5 prime places for networking
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There are tried and not-so-true places to grow your connections. Just think about the last "networking" event you went to. You were probably pitched more than you'd like.
What if there were places where you could grow your network easily and have fun doing so? I've discovered the five best places to grow your network. They've worked for me. They'll work for you.
1. Local coffee shops:
The local coffee shop is my favorite place to find and nurture my connections. Coffee shops have become the new local bar.
When you find a great coffee shop, you know it. Muskegon has many great coffee shops to grow your connections. I think of The "US" Cafe, Aldea Coffee, Drip Drop Drink, and others. These local coffee shops do more than fuel your caffeine addiction.
The local coffee shop is a hub of activity. Owners of large companies, small startups, and other types of organizations show up at coffee shops to get out of the office and make connections.
Find a great local coffee shop that will do this for you.
2. Toastmasters:
I've shared about the power of Toastmasters before. Toastmasters has helped me feel more confident in my public speaking.
More than that, it has been a place to connect with other movers and shakers.
Everyone at Toastmasters has their own reason for being there. Some want to be able to lead better; others want to be able to communicate clearly. Whatever your reason, there's a wide range of people there to connect with.
3. Church:
This one may seem strange, but it isn't. Your local church is a great place to nurture your connections.
People of like minds come together to worship in the church. You know you have a shared interest in God. Why not build out those relationships?
Connect with people in your church. Find out what they do and why. You may be surprised there are brilliant people there doing fantastic things.
4. Local clubs:
While Toastmasters could be considered a local club, I wanted to make a general entry for them. Local clubs are things such as the Lions Club, Young Urban Professionals, and others.
These clubs, like the church, bring like-minded people together. They're often a business growth or network growing opportunity.
Find your local club that meets your need. Join. Show up and offer value.
5. Online:
I've nurtured so many of my connections through the world of online. I've even grownmy network because of the connections I've made through Facebook groups, newsletters, and more.
Look for places online where you can connect, meet, and grow your relationships.
These connections can empower you significantly due to the fact that many of these connections will be across the state, country, and even the world.
Connections work
Whatever you do to nurture your connections, you need to do it. Letting your connections go stagnant is death to your network.
Use the five places I've shared above to keep the connections alive, growing and thriving. You will find yourself growing along with your connections.
 | Joseph Lalonde is an award-winning leadership blogger and hosted the Answers From Leadership podcast. He desires to see 20-somethings step into their God-ordained roles as leaders. Previously, on the E3 staff and currently serving in the Catalyst youth ministry of Gateway Church, Joseph has mentored many students and has seen their lives changed through this teaching. His mission is to help equip leaders with the knowledge and information to boost their leadership to the next level. This article was first published on JMLalonde.com. Used with permission Learn More » |
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