Memorial Day Weekend is officially upon us and that signals the unofficial start of summer! So if you’re looking for ways to keep the networking going while still enjoying the summer weather, we’ve got a few of our favorite tips for you below.
Hit Up Your Local Food Truck Festivals
While this tip might seem oddly specific, that’s because it is. If you’ve never been to one of these events, let me paint you a picture. Local food trucks come and line up in parks/empty lots/hip neighborhoods. These events draw huge crowds which is what makes them such a great place to network!
Huge crowds mean long lines and an easy place to strike up a conversation with a stranger about your shared love of Korean Mexican fusion food. You then typically have to wait for your food, so that’s another conversation spot. Plus the more trucks you visit the more you have to talk to others about and the more opportunities to meet a new connection!
Neighborhood Street Parties
Coming out of our winter hibernation, what better chance to network with your neighbors then summertime block or neighborhood parties! It’s an easy conversation to break into with chat about your favorite new restaurant or best ways to avoid traffic from the neighborhood. From there you’ll find the conversation flows easily and you never know, maybe Bob from across the street works for your dream company!
Offer to Treat a Coworker to Coffee
Coworkers might be overlooked when it comes to networking but now that the weather’s nice they’re probably like you itching to get out of the office a little. Offer to treat them to a midday iced coffee from the favorite local shop.
They will have great insights if you’re considering switching departments in the company or perhaps they know someone with your dream job elsewhere and offer to make an introduction. Regardless, don’t overlook this easy networking option.
Family Reunions Don’t Have to Be a Drag
It’s a hot day in July and the last thing you want to do is to make small talk with Aunt Barb while eating potato salad. However, don’t let that keep you from attending that family reunion. Besides the familial connection, family reunions are a prime place to network long as you know who you’re talking to.
Maybe you remember your cousin’s husband’s law firm represents that Fortune 500 company you’ve been eyeing or your mom’s second cousin works at that new startup you keep hearing about. Either way, take an interest in your family member’s lives because they might be just the in you needed.
- - -
If you’re ready to make some moves this summer professionally, reach out to us! We’re hiring across the country! Check out our positions!