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What is the best way to network with professionals in a new city?

Advisor

Joshuah Chrisman New York, NY

Hi,

I'm getting ready to relocate to a new city and I was wondering if there were any good tips on general ways to network with people other than through LinkedIn groups?

1 June 2016 8 replies Networking

Answers

Advisor

Christina Mbagwu Dallas, TX

Hello Joshuah,

Local professional organization chapters (SHRM, PMI, NAPW, AITP, etc.), local alumni chapters, volunteering with local organizations, online and in-person job fairs and networking events have helped me meet great people. Job fairs can be used to look for employment and as a networking tool. Searching "job fairs in XXX" in Google will pull lots of free events, and "networking events in XXX" will pull different event types and allow you to select your event category of choice.

Helpful site: www.eventbrite.com

1 June 2016 Helpful answer

Advisor

June R Massoud Burlington, VT

I think you can look at the Meetups.org or Meetups.com
They have groups you could join in each city across North America, or where there is a presence. People with wide-varying interests all get together.
I hope this helps.
Best Wishes,
June R Massoud

Advisor

Andrea Gnilka Springfield, VA

In addition to all of the great advice on here, I do recommend Meetup groups as a way to find people with similar interests and passions. There are people who share not only the same hobbies as you, but will open the conversation to other things. Of course, job fairs, and other formal networking channels cannot be discounted, but for a more informal setting, Meetup groups can be a great way to network.

Advisor

E Y Cerritos, CA

Hi,
Here are my suggestions: 1) Join the chamber of commerce in the city you wish to network in 2) join www.toastmasters.com and attend functions they sponsor 3) volunteer at an organization you have a passion for 4) attend a conference in your desired area of employment. If your area of interest is helping nonprofit organizations then you can attend conferences such as those that can be found at: https://blog.everyaction.com/2016-best-nonprofit-conferences-calendar. These are just what comes to my mind. Good luck!

Advisor

Maureen Devane Purchase, NY

If you have a specific career interest, look for the local professional organization for that group. Ask people you currently know if they know someone in the new city. Contact that person and ask for more contacts. Try to meet as many people in person or on the phone as you can - a personal connection is best! If this is not possible, send a personal email suggesting a meeting or chat, not a mass mailing. Treat networking like a job and devote time each day to it. By reaching out to one person at a time, you will soon have made a lot of connections.

Advisor

Donald Noble Tampa, FL

Based on my personal experience, find lawyers, CPAs and other professionals that have many clients, especially in the industry you want to network into. See if you are connected on LinkedIn and then write a courteous letter explaining that you are new in town and are trying to network with them.

Don't just find and connect on LinkedIn. If you make a connection in real life, they will remember you.

Don

Advisor

Chris Hyers Farmington, CT

How you approach it - and use the good suggestions already provided - depends on what you hope to accomplish: job, professional network ( leads, or peers) or just social. Any combination is possible - try a few different things, see where you feel the vibe, like the people or just enjoy being. If you don't feel it, move on - to do this well, you have to be as comfortable as you can be in strange environments so the true, best you comes out. One more suggestion, on one move to a new city I made more contacts by joining a rec basketball league...you just never know. Good luck, hope this helps - thank you for your service

Advisor

Vincent Boccanfuso Lindenhurst, NY

Local town and county organizations are a good place to start to see where you fit in the community. Also church and religious organizations always need good local help from members. Social media has many groups as well as Linked In, or building a page specific to your services. Hopefully that helps and thank you for your service, Joshua

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