Summer, while great for vacations and downtime, is also a perfect opportunity to focus on building and strengthening your professional network. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or seasoned professional, summer provides a more relaxed setting that is conducive to forming new business relationships. Here are some strategies for effective networking over the summer.
Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Summer is a popular time for conferences, workshops, and seminars. These events are goldmines for networking. Follow up with new contacts post-event through LinkedIn or a quick email expressing your wish to keep in touch.
Schedule Informational Interviews
Summer can be a less hectic time for many professionals, making it a great time to ask for informational interviews. These meetings allow you to learn more about a field, receive career advice, and discuss industry trends without the pressure of a job interview. Most people will be flattered by your interest and will be willing to share their insights over a coffee.
Stay in Touch
Building your network isn’t just about making new connections—it’s also about maintaining them. Send out updates about your professional life to your contacts, ask them about their projects, and offer help when you can. Keeping in touch builds trust and helps keep you at the forefront of their minds when opportunities arise.
