Are you about to move to a new city? Are you an entrepreneur or a business professional? If so, one of the things on your mind might be how to network in your new city.
Although moving to a new city is exciting and full of possibilities, chances are you’re leaving a lot behind. Like all of those connections you worked really hard to form a relationship with.
You may think the answer lies in attending as many meet-ups as possible, but we have six tips on how to network in a new city. Try some of these networking ideas and we’re sure you will be forming tons of new connections in no time.
1. Use Networking Apps
Did you know that there are a variety of different apps out there all centred around networking? These apps make it possible to start forming connections right away, without the need to meet in person. Of course, once you have started a relationship, you can then plan to meet them in-person.
With these apps, you generally swipe until you find someone who has something in common with you or similar interests. From there, you can start networking.
Some apps like this include Shapr and Bumble Bizz.
2. Join a Co-Working Space in the City
Another way on how to network in a new city is to join a co-working space. You have probably noticed that co-working spaces are starting to pop-up more often. These spaces are a great way to network with like-minded individuals. The types of professionals you can find here are usually startups or solopreneurs. They can be from many different fields such as freelancers, writers, engineers, startup founders, and consultants.
What you will find for sure are individuals at various levels of success who all have ambition, motivation, and focus.
This may be a good option for you even if you have your own office. Rather than doing work at home during the evenings or weekends, try doing it at a co-working space. Not only will this get you out of the house, but it will increase your chances of being able to network and form connections. If you need help finding a co-working space, your corporate relocation service may be able to help you get started.
3. Volunteer for an Organization
If giving back to the community is also on your agenda for when you move to your new city, try volunteering. This will also allow you to network with individuals who care about the same causes as you do.
This is also a great way to potentially find a job if you have yet to find a new job in your new city.
4. Attend Networking Events
Is your neighbour inviting you to a backyard barbeque? Say yes! Is the librarian at your local library telling you about a great event the library is holding? Say yes!
Attending these types of events will expose you to a large number of people, thus increasing the chances that you will find people to network with.
Even if you leave with just a couple of business cards or phone numbers, you can still consider it a success!
5. Check Out Popular Places in Your New City
One of the things you will want to do for yourself in your new city is research and find all of the popular places in your new area. This might include the local aquarium, the best mom-and-pop coffee shop, bookstore, or arts centre.
Not only will this give you something to talk about with all the new people you will be meeting, but it will also give you a chance to potentially meet new people at these spaces.
Not sure how to start-up a conversation? If you’re in a new coffee shop, for example, ask someone in line what they would recommend for first-timers. You never know, you may just get a new friend out of it!
6. Start Your Own Networking Meet-Up
If none of these options suit your fancy, or if you would rather start your own meet-up, that is also a great option. This will allow you to be in full control of who you associate with. You will also get to choose the meet-up location, choose a casual or formal dress code, and decide whether you would like to incorporate things such as alcohol. You will also get to choose how frequently you meet up.
Also, by starting a meet-up yourself, others will see you as a leader and will be more likely to gravitate toward you to form lasting connections.
You can create a meet-up on sites like Meetup.com to get you started. You can choose a name for your meet-up, choose a location, and start planning events.
Another great option is to create a Facebook group. Here you can recruit others in your area who would like to meet up and network. You can even start this in your old city before you move, so everything is all set once you land in your new city.
