You may not associate summertime with stepping up your networking or job search efforts. After all, things tend to slow down for the season, and people shift into beach or vacation mode, right?
Summer may be an opportune time to unearth networking opportunities, as long as you “read the room” – even if that “room” is a pool deck or the 10th tee – and act accordingly.
- Hint: this is true year-round: Always get a feel for how to make new connections best. Don’t overdo it or come on too strong. But by the same token, don’t miss out on a chance to network, even if it doesn’t look like one on the surface.
Tips for Better Networking
View every opportunity as a chance to build relationships.
You should also be in a low-key mode as you network during summertime functions. The difference is: you have an underlying purpose as you pack for the lake house or dust off your golf shoes. Enjoying the day should be first and foremost; the last thing you want to do is make the wrong impression by overdoing your efforts. Be prepared to segue into any networking openings that occur – or subtly and professionally get them started.
- Every personal encounter is a potential contact or job lead, so don’t overlook anyone. When you meet someone new or reconnect with a friend, relative, or colleague you haven’t seen in a while, greet them warmly. Ask questions about them and what they’ve been doing. People generally love to talk about themselves. By getting to know them better, you’ll build trust and lay the foundation for a good relationship going forward.
- Practice describing what you do and your professional goals in a soundbite. If you can weave it naturally into a conversation, great. Then, allow others to ask questions and let the conversation flow naturally. If you make the right first impression, you will be remembered positively.
A few more venues for potential summer networking include:
- Charitable and company events: It may be a golf outing, a picnic, a rooftop happy hour, or a softball game. If it involves a sport where you choose not to participate actively – not everyone is a star pitcher or scratch golfer – perhaps you can volunteer or enjoy the fun from the sidelines. (You may even get more networking done that way!)
- Family and class reunions: These can be golden opportunities, as reunions are essentially gatherings of sizable groups of people who, despite the fact they may have taken different personal or professional paths, automatically have a lot in common and want to see one another succeed.
- School-related activities: If you have children, keep your networking radar tuned at everything from pre-K orientation to dorm drop-offs.
Expand your Network with Us
Smart professionals choose Venteon as they perfect their networking and other job search techniques, regardless of the season. Contact us today to tap into our network and learn more about what we can do for you.