25 Key Places to be Networking!
Posted June 20, 2013 & filed under Job Search, References
When you’re looking for a new job, you shouldn’t limit your search to just scanning through job boards. There are thousands of opportunities, cloaked from the conventional job seeker’s radar, that are wide open for those who can put their networking skills to good use. Where should you start? Anywhere! Here’s just a few of the hundreds of places you can learn about new jobs.
1.) Industry Conferences – Meet your peers in person and learn about word of mouth opportunities.
2.) Family Parties – Blood is thicker than water, so get your kin to give you the inside scoop on new jobs.
3.) Religious Events – Chat about open jobs with members of your religious family (just wait ‘til after the ceremony).
4.) Cookouts – The way to a person’s heart is through the stomach. People willingly spill the beans on open jobs after you’ve stuffed them full of charbroiled burgers, brats, & hot dogs.
5.) Gonzo Engineering Contests – Remember Show & Tell? These contests can show the DIYer two booths over that you’re worth the effort.
6) Online Forums – Looking to work in a new locale? Online communities can help you break into new markets.
7.) Dog Parks – Your four-legged friend can be a great ice breaker. Tap into the loyalty of dog lovers.
8.) Museums – Are Pollack paintings meaningless? Who knows but networking with your fellow aficionados can be a significant step to a new job.
9.) Sports Games – Reach out to your fellow diehard fans even if they root for the opposing team. You can set your bitter rivalries aside for a minute to make key connections.
10.) Alumni Association Events – People are willing to go to bat for members of their Alma matter. Now, imagine hundreds of them in one room. It’s job seeker gold.
11.) High School Reunions – Outside of gloating about your life, high school reunions are all about networking with people who have gone down diverse paths.
12.) The Customer Service Line – You’re going to be there a while anyway…Might as well make the most of it.
13.) Block Parties – All of your neighbors are out and about. Why not ask about open jobs in their company?
14.) Local Festivals – With warm weather in full effect, people will venture out from their homes in droves. Take the time to bond about your careers over food on a stick…deep fried.
15.) Seminars & Retreats – These events, outside of listening to keynote speakers, are all about networking!
16.) Coffee Shops – Coffee shops are the new golf course. Business connections are made there.
17.) Certification Courses – Studying along with bright, cutting-edge members of the industry can open up new doors.
18.) Social Media Sites – A quick & easy way to build up your network.
19.) Volunteer Projects – Community service doesn’t have to be a one way street. You can build up your network while you doing good for the community.
20.) Benefit Dinner – Want to help a worthy cause and network with prominent people? Attend a benefit dinner. It can fill your plate with rich opportunities.
21.) A Little League Game – If your child is picking dandelions out in left field, it doesn’t hurt to do a little networking. He won’t notice.
22.) A 5k – In between carbo-loading and the sound of the starting gun, you can race to make as many connections as possible.
23.) Club Meetings – Whether flying remote control planes, woodworking, or crushing your opponent in Warhammer 40K, there’s always time for some networking.
24.) Baptisms & Weddings – In between all the pomp, these events can open up new opportunities.
25.) Toastmasters – Want a reward for public speaking? How about building your network with a receptive group of professionals?
by James Walsh
