SUMMER OFFERS LOTS OF NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES. Here’s how to capitalize on them?

By Paul Cecala, GCDF, July 3, 2024

Your summer vacations and social gatherings provide lots of opportunities for networking that can reap rewards for your job search and career! But striking up networking conversations in casual settings like at the pool or beach, at a neighbor’s BBQ, or while on vacation, requires a slightly different approach than a formal business event.

I love the variety of people I meet at these places and events. I know more than a few people who have made long-standing friendships with the people they met on a cruise or vacationing someplace. These chance encounters can become great opportunities if you make an effort to create a friendship.

Here are some tips to navigate these networking situations:

Be Approachable:

Smile, make eye contact, and relax your posture. Maintain an open body language and subtly nod in greeting when your eyes connect. People are more likely to chat if you seem approachable.

Find Common Ground:

The setting itself is a great conversation starter. Comment positively on the location, the water conditions, or a fun activity you see. Look for people doing similar activities (grilling, playing games) or wearing team apparel. This can be a great way to break the ice.

Leverage the Host:

If the event has one, chat with the host when you arrive. They can introduce you to others and give you a sense of the group dynamic. I will often go to the host for a brief understanding of who all the guests are and ask for a direct introduction to one or two guests I do not know.

Maintain your composure:

I know it is enticing to have just 1 more beer or to accept the challenge for another shot, but don’t do it. If there is even a chance that one of the people you meet may assist with your career, you want to keep your wits about you to be remembered as fun but not obnoxious or foolhardy. I will often nurse alcoholic drinks having just 1 in the time most others will have had 2 or 3.

Focus on Personal Connections:

People loosen up at casual gatherings. Ask about their families, hobbies, or summer plans. Make this interaction more about the person than their work or business. In the next conversation you can discover the business connections.

Ask Open Ended Questions:

Instead of a simple “Nice weather, huh?”, ask something that invites conversation. After exchanging greetings, maybe ask, “Have you tried any good restaurants around here?” or What do you like about this party or What is your favorite activity to do while visiting here?

Be a Good Listener:

People love to talk about themselves. Actively listen for understanding, not to give a response; and ask follow-up questions to show genuine interest. These are good opportunities to practice your listening skills which can often atrophy when not exercised.

Transition to Business Subtly:

Once you’ve established some rapport, casually mention your work. “I actually work in (name your industry), what do you do?” Keep the conversation light and let the other guide you on how long to talk shop. In my family, we have an understanding that we will only talk business with someone for 5-10 minutes at a social gathering, then move on to other topics.

Keep it Casual:

Avoid formal business pitches or overly sales-y language. Your goal is to build relationships, not close deals in this first conversation. Sharing your 10- or 20-second introduction is okay but leave it at that unless the listener asks for more. And then keep the business conversation short, almost as an aside suggesting further conversation at a later date or time.

Exchange Contact Information:

If the conversation flows well, share digital contact information, exchange business cards or connect on LinkedIn. But don’t be pushy if the person seems uninterested. A client recently introduced me to the Dota credit card style digital business card with a QR code. People can either tap to exchange info or use the QR code. It works great!

Follow Up Later:

If you meet someone interesting, send a follow-up email after the event to keep the conversation going. At this point in the relationship, seeking a LinkedIn connection as another way of bridging to a business relationship would work.

Remember, networking, no matter where or when it is done, is about creating opportunity for relationships to grow. Relationships require multiple conversations over a period of time. In sales, it would be referred to as touch points, the places and ways you connect with your audience in multiple ways over several days, weeks, or even months. By following these tips, you can use your time at the beach or a neighbor’s gathering to your networking advantage, all while maintaining a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

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Paul Cecala

Paul Cecala can help you navigate to your success. Learn more about his services here.