7 Fun Networking Ideas If You Actually Hate Networking
Working from home hasn’t changed the importance of networking.
According to HubSpot, 85% of positions are filled through networking. CBNC reported that 70% of all jobs are never published publicly. What’s more, 95% of people agree that face-to-face meetings build better business relationships.
Here’s the hard truth I learned early in my career: you can accomplish your dreams on your own, but it’s easier with a tribe to help push you over the mountain.
But there’s a problem, networking in the traditional sense is draining.
Sucking up to strangers at happy hours. Boring small talk. Zoom happy hours when you’re already exhausted from work.
C’mon. We can do better.
Here are seven networking ideas that are fun and actually create deeper connections.
Sign Up for Tom Kuegler’s LinkedIn Sprint Challenge
Medium writer Tom Kuegler just revolutionized how people meet online.
His 30-Day LinkedIn Sprint Challenge brings together 40 top creators for a single purpose: Post on LinkedIn every day for 30 straight days and comment and like everyone else’s post.
I had the honor of test driving the first cohort — the return on my investment was momentous. I learned a lot about LinkedIn, but something more extraordinary happened that I don’t think even Tom expected. We became a tight-knit internet family that continued to support each other long after the 30-day challenge expired.
That’s the type of network that’s fun, challenging, and brings people together on a deeper level because there’s a higher goal.
Join a Run Club
Or any athletic program.
Their effectiveness lies in their consistency. If you join a run club that meets twice a week, then you get the opportunity to grow those relationships over time. Plus, you already have an icebreaker. You can talk about running and not poke around for similarities.
Athletic clubs equal effortless networking.
Post Great Content and Bring People to You
Your creativity, effort, and consistency will evoke a spark in others.
Tom’s 30 -Day LinkedIn Sprint Challenge had another side effect. After day 10, my network started getting curious, and the DMs poured in. “What’s that you’re doing?” “Hey! I haven’t talked to you in a while. Let’s grab a coffee.” “There’s a job I think you’d be perfect for.”
Good people will want more if you post honestly and consistently.
Direct Message Just One Super-Connector
If you don’t enjoy breaking the ice, befriend that person who will do it for you.
My friend Manny is the most networked person I know. He runs a networking community called Collaborate and Elevate. There’s no entry fee, and anyone is welcome to join the discussions. There’s only one rule — be interested in everything. Over the years, C&E has cast a wide net of curious and diverse people that many networking groups miss.
He’s a super-connector. I have the self-awareness to know I’ll never be on his level, but that’s ok because just knowing the guy has expanded my network.
Reach out to a super-connector like Manny. Don’t be shy. Remember, connecting people is literally what they do.
Start A Club About Your Passion
When it comes to networking, you can either attend the party or host.
Perhaps you don’t network because you don’t like the activities. Have you forgotten that you’re responsible for your own success! Your own happiness! If you don’t like running, posting on LinkedIn, or happy hours, create a club that revolves around something you enjoy and invite others to partake in your passion.
It doesn’t matter what your passion is, people like getting invited to things.
Offer a Photo Session
I recently read about this networking idea — I’m putting it on my list of things to do over the next 90 days.
Everyone needs headshots, so offering professional photos with free drinks at a cool space will undoubtedly draw a crowd. Here’s where it’s really useful. Many people need photos that make them look good on Instagram or LinkedIn. Instead of boring selfies in your apartment, you could host a party with a professional photographer to take candid photos of you and your colleagues in action.
A win for everyone!
Join a Volunteer Group
Volunteering is the most rewarding form of networking.
Why?
Because you will meet people who share values like empathy and compassion that drove you and others to volunteer. Plus, improving your community is its own reward.
That’s who we ultimately want to meet, right? We want to spend our time with wise, compassionate people who make you feel good.
I’m hoping this list shines a positive light on networking. It’s still important to business and career development, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring or feel like a chore. Meeting people should be fun.
If there are any ideas that work for you, please don’t hesitate to share your stories in the comments.