As the temperatures rise this season, your networking should be sizzling. People tend to put networking on the back burner during the summer and pick it up again as fall approaches. Not such a good or effective idea. Networking works best when it is consistent and ongoing. People can focus their objectives and goals towards summer activities to make the most of their schedule. It’s also a good idea to include friends, family, and co-workers in your networking mission.
Listed below are some helpful tips to maximize your social and business efforts.
the pool party
Attend pool parties within your neighborhood or with family and friends. These are the ideal places to meet your community. This holiday season, set a social and informal tone for your networks. Continue to learn about people on a personal level and find ways to connect for future opportunities. Find out about their social and professional affiliations. It is always important to ask engaging and interesting questions. Also follow up in a timely manner and ask for relevant submissions, when necessary. If you attend events with family members, find ways to involve them in your networking efforts. It is good to take advantage of those close and long-term relationships.
summer concerts
Go out and meet people who share similar entertainment interests. Concerts are great places to meet a variety of people. Use time spent in ticket lines, snacks, and souvenirs to start conversations. Between sessions and breaks, get to know the people around you. This can also be a great way to expand your network nationally or internationally. People tend to travel from different places to attend concerts and entertainment shows.
the ball park
Make an appointment at the ballpark and invite friends and colleagues to attend. Or get invited to sports games in your city or town. It’s always fun and energetic to attend events as a collective group. Reduces the stress of networking in closed or formal settings. People are more likely to invite additional friends and colleagues to expand the circle. This is an opportunity to find people you may not necessarily have the opportunity to associate or meet with.
It is clear that summer is still a good time for networking. The value of being consistent and developing can only enhance your efforts. It can also provide the fuel for a successful networking season in the fall and winter months.