Using the Power of Play in Networking
When we speak of networking, most people think of meeting a bunch of people in business casual dress in a room handing out business cards! While that may be the norm, what other venues can you attend where you can connect around a common interest or hobby? Since the concept of networking is to develop genuine connections and friendships, why not turn the tables and be the inviter?
Why not invite someone or several people you want to get to know better to join you at an event that is less formal—where you can play, relax, and enjoy their company doing something fun? That’s what I’m writing about this week. Here are 3 reasons to consider “networking outside of the room” :
- Removing Barriers. Typical networking events can be stiff, stodgy, and intimidating. Change up the game by doing something fun and different. This way you can appear more interesting, engaging, and worth getting to know. I recently was invited by Frank, a member of my B.N.I. Group, to come out to his country house and take a boat ride on his ski boat. Boy, did I jump at that opportunity? And not only was it fun, but it was also more successful for us both getting to know each other what we did for work, and how we could support each other. It was one of the most memorable ways of connecting I’ve experienced!
- Building Meaningful Relationships. In business networking it seems that so much energy is spent on meeting people for “now” business…looking for the sale or introduction you need this week. While that is all well and good, the smart networker seeks to create connections that can become long term friendships.
A relationship that takes time to develop can be meaningful, fun, and over the long haul creates fabulous introductions to people who can help your business grow. This is why smart executives take people to play 18 holes of golf in a day. By enjoying a common experience, you get to spend time with people and develop relationships. Watch this short video on the Networking Tool of Kings!
- Show your creativity. Inviting others to join you to enjoy hobbies or fun activities shows others your creative, fun side. People love working and meeting fun people. And the activity you invite someone to join you in may be something which they are unfamiliar with and be glad you shared the experience. For instance, consider inviting several friends to go shoot sporting clays, take a fly-fishing class, or attend a cooking exhibition.
When you show that you are fun, innovative, and love to enjoy life you display the depth of your mind, personality, and skills that would never even come up at a typical networking event. Share your outside interests with those you wish to get to know better and you will find you learn much more about them than you ever would in dozens of networking interactions.
So, what fun things do you enjoy doing in your spare time? What hobbies, interests, or activities would be fun to invite others to experience with you? Is there a concert, museum exhibition, or county festival coming up that would be fun to attend? Keep a list of these and try inviting some people you want to get to know better to join you.
And like my friend Frank did… “Think Outside the Boat!”
