5 Out-of-the-Box Ideas on Expanding Your Contacts and Really Connecting

Networking is a vital part of both your present and future: in the here and now, the tools and events to maximize it are endless, but the effort to create new opportunities going forward is something that many professionals find very daunting.

And unfortunately, favors are starting to become part of the past; in a fast-paced world, everyone wants their piece of the pie.  So you can’t expect to obtain what you want without being able to negotiate something in return.

This is where your network can become your greatest advantage. Having a large network of professionals — on different levels and in different industries — can make you a very valuable connection.  Being able to maintain those new connections is even more important to long-term success.

The only downfall is that it is not easy (we’ve all been to those drink-in-hand occasions that seem to somehow induce both a stifling feeling and a case of the flutters).   Run-of-the-mill networking also involves a lot of  ”putting yourself out there.”  Instead, to ensure you successfully get to where you want to be, here are five great suggestions on how to take the lead and create new opportunities for yourself:

1. Join a committee in your city.  For example, most cities have a Rotary or Lions club, which are organizations that work with different charitable programs. This gives you an opportunity to meet new professionals in different networks as well as to do some good in your hometown.

2. Think about something of interest to you where you could see yourself enrolling in a class to learn more:  for example, a 3D printing or arts seminar.  Check out what is available in your community, and opt for a time slot right after work.  Especially if you work in the city, this is a great opportunity to avoid rush-hour traffic, get involved in something you like, and meet new people.

3. So you’ve met someone at a networking event and now don’t know what to do next. Don’t just add them on LinkedIn; ask them to meet you for coffee.  Bring a note pad, some questions, and see what you can offer them, besides their latte.  It is so refreshing for people to ask what you need, instead of asking for what they want.  This is a great opportunity to stand out.

4. Start a blog. You don’t have to be an amazing writer to chat industry-related topics and start discussions online. The connection you can make with people on any given topic, from organizational ideas to keeping a healthy lifestyle while on the go, can start a new connection with someone who may have a lot of advice and knowledge to share — and vice versa.

5. Check out your city’s events listings and volunteer where you can, particularly at venues that interest you. This is a great chance to meet others from different industries who share your interests, as well as getting to experience the event from both sides of the spectrum – i.e. as an attendee and volunteer.

Networking is all about give and take. Don’t brush off an opportunity to meet someone completely out of your circle, through all of the scenarios above;  you’d be surprised by the potential that exists to be helpful to one another.

And the other bonus is that standard networking environments and events have become so spurious over the years. When you are used to stuffy and sleazy so-called “networking environments,” meeting real people in real situations can instead be so refreshing.

So  try something new, and be open to meeting people in unfamiliar environments.  The opportunity to connect is literally everywhere – just a conversation away! — and taking an initiative to explore new, unusual surroundings also boosts your confidence, further allowing more doors to open for you.  You will find in no time that your contacts have expanded and you have a richer, more varied grid of people with whom to interact – which boosts both your professional and personal lives.