foster meaningful relationships.

Here are some tips for using tools to stay in touch and enhancing your social connections:

1. Communication Apps: Take advantage of communication apps like Discord, GroupMe, or Slack to create group chats or channels dedicated to fostering friendship. These platforms allow you to exchange messages, share updates, and organize virtual hangouts.
2. Video Conferencing: Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, or Google Meet offer excellent ways to connect face-to-face virtually. Schedule regular video calls with your friends to catch up, discuss assignments, sporting events, or simply have a virtual hangout session.
3. Social Media: Utilize social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn to stay connected or establish new connections. Join relevant groups, follow student org pages, or create group chats to maintain conversations, share interesting content, and organize virtual events.
4. Online Gaming: Engage in online multiplayer games with an open invite. This provides a fun and interactive way to stay connected, collaborate, and have enjoyable experiences together, even when physically apart.
5. Virtual Events and Activities: Organize virtual events such as game nights, movie watch parties, watching sporting events, or study sessions using platforms like Discord or dedicated event management tools. These activities help foster a sense of togetherness and provide shared experiences.
6. Collaborative Tools: Utilize collaborative tools like Google Docs, Teams, Trello, or Notion to work on group projects or organize shared resources. These platforms enable seamless collaboration and help you stay connected while working towards common goals.
7. Regular Check-ins: Make a conscious effort to be generous with your time by reaching out to your friends individually. Regularly check in with them, be curious about their well-being, and show authentic interest in their lives. This personal touch helps maintain strong connections and demonstrates your commitment to the relationship.
8. Attend Virtual Workshops or Webinars: Participate in online workshops or webinars relevant to your interests or studies. This not only expands your knowledge but also provides opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and establish new connections.
9. Cultivate Active Listening Skills: When engaging in virtual conversations, practice active listening by giving your full attention and showing empathy towards others. Respond thoughtfully, ask follow-up questions, and express genuine interest in their perspectives. This helps build stronger connections and fosters deeper understanding.
10. Plan for In-Person Gatherings: While connecting virtually is important, make plans to meet in person whenever feasible. Organize meet-ups, study sessions, or social outings to strengthen your relationships and create lasting memories together. Having a plan to physically meet up at some time is vital.

Remember, building connections and maintaining social excellence requires effort and intentionality, whether in-person or virtually. By leveraging the available tools and implementing these strategies, you can nurture meaningful relationships and enhance your overall network and college experience.

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