What are the best ways to network with people in different time zones?

Choosing/creating the platform is dependant on the actual purpose for which it is to be used. Once the scope of purpose is defined either one can build your own meeting/networking platform or use a readily available solution. In general in a VR networking space you will see the following : - avatar creation - multiuser interaction - option to send invite - option to share media content (ppt,video, infographics) - teleport and gesture based interaction - private meeting spaces In my opinion if you look at available platform they kind of overdo and go really deep which i feel won't be relevant to your day to day interactions. So keeping it simple and to the point also means faster load times and smoother experience

Asynchronous communication platforms like email and collaborative tools (Slack, Trello) are effective for networking across different time zones; allowing flexibility and convenience for all parties involved.

Prioritizing the selection of a platform should not be the initial step in networking. It's essential to first determine the purpose of your networking efforts and identify the groups or communities on various virtual reality platforms that align with your objectives. Consider whether the platform requires a headset. Reflect on your specific interests, such as world building, gaming, research, engineering, etc., and investigate whether these communities cater to interest groups that match your areas of focus. Fir example, Altspace wasn’t technically the best VR platform compared to others, it was home to well-connected and dedicated communities, fostering a sense of warmth and connection among its members.

While discussing planning, delve into the challenges of coordinating across time zones. Share personal anecdotes or experiences to highlight the importance of flexibility. This could involve mentioning how adapting meeting times to suit participants' cultural or personal schedules enhances collaboration and creates a more positive networking experience :)

While building VR based meeting spaces, one cannot avoid the scenarios where a user doesn't have one of the VR headsets. In those cases there can be a web version where the user can joint from any flat-screen display devices and can have a similar user journey.

Enhance the notion of preparation by providing specific examples of what individuals can research before a VR session. Emphasize the impact of thoughtful preparation on relationship-building. Additionally, when discussing follow-ups, explore different ways to express gratitude or share resources effectively. Encourage a proactive approach to nurturing connections post-networking event.

One very crucial feature is to have a virtual meeting assistant which can send meeting summary post every VR session. This can also be complemented by a VR recording and transcripts. Having a 5 minutes warm up in VR before the actual meeting can also help non TV savvy users to gear up to the experience and make the best use of it

While discussing engagement and respect, offer relatable examples that illustrate the nuances of virtual communication. Highlight the importance of non-verbal cues in a VR environment and how they contribute to building trust. Addressing potential pitfalls, like cultural differences, showcases the necessity of cultural sensitivity for effective networking.

Accidentally or intentionally a person may bump into another in a VR experience. It's always good to program the experience in such a way that these situations can be overcome. For ex: reduce the opacity when the person gets too close to another ; mute the mic when a person gets too closer; provide a happier feedback when getting too closer to another person. There will also be cases where one may use informal words which can be highlighted to the person I'm private. On repeating the person can be muted permanently.

I completely understand the value of direct communication and the need to exchange information efficiently. It can be challenging to coordinate with people in different time zones, but I empathize with the effort required to wake up earlier or stay up later to make it happen. Let's work together to find a way to make communication as smooth and effective as possible.