Networking is one of the best ways to advance your career and accelerate your professional growth, but it doesn’t come easy for everyone. There’s an implied pressure about being in the right mindset and going about things in the right way. But networking isn’t something that just happens at specific networking events. Networking opportunities can manifest in unusual places and happen totally organically.
Industry events and LinkedIn aren’t the only ways to grow your network. Keep an open mind and consider forming connections in these more unorthodox ways.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a valuable way to give back to your community and put your skills to work in different ways, but it can also benefit you and your career in many ways. In addition to helping you grow your abilities and showing your passions outside of work, volunteering offers the opportunity to network with people with similar values.
Being a good culture fit is just as important as your skill set, and volunteering shows you have a similar set of values as those you’re volunteering with. It also shows that you’re proactive and willing to give your time to a cause, both valuable traits in the workplace. Vault’s Rob Porter also points out that these environments are often low-pressure, which better allows you to form organic relationships and actively show your skills.
Continuing education
If you’re looking to further develop your career, honing your existing skills and learning new ones is crucial. Ideally, your employer will provide opportunities for growth, but even if you’re left to your own devices, you can find courses, seminars, or groups that can help you upskill. These environments are also amazing networking opportunities.
People in these classes will also be growth-oriented and have an interest in the skills you’re honing, providing common ground. Better yet, they might also come from a background that uses these skills in a different manner than you, opening potential new paths and ways to help one another.
“Many school districts offer community education classes which are affordable and cover a wide range of subjects. Also, consider your Alma Maters alumni association from your university. It could be a fun way to build on a common background and stay in touch with others from your school.” –Dianne Gottsman
Interest groups
A shared interest is one of the best ways to connect with someone else. It’s why even brief bursts of small talk in an interview can help create a foundation that can land you the job. So even outside of work, sharing hobbies and interests with others can lead to networking opportunities, even if you aren’t looking for them.
While it’s very common to find interest groups in college, they still exist out in the greater world too if you’re willing to look. LinkedIn’s Hiwa NeoCru mentions cycling groups, painting, coding, and fitness classes as great opportunities to connect with like-minded people. Deeper conversations at the gym or your local gaming store could lead to career growth you’d never considered.
Social events
Your interest groups may be where you feel more comfortable, and you know you have something in common with the people there, but if you’re willing to keep an open mind and occasionally leave your comfort zone, you’ll find that you can explore opportunities at any social event. Even if it’s just a birthday party, a night out where you don’t know everyone, or a cultural event, you might find a life-altering opportunity.
Community events will have informed workers and guests who might have clues to great opportunities, and a friend of a friend might be able to introduce you to someone with a similar background or interest. You don’t need to be in a “networking” mindset or treat every connection like someone who can help your career. Instead, just be open to new connections and let them develop organically.
Social media
Lastly, there are opportunities to network without even leaving your home if you’re willing to seek them out. And it doesn’t need to be on LinkedIn, the platform made for networking. There are plenty of forums for professional development, but even outside of those dedicated “networking” pages, social media can lead to surprising connections.
Twitter spaces, Reddit communities, Facebook groups, and more can be great places for natural conversation about things you care about. Even online fantasy football leagues or video game groups can lead to friendships and networking offline. Regardless of the platform, ASBN says that frequently posting and responding increases visibility and invites others to connect with you.
“These platforms allow for more causal interactions, and the algorithms often work in your favor, showing your content to users with similar interests. Additionally, platforms like Twitter Spaces offer live, interactive discussions that can put you in direct contact with influential figures in your industry.” –Rob Porter, Vault
Wrap up
Networking can happen anywhere there’s an opportunity to meet others. Just by exploring your interests or in your efforts to learn, you’ll find like-minded individuals you can form mutually beneficial social relationships with. Embrace these opportunities and you’ll form a diverse and fruitful network!
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