Life can change in an instant.

A month ago, who knew we’d be staying at home to help flatten the curve of coronavirus?

Yet as humans we’re wired for connection. Without it, we wither away. So how can we keep in touch in a responsible way when we need to practice social distancing?

It’s a question I’ve been wrestling with during the last few weeks. Why? I believe in sharing content on social media only when there’s something interesting, informative, and/or inspirational to say. It’s about being a bit of a social media contrarian, and doing something different from others. That’s why I’ve been quieter than usual on social media.

I’ve been observing, thinking, and questioning. What does coronavirus and its many implications mean for us? Where are we headed? How will our world change? What are ways we can get ahead of it? How can we help ourselves and others during turbulent times?

In the midst of taking it all in, I noticed something counter-intuitive on LinkedIn. Even though I’m posting less content, my profile views started to increase.

In “normal times,” the less often I posted, the fewer profile views I got. However, I started seeing the opposite. What was turning this social media “truth” on its head in the last few weeks?

To help find out, I decided to connect with some of the people who viewed my profile. As is my practice and recommendation, I sent personalized invitations. I thanked people for viewing my profile, commented on something I could find in common, and asked to connect with them.

The speed of people’s replies surprised me, especially on a Sunday evening. The more heartfelt and open nature of people’s replies were also surprising and touching.

This underscored what in retrospect should have been obvious — people are hungering. And not only that. Depending on their industry, they often have more time to establish professional relationships.

Technology in various forms, including social media, gives us multiple opportunities for connection. Here are a few ideas …

Reach out to one or two people each day

An email or a text to touch base with someone can be a real day brightener — for the recipient and for you. Ideally, that message is sent without any agenda other than to say hello and check on how they’re doing.

Of course, share a bit about what’s new with you and how you’re adjusting to our stay-at-home world. Include a photo or a short video if that makes sense.

You could also take it to another level and connect via Zoom, Skype, or other video-based medium. Every few weeks I’m doing this with a variety of colleagues and friends to share ideas and inspiration. In the personal realm, my sister and I are doing Zoom calls with our parents on Sunday mornings.

Connect with new people on LinkedIn

Consider everyone you come across on LinkedIn as someone you can potentially build a relationship with. People who viewed your profile are an option. Also look at the voices showing up in your LinkedIn feed.

If they’re second- or third-level connects who you find interesting, send them a personalized connection request. Tell them why your content attracted your attention as well as a bit about you. Keep it friendly and lighthearted.

This is not the time to ask for anything other than a connection. You can build a relationship over time from there. To make sure compelling people show up in your feed, follow hashtags of interest on LinkedIn by typing terms of interest into the search bar.

Identify aspirational relationships you’d like to build

In many industries, people have more time on their hands right now. That may make them more open to meeting new people. Who are the thought leaders in your industry? Who are the leaders in your company? Who are authors and influencers you admire?

Start making a list of who you’d like to build a relationship with over time. Okay, it may not ever be the moment to try to build a relationship with Oprah. But there are plenty of other incredible people who are more accessible on social media than ever.

Put your requests out there, keeping it light and friendly and not asking for anything. Once you do connect, make a point to follow the person’s content and comment on it as appropriate.

And if people don’t respond to your requests, don’t take it personally. It’s probably not you. Some people don’t check LinkedIn frequently and may not have even seen your request.

These are just a few ways you can network while working from home in your favorite athleisure. What are some of the ways you are building strong connections from home?