Guest Blogger: Harper Kelly | Harper Kelly is Florida native hung up on all things social media, writing, and running. When she’s not scoping out the new trails in Tampa you can find her browsing the web and writing about technology, traveling, and food. Follow her journey on Twitter @harperkellyh.
Are you looking for some new business contacts? Before you head to LinkedIn again, you may want to step out of the office. There are tons of places all around that offer great opportunities to network and meet new people. Some of these people could be clients, colleagues, and more.
6 Best Places To Network Outside Of The Office
Hit the Gym
It’s kind of surprising how many conversations you actually end up having while you’re at the gym. You’re there to work out, right? So it seems a little counter-intuitive that this is the perfect place for networking. However, business conversations happen everywhere from the front desk to the locker rooms, and even while on the machines. So make sure to bring along some business cards next time you plan to work out.
While Engaging in a Hobby
Are you a comic book nerd at heart? Do you love to go to wine tastings? Every time you head out to engage in one of your hobbies, make sure to bring along a few business cards. Strike up some conversations with others around you; you’ll be surprised how many people are willing to talk business when they’re trying to relax. When meeting someone in this capacity, you’re creating a link with them that you probably wouldn’t have had if you met in the office.
Head to the Park
Do you have kids? When you take them to the park, do you end up chatting with the other parent? This is a great way to get your name out there and start networking. Other parents that you meet at the park are likely to work in your area or have a spouse that does. Even if they aren’t in your field, the contact and networking never hurts. You may be surprised at whom you run into, though.
Family Reunions
If you’re headed to a family reunion in the near future, remember that you may not know what your uncle’s cousin’s wife does for a living. You don’t want to make the entire reunion about business, but it doesn’t hurt to network a little.
Coffee Shop
Have you ever been sitting at a coffee shop and heard someone talking about their business? It happens all the time. This is a great place to connect. Something about coffee shops makes it easy to talk business and start networking. Whether you’re waiting for your drink or you start chatting with someone about the book they’re reading, as soon as you start talking, make sure you’re projecting a business air.
At a Party
Your friends are getting together. You may think that there’s no one in your circle that cares about what you do or why. However, don’t underestimate them. Feel free to talk about your business once in a while. Plus, consider the fact that there may be people there you haven’t met yet.
Once you’ve made initial connections, you need to make sure you stay up on them. Look into sites like hughesnet to stay connected.
