Moving to a new place can be intimidating. How do you create a new life with a new network?
I have been working on expanding my connections in the Boston area and here are a few suggestions:
First connect to your existing network. Does anyone you know have a connection to where you are moving? Even the smallest connection can help.
Find concerts and/or other events that interest you. Smaller events are sometimes better because it’s easier to talk to people (a small show at a gallery as opposed to going to see Metallica play a stadium).
Make a new friend and meet all their friends!
Find a bar that clicks with you and make friends with the bartender.
Make yourself useful to the people you meet. Can you help them promote their work? Is there a project you can work on together? Can you support an event they are involved in? Showing a genuine interest in the people you meet and what they do can immediately create a connection and possibly a friendship.
Once you start meeting a few new people, invite them places! Find interesting things to do and ask them to come along.
Always keep an open mind. Let an outing take you in a new direction. Allow yourself the opportunity to be in the right place at the right time.
Keep trying! It takes patience and effort. Rome was not built in a day. You will have good days and bad days, but the important thing is to envision the life and network you want to have so you have a tangible goal to work towards.
I just had the opportunity to meet some new people and play music with them. Friends of friends. If I can do this then so can you!
What are your networking strategies? Let me know in the comments!