Networking tips

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18 Easy Conversation Starters For Networking Events

I think one of the hardest things about networking events is just getting a conversation going with someoneâwithout being awkward about it. Approaching someone new can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. So, what are some natural and easy ways to break the ice?

Here are some tips and tricks for starting a conversation at a networking event:

Go Fishing At The Food Table

While waiting in line for food, start chatting up the person next to you. This is a great opportunity to get a conversation started because you already have something in common: the food. Everyone is thinking about the same thing. What am I going to try? What looks good? So instead of just standing there in silence, start a conversation.

Here are a few conversation starters for this situation:

"Oh man, everything looks so good. I'm not sure what to get! What are you thinking?"
"Yummy, they have ____! Have you ever tried it?"
"Hmm, I'm not quite sure what that dish is...do you know?"

Who knows, you might leave the buffet with a better plate of food AND a new contact! That's a win-win in my book.

Find A Loner

If you see someone standing alone in the corner, clutching his or her drink, and looking miserable, don't be afraid to walk up and introduce yourself. Typically, these people need a little help getting the conversation going.

Here are some icebreakers:

"Man, these networking events can be so crazy. Mind if I join you over here where it's a little quieter?"
"Wow, there are a ton of people here! The food must be good, huh?"

If someone is standing alone, he or she is probably feeling uncomfortable or unconfident. If you initiate the conversation, it could make them feel more relaxed and willing to connect.

Compliment Them

Woman looks to start a conversation at a networking event

Everyone loves compliments, especially when they are feeling insecure (and many people do feel that way when attending networking events). If you're struggling to start a conversation with someone, find something to compliment.

Here are some ideas:

"Yum, that drink looks good. What is it?"
"Cute shoes! Where did you get them?"

Talk About Sports

Group of professionals at a networking event

People love talking about sports. If you're a sports person, use it to your advantage!

See someone wearing a Red Sox cap? Say something like, "Red Sox fan, huh? Did you catch the game yesterday?" Overhear a group of people talking about last night's game? Express your interest in the conversation by saying something like, "Are you talking about ____?" and then chime in.

Just Say Hello

Man starts a conversation at a networking event

Sometimes, the easiest way to meet someone is to offer a handshake and say, "Hi, I'm Peter."

Simply introducing yourself with a smile and a dash of confidence can work wonders.

Keeping The Conversation Going

Group of professionals network at a conference

I know what you're thinking. Yes, yes, that's all well and good, but how can I keep the conversation going after the initial question? It's easy! Talk about something else you have in commonâthe event itself!

Here are some ideas:

"I'm Gina, by the way, nice to meet you..."
- "So, is this your first time at one of these events?"
- "So, how did you hear about this event?"
- "What a great place for an event, huh? Have you ever been here before?"

After that, try learning more about them. Questions can include:

"Are you from the area"
"What line of work are you in or trying to get into?"

Next step: get them talking. Remember, people generally like to talk about themselves. So, once they tell you what they do, ask questions about it. Here are a few:

"That's very interesting..."
- "What drew you to that line of work?"
- "What do you like about your job?"
- "Why are you interested in working in that industry specifically?"

BONUS: Your Exit Strategy

Professionals smile at a networking event

It's that time: your drink is dry and you're ready to move on. When the conversation starts to wind down, don't try to force more. Remember, you're there to mix and mingleâdon't chain yourself to one person all night.

If you'd like to exit a conversation, try one of these lines:

"Alright, I'm going to get some food now that the line has died down a bit. It was great meeting you!"
"Have you met Lisa She works in your industry as well. I'm sure you both will have plenty to talk about. I've got to say hello to someone, but I'll be back."
"Well, I think it's time for me to head out. I would love to talk with you again, though! May I have your card/contact information?"

Remember these conversation starters (and enders) during your next networking event to get the most out of your time there. Happy networking!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date and was inspired by the author's personal experiences and the advice of Susan RoAne, author of How to Work a Room.

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18 Easy Conversation Starters For Networking Events

Top 10 People You Must Have In Your Network To Find A Job

So, you know it is important to have the two Qs as you build out your network: quality and quantity. But have you considered the importance of having a well-rounded network?

In this labor market, having a strong network is critical to your career success. There are plenty of tips and articles on where to find people, how and when to connect with them, and even what you need to say to attract and maintain your network. This article focuses on who should be in your network.

Here are the top 10 people that should be in your network, no matter if you're looking for a job or happy in your current positionâbecause every job is temporary!

Who Should Be Part Of Your Network?

There are 10 types of people you should have in your network:

The mentor
The coach
The industry insider
The trendsetter
The connector
The idealist
The realist
The visionary
The partner
The wanna-be

1. The Mentor

This is the person who has reached the level of success you aspire to have. You can learn from their successes as well as their mistakes. Heed their wisdom and experience. This relationship offers a unique perspective because they have known you through several peaks and valleys in your life and watched you evolve.

2. The Coach

The coach is someone who comes in at different times in your life. They help with critical decisions and transitions and offer an objective perspective with no strings attached.

3. The Industry Insider

Man shows an article to someone in his network

This is someone in your chosen field who has expert-level information or access to it. This person will keep you informed on what's happening now and what the next big thing is. Invite them to be a sounding board for your next innovative idea.

4. The Trendsetter

This is someone outside of your chosen industry that always has the latest buzz. It can be on any topic you find interesting. The goal in having this person in your network is to look for those connections that spark innovation via the unconventional. It will also help you keep your conversations interesting.

5. The Connector

This is a person who has access to people, resources, and information. As soon as they come across something related to you, they are sending you an email or picking up the phone. Connectors are great at uncovering unique ways to make connections, finding resources and opportunities most people would over look.

6. The Idealist

This is the person in your network you can dream with. No matter how "out there" your latest idea is, this is the person that will help you brainstorm ways to make it happen. Without judgment, they are focused on helping you flesh out your dreams in high definition, even if you don't have a solid plan yet on how to make it happen.

7. The Realist

On the flip side, you still need the person who will help you keep it real. This is the person who will give you the raised eyebrow when your expectations are a little to unrealistic and need some grounding. These are not people who knock down your dreams; rather, they challenge you to actively make your dreams happen.

8. The Visionary

Woman works with two people in her network

Visionary people inspire you by their journey. They are similar to the Idealist, but the visionary can help you envision an actual plan to reach your goal. One personal encounter with this type of person can powerfully change the direction of your thinking and life.

9. The Partner

You need to have someone who is in a similar place and on a similar path to share with. In fact, partners do a lot of sharing. This is a person you can share the wins and woes with. Partners will also share resources, opportunities, and information.

10. The Wanna-Be

Young professional gets help from her mentor at work

This is someone you can serve as a mentor. Someone you can help shape and guide based on your experiences. One of the best ways to tell you understand something is to be able to explain it to someone else. And sometimes, one of the best motivators for pushing through obstacles and hardship is knowing someone is watching.

Obviously, you will want to have more than 10 people in your network. The trick is to make sure you are building a diverse network by adding people from different industries, backgrounds, age groups, ethnic groups, and so on that fit into the roles listed above.

Building a deep network by only including people from your current profession or business focus leaves too many stones unturned, limiting potential opportunities. Serious about building a strong professional network that can actually provide the leverage you need to make progress at work and the connections to land your dream job? Evaluate your current network and get started filling in the gaps. Happy networking!

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Top 10 People You Must Have In …

How To Use The Holidays To Become A Better Networker

Perform you find it difficult to get inside contact with people throughout your network (especially close to the holidays)? And/or people struggling to grow your own personal network overall? Even using your present strategy?

The holiday season can be the wonderful time of yr for many individuals. This is a new great time to loosen up, reconnect with friends plus family, and celebrate! Youâre probably going to end up being seeing people that you havenât spoken within quite a few time.

With that being said, this allows you this PERFECT chance to brush upward on your networking abilities and reconnect with these types of individuals PLUS others!

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Begin networking having the people who are around you PLUS develop new connections
Pinpoint the various ways in which you may get started together with your marketing strategy
Create meaningful relationships that will assist you enhance your job search

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How To Use The Holidays To Become …

Are you interested within learning more about and what will get you noticed in LinkedIn? Do you would like expert advice on the best way to stand out on the particular world's biggest networking system? If so, we are usually here to help A PERSON today!

Join us for LinkedIn Hot Or Not! each Thursday at 1 evening ET / 10 feel PT.

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A 30-minute RESIDE show hosted by our own CEO & founder M. T. OâDonnell
In this session, an individual have the ability for you to share your personal LinkedIn user profile and obtain a FULL survive review (i. e., exactly what looks good, areas to help improve, how to enhance it further, etc. )

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LinkedIn Hot Or Not!

How To Get Rid Of Your Networking Anxiety

Will this thought of attending some sort of networking event give anyone crippling anxiety? Are people worried youâre wasting your own valuable time on a good networking strategy that isnât on your side? If so, most likely in the proper place!

The good thing is that not one of us are given birth to with a natural expertise for networking, even often the people who enjoy this.

Like a business-of-one, you need to marketplace yourself. Networking is your skill that anyone may learn. To do so, everyone just need to make use of the best strategy!

With this training, youâll understand how to:

Create a highly effective marketing strategy that gets one results faster than using to countless jobs
Identify dream businesses you'd love to function for
Turn out to be a more confident marketer and grow your existence online

Join our TOP DOG, J. T. O'Donnell, and even Director of Training Advancement & Coaching, Christina Burgio, for this live occasion on Wednesday, October nineteenth at 12 pm AINSI QUE.

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How To Get Rid Of Your Networking …

5 Things You MUST Do Before Attending A Job Fair

Most job fairs run between January and May. When spring rolls around, things usually ramp up because most employers want job openings filled before summer kicks off.

If you are among the job seekers attending job fairs, then take down these tips to prepare for it and make the most of your time there.

Many employers have a presence at job fairs to increase brand awareness, but also to save time in the screening process. Job fairs offer an opportunity for employers to conduct initial screenings of potential candidates on the spot. Due to COVID-19, virtual job fairs have become more popular and allow employers and job seekers to meet safely, going around geographical barriers.

Employers have an idea of what they are looking for in a candidate for each job opening, so anyone who appears to make the cut can be interviewed to advance the process along right then and there.

Job seekers who come prepared will strike up opportunities quickly, so here are five things you MUST do before attending a job fair.

1. Research Ahead Of Time

Woman research companies that will be attending a job fair

There can be hundreds of companies to talk to at each job fair, but that doesn't mean you'll have the time to reach out to all of them. Research ahead of time which ones you want to approach so you make the most of your time there. (You should always have your interview bucket list readyâa list of the companies you would love to work for someday!)

When you know your targets, you can also start to customize your materials. It'll help to look at the company's website so you see what job openings they have and the requirements/job descriptions for each position.

This information can help you tailor your resume and what you communicate when you meet with the individuals at the job fair. It'll also help you write your disruptive cover letter when you formally submit your job application.

2. Plan To Approach The Employer (Even If They Aren't Recruiting For The Job You Want!)

Two job seekers talk to an employer at a job fair

Job fairs are great for networkingâit's not simply about dropping off your resume. You want to start conversations with the right contacts.

If there is an employer you desire to work for, but they're not recruiting for the job you want, it's still important to go over and talk to them. You never know when the position may suddenly open up.

The contacts there may also direct you to information in regards to who's leading the department you want to work in so that you can follow up with that individual directly. It's all about connections!

The key to connecting with others is to engage in conversation. Ask insightful questions! Be someone they will remember at the end of the day or use it as an opportunity to open the door to more conversation.

3. Have Your Elevator Pitch Ready

Employers are looking to hear what you can do for them, so come prepared with a quick pitch on your skills and experience, as well as how it can help solve their problems.

Your elevator pitch is essentially your personal branding statement. It's important to know what you bring to the table as a business-of-one. If you can clearly explain how you'll add value to the company at the job fair, you'll stand out in a sea of other potential job candidates.

4. Dress Like You're Going For A Job Interview

On-the-spot interviews happen at job fairs, so dress the part and be ready with copies of your resume in hand. As you introduce yourself, be mindful of your body language, including your handshake, eye contact, facial expressions, and voice.

Employers take notice of job candidates who smile and exhibit enthusiasm. They want to see a candidate with a strong desire to work with them, not someone who's simply swinging by randomly. Some may also screen your interest level by asking common interview questions like "What do you know about us?" and "Why do you want to work for us?" So, be prepared!

5. Plan To Follow Up

Man on laptop types a message to an employer

Like a job interview, you should plan to send a follow-up note to the contacts you meet. It's a chance to help keep you top of mind and it gives you an opportunity to reiterate why you have what they are looking for. You should also send a connection request on LinkedIn for the same reasons.

Before ending each conversation, be sure to collect business cards from the people you speak with and take good notes so you know how to best personalize the follow-up note.

Approached the right way, job fairs can open many conversations and doors to job opportunities. If you do these five things, you'll be well-prepared for any job fairâand you'll definitely stand out from the competition!

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5 Things You MUST Do Before Attending …

Why You Should Embrace Networking (Especially If You Hate It)

After a long day at work, sometimes all you want to do is sit on the couch, eat a bag of chips, and zone out watching television. The thought of attending a networking event seems so daunting. Not only do you have to give up free time, but you also may have to talk with strangers.

With this type of mindset, it's easy to see why so many people are apprehensive about the concept of networking. However, when you avoid networking, you miss out on so many great opportunities.

While networking can feel uncomfortable at first, it's actually a huge investment in yourself. Many people avoid networking simply because they're not used it, but like anything, practice makes perfect.

Here are the top reasons why you should embrace networking:

Take Networking As A Challenge

Building networking skills not only builds confidence but it also plays an important role in professional development, career planning, and potential job searches down the line.

The best way to build these skills is to embrace networking as a challenge. Like going to the gym to reach a fitness goal or taking online courses to further a career, you take on this challenge in order to achieve a long-term goal.

Flex Your Networking Muscle

Young woman networks with colleagues at work

When you're working out at the gym you don't see instant results. You have to put the work in. Networking is the same way. The results won't be instant but every step you take puts you in a better position.

Make networking a habit. Try to attend some sort of social function each week to keep those networking "muscles" flexin'.

Make Networking Part Of Your Routine

A simple change of attitude could go a long ways in changing your outlook about networking. The hardest part is getting started!

Put Yourself Out There

Start by putting yourself out there and attending local networking events reach out to a well-connected colleague to help introduce you to other professionals both in and outside your field.

The more this is done, the easier it becomes. Soon, you'll see your network slowly grow. Having a large professional network can lead to new friendships and mentorships.

Most importantly, this network could eventually turn into future job references, LinkedIn endorsements, and job opportunities.

You never know when you'll be looking for a new job. So, get off the couch, meet some new people, and see where your network takes you.

Rethink Your Networking Strategy

Don't be a selfish networker. While networking can work to your advantage, remember that it's important to help others, too. This is especially true when connecting with someone on LinkedIn. Don't ask for favors right away. Show your value as a connection first.

How's Your Networking Etiquette?

Take inventory of your networking habits. There may be simple ways to improve.

No matter where you are in your career, you shouldn't pass up networking opportunities. We hope these tips help you embrace networking, instead of fearing or dreading it.

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Why You Should Embrace Networking (Especially If …

Come along intended for Networking Masters (think Toastmasters but for networking)! Within this interactive group session, you will exercise your networking plus presenting skills so an individual can become a more assured connector!

Our virtual event requires place via Zoom exactly where you're able to discuss unique experiences and trade information, advice, and recommendations with a selection of like-minded professionals.

Join our own CEO, J. T. O'Donnell, and Director to teach Development & Coaching, Christina Burgio, for this reside event every Friday in 1 pm ET or 10 am PT.

We hope in order to see you there!

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Networking Masters

While it's not so difficult to add a connection on LinkedIn when you already know the person, approaching someone you don't know, like a hiring manager, recruiter, the head of the department you want to work for, or a contact that can help get you through to the decision-maker is a different story.

Here are five tips on how to approach people you don't know, or don't know very well, and what you can say to get them to connect with you on LinkedIn:

1. Have A Reason To Connect

Man thinks about how to customize his connection request on LinkedIn

Don't send a blank (or default) invitation to connect. It's unlikely that the person you're trying to connect with will accept it.

If it's a hiring manager who interviewed you, but you didn't get the job, it may still be a relationship worth maintaining. Your message could say, "Thank you for the interview opportunity. I would love to be considered for future positions that come up and have you as a professional connection no matter where we may possibly cross paths again."

The act of simply taking the time to write a personal message with your invitation makes you worthy of consideration.

2. Share What You Have In Common

Woman writes a connection invitation on LinkedIn

In your LinkedIn connection request, find ways to form an instant bond by sharing what you have in common. For example, when you're both a member of the same group, club, or volunteer organization, it's easier to approach the individual.

People also want to know or be reminded of how you know them or found them. So you can say something like, "I'm also a member of XYZ on LinkedIn. I noticed you're the head of the marketing department at 123 Company, and I was hoping you could share some advice on how you got started in your career because I'm looking to pursue a similar path."

This approach is less likely to come off like a cold call. If there are other things you have in common, like a similar education or background, share that as well.

3. Mention A Mutual Acquaintance

Whenever possible, it's easier to start an introduction with the help of a mutual acquaintance. After the help of an introduction, it's up to you to build rapport.

If you connect with someone who works for a company you want to work for, you may consider a message like, "I'm a former colleague of John Smith, who's told me a lot about you and your work. I'm considering a position at 123 Company. Would you mind if I ask you some questions related to your experience with the application and interview process?"

The saying, "It's not what you know. It's who you know," has never been truer. Take advantage of your current connections and use them to expand your professional network today.

4. Don't Ask For A Job On First Contact

Woman invites someone to connect on LinkedIn

Avoid sending your resume on first contact, or asking if your new connection knows of any job openings at their company. Your first message to a new connection should focus on starting a conversation, and you can effectively do that by asking for general advice rather than inquiring about a job.

Also, remember to keep questions open-ended so you can build conversation, not end it.

5. Congratulate And Give Recognition

Man writes a message to a new LinkedIn connection

Who doesn't like to be greeted with a nice word of recognition like "Congratulations on the recent award!" or "Great article! I found it really insightful"? It informs the individual you admire their work, making it easier to get their attention and find a reason to connect with you.

If you're already connected, giving kudos to this person will strengthen your relationship and make them more willing to help you in your career.

Having a good network of connections is NOT about quantity but the quality of the people and the strength of the relationships. Take the time to really evaluate who is worth connecting with, and when you do try, have a compelling reason why you want to connect with them so they will sincerely consider your request.

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What To Say When Connecting On LinkedIn

If you're looking for a way to simplify your job search and get noticed, social platforms like LinkedIn give you an opportunity to be proactive and get past the applicant tracking system (ATS). With LinkedIn, not only can you view job listings, but you can also easily find the recruiter who's leading the search for the right candidate.

Reaching out to the recruiter is certainly a solid job search strategy, but like anything in life there's a right and wrong way to do it.

Here are the best ways to connect with a recruiter on LinkedIn and potentially put yourself in a position to get hired for the job.

3 Steps For Connecting With A Recruiter On LinkedIn

1. Research the Recruiter's Profile - Details matter! You may learn from the recruiter's LinkedIn profile that you attended the same university or once worked at the same company during different time periods. Anything you have in common with the recruiter could be a good way to break the ice.

2. Make a Connection Request - Use the simple 300-word connection request to introduce yourself to the recruiter. Mention something that you have in common and that you're interested in learning more about their career field and would love the opportunity to connect. Keep it simpleâyou don't want to overwhelm the recruiter. Here are a few additional ideas.

3. Ask a Follow-Up Question - Once you're connected, send a follow-up note thanking them for the connection, mention that the job posting caught your attention, and ask them what's most important to them when considering a candidate for this position. This is a way to express your interest in the position while politely asking for their feedback. The key is not to be pushy and frame it in a way where you're trying to make their job easier.

What Do You Do If A Recruiter Doesn't Connect With You?

If a recruiter doesn't respond to your connection request, it's best to just move on.

There could be many reasons why the recruiter doesn't respond, and some may have nothing to do with your request. Being too aggressive about the connection request could actually damage your chances of getting the job. Make one request and if the recruiter doesn't respond, let it go.

You can continue your job hunt by searching LinkedIn for other professionals who work at the company where you're pursuing employment. Use the above steps to try to connect with them and perhaps they can give you tips that may help you land a job interview. This is not only a good way to boost your job search but it will also help you build your professional network.

Keep A Strong LinkedIn Profile

It's important to remember that if you have a strong LinkedIn profile it's possible that recruiters will reach out to you. By optimizing your LinkedIn profile with keywords, you'll have a higher chance of showing up in recruiters' search results. They'll be able to find you and see that you have the skills and experience they need for the job opportunity. This is your ideal situation: instead of having to reach out to recruiters in your job search, they'll come to you!

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How To Connect With Recruiters On LinkedIn

Someone accepted your request to connect on LinkedIn. Yay! Now what?

Now, you need to start a conversation.

Don't just let that new connection sit dead in the water. Here's how to start a conversation with a new LinkedIn connection:

Start With The Subject Line

Struggling to write your initial message? Here are a few subject ideas to get you started (you would elaborate within your message).

For a basic subject line, you could start with something like:

Thanks for connecting!
It's great to meet you!

If you enjoyed an article they wrote/shared, you could start with something like:

Loved your article!
Thanks for sharing your insight.

If you met your new LinkedIn connection in person, you could start with something like:

Great meeting you at yesterday's event!
Wanted to continue our conversation from yesterday.

Introduce Yourself

Shoot your new LinkedIn connection a brief message shortly after connecting. You can start by introducing yourself, then elaborate on why you wanted to connect in the first place.

Mention things you have in common. Feel free to ask them about their goals and interests. What do they want to accomplish? What do they love doing? Highlight commonalities. It will help build a stronger personal connection.

Offer Your Support

We can't stress how important it is to offer value to your connections, especially in your first conversation. It shows that you're a valuable contact who's ready and willing to help your connections.

Offering your support can be as simple as saying something like, "If there's anything I can do to offer support or anyone in my network that I can introduce you to, please let me know. Happy to help." You don't have to go overboard with this in your first message. A brief sentence like the one above is great. Just let them know you're offering.

Don't Ask For Any Favors Just Yet

Do not ask for anything from your new connection unless it benefits them in some way.

For example, if you need a quote from them for an upcoming blog post you're writing, highlight the fact that you'll be promoting the heck out of it and that it will give them some exposure. You can ask for a favor after you've built your professional relationship with this person and you have a history of offering value without asking for anything in return.

What To Do When Someone Connects With YOU...

When someone reaches out to you and asks to connect, make sure you message them immediately after accepting their request with a message that says something like, "Thanks for connecting. It's great to meet you." That way, if they forget to message you, you'll be sitting in their inbox, happy and ready to chat.

Starting a conversation with a new LinkedIn connection is easy once you know how to do it properly. The next time you want to connect with someone new on LinkedIn, follow these four steps. You'll grow your professional network in no time!

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We'd love it if you joined our FREE community. Itâs a private, online platform where workers, just like you, are coming together to learn and grow into powerful Workplace Renegades. More importantly, it's a safe place for you to network with others and get the help and support you need.

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How To Start A Conversation With A …

How To Make Friends With Ambitious People

If you’re trying to take yourself and your life to the next level, it makes a lot of sense to aim higher when it comes to making friends. The right friends will support you emotionally and provide practical help along the way.

If you have exciting friends that aren’t as ambitious as you are, chances are that they’re unconsciously holding you back. You don’t have to stop seeing them; your best bet is to focus on building friendships with new people. If you want to make friends with ambitious people, read on.

In this article, I would like to share with you three important steps. These steps will help you go to the next level in your social life, meet many ambitious and interesting people, and have them stick around for a long time.

Step #1 – Take Control Of Your Social Life (Don’t Leave It To Chance!)

People seem to leave their friendship life to chance, more often than not. While that probably worked well when you were a kid, it most certainly won’t work for you as an adult. With no college or school to facilitate new friendships, you need to be proactive about it. This means that you get conscious and curious about friendship and how it works—consciously make time, every week, for meeting new people, staying in touch, and hanging out with them.

Studies have shown that the influence other people have on you is strong; your destiny literally depends on the people you hang out with. This is why it’s important to have a clear idea of the kind of people you want to have in your life. All you have to do is make a general list of qualities, attributes, or activities that you want in your future friends. It doesn’t have to be definitive; it’s just a guide for your mind. You can start by listing qualities like "healthy," "ambitious," "honest," "productive," "fun," "interesting," etc.

Step #2 – Adopt These Winning Social Habits

Man shakes someone's hand while networking

Success in your friendship life means that you don’t only use the tips once in a while; it means that you adopt the easy new habits that will work on a consistent basis. The first habit is to go meet new people every month. The way to do that is to join a local community that meets up once or twice every month. Try a few that you can find on meetup.com and decide on the one that has the kind of people you'd like to get to know better. In general, go where meeting people is easy; focus on places like trade shows, cultural or charitable events, seminars and talks, and so on.

The second habit is to dedicate at least one hour every week to reaching out to people in your network. You can put it in your calendar; it can be something like every Wednesday at 7 p.m. Early in the week is better. Contact and network with important/strategic LinkedIn connections during this hour. This habit will make sure you don’t lose touch with your existing friends, and follow up with the new people you meet.

The third habit is to decide what you’re going to do over the weekend ahead of time. When it’s time to reach out to people, plan ahead and decide on what you want to do; suggest that plan to those you want to see. This is why it’s important that you contact people early enough in the week, when they haven’t already decided what to do on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Step #3 – Build A Social Circle

Making friends can be time-consuming if you don’t optimize your efforts. If you’re always the one calling and making plans, then you’re not going to be doing it for very long. The best way to tackle this is to focus on forming groups of friends, instead of having a bunch of friends that don’t know each other. I recommend that you always introduce the people that you know to each other, especially if they’re of the ambitious kind. After they meet once or twice, a new group emerges, and you now have a circle of friends. When that happens, they start to call and make plans as well, which means you’ll have more time to contact and make plans with people that you don’t know that well.

As you meet new people, introduce them to the existing group, and make it bigger. If you prefer to meet in small groups, this is a great strategy as well; you can still meet two or three people at the same time, even if your social circle has dozens of people in it.

These three steps will get you started on having ambitious, resourceful friends that will help you succeed, introduce people to you, and emotionally support you when you need it. What’s really important is to open your mind to learning about friendship, how it works, and how you can apply that information to your life.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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