So you’re moving or have moved to a new city and have no business network at your new location, what do you do? This is something that lots of newbie and seasoned professionals have been struggling about for many years, to some this might be easy to do but for others it could be difficult. Here are 13 tips to help you build your business network from scratch into a productive and supportive network that you can rely on and build your business.
1. Chambers & Clubs:
Trying joining a local chamber or golf club, this would be a good way to meet a diverse group of professionals.
2. Go on Dates:
If you’re single, going on dates is a great way to meet new people—even if you don’t hit it off romantically, you could strike up a friendship.
3. Start a Project:
If you’re working full-time, volunteer for an organization that does something you’re passionate about. If you’re not working full-time, make it a priority to get an internship, whether it’s paid or not, in a field you’re interested in. Both will lead you to like-minded people, new connections, and potential job opportunities, too.
4. Be Fearlessly Friendly:
I don’t just mean smiling and saying hello to the barista every morning. If you move to a new place, you need to accept that your network won’t just be comprised of close friends and co-workers anymore. So if you have a friend of a friend of a friend in the same city, reach out to them. Does the family you used to babysit for know someone who you might be able to meet for coffee in your new locale? Great—bring it on. Go to an alumni networking event, even if you don’t know a single person there. Ask your next-door neighbor for restaurant recommendations, or, better yet, invite her over for a drink.
5. Say Yes:
If you get invited to events, make it your policy to just say yes! Even if seeing a play or going to a concert isn’t your idea of fun, just the act of exploring new bus routes and streets and venues will give you more confidence and something new to talk about. You may also meet someone who ends up being a great friend, or a great career resource.
6. Read Up and Sign Up:
There’s a wealth of information out there. Search Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube in your industry or interest area, and you’ll easily be able to find a whole host of great events, classes, forums, and conferences in your new city. And not yet having weekends that are jam-packed with outings with friends is the perfect opportunity to learn something new. So check out that art exhibit, listen to a speaker series, and sign up for a class or two—you’ll have a packed schedule in no time.
7. Ask your current network for connections:
Additionally, don’t forget to go to social events with work colleagues, too. Let your new coworkers know that you are eager to meet new people and ask if they can recommend new places or make introductions. Sometimes one of the best ways to expand your network is by tapping into the one you already have.
8. Find local chapters of existing associations:
Make a list of the associations you’re a part of that might have chapters in your new city. Here are a few to start:
- A professional association (like Young Professionals of Seattle, GeekWire, Tech Cocktail)
- Your university or graduate school or any other academic associations
- Your spiritual or religious organization, if that’s your thing
- Local nonprofit associations (Top Non-Profits, GuideStar and IRS)
- A large nonprofit that has a fundraising chapter in your new city.
9. Join new activity groups
Not every organization has chapters in every city, but most places have a wide variety of events. Make a list of all the things you like to do in your free time, which may include:
Not every organization has chapters in every city, but most places have a wide variety of events. Make a list of all the things you like to do in your free time, which may include:
- Sports or outdoor activities
- Yoga, meditation, or relaxing activities
- Cultural or artistic activities like singing groups, painting, concerts, etc.
- Co-working spaces where you can be part of an online social network as well as an in-person network, attend events, and meet people who share your outlook on life.
- “Touristy” things like walking tours or museum tours.
- Sports or outdoor activities
- Yoga, meditation, or relaxing activities
- Cultural or artistic activities like singing groups, painting, concerts, etc.
- Co-working spaces where you can be part of an online social network as well as an in-person network, attend events, and meet people who share your outlook on life.
- “Touristy” things like walking tours or museum tours.
Once you have a list of everything you’re interested in, sign up for email newsletters or list of organizations that work on these topics or join a few Meetups. You can also search on Eventbrite by topic.
It’s also a good idea to observe the ‘vibe’ of your new city. What does it have to offer? What’s different about your new city that you might explore? In Seattle, local breweries & coffee shops, gourmet local organic food and hiking are in. In New York, there is tons of great theater and art, among many other things. Find groups, events, or activities that reflect the dominant interests of your new city so you can get more in touch with your new community.
10. Take the lead
Think of an organization or group that you really want to be part of and think of ways to help lead new activities. Maybe it’s a weekly happy hour at work or a guest lecture with your university alumni group. Ask the group leader if you can volunteer to run an event – often, they’ll be happy to have some help. Or start your own event series or organize a get-together for people you want to meet anyway. By taking a leadership role, you can gain respect from people you want to know, and have an excuse to talk to people you don’t know – because you can invite them to your event!
11. Set goals:
This isn’t an activity per say but rather an idea to help you make connecting with others a priority. Sometimes setting a goal of meeting a certain number of new people per week or attending events can be helpful.
So when you arrive to a new city, try combining these strategies of expanding your existing network while cultivating a completely new set of connections so you don’t have to explore your new city alone.
12. Meet Up with Meetup:
The numbers don’t lie: since its launch, Meetup.com has expanded to 196 countries around the world, hosting more than 13 million members at no fewer than 125,000 Meetup events over the last decade. Yelp is also a great meetup to meet like minded individuals in your community. If you happen to be Yelp Elite there’s a great chance to attend exclusive events. Also Couchsurfing is another good resource to meet new people in your area, of course you can host visitors coming to your city but also you can go to Couchsurfing events.
13. Do Some Good with Volunteer Match:
There’s probably no better way to feel at home in a new place than to indulge in a little Johnny Appleseed-style cheese ball moment of pure happiness brought on by good karma. Want to make a positive impact on your new town right from the start? Volunteer. Websites like VolunteerMatch.org are excellent for pairing you with the kind of work you’d like to do, the kind of cause you’d like to support, and the place where you can easily do it. Or maybe instead of a long-term commitment, you’d rather practice one-off acts of good Samaritans just to see what it feels like. Look no further than good old Craigslist, in its volunteers section under the community tab.
To sum it up, go on the internet and find the groups or events that will fit your lifestyle and personality. By doing this you will make some life-long friends, some great acquaintances or event grow your business network.
Carpe Diem~