You Can Network Anywhere! Really! Some other choices to network beside at an event.

Business Networking at events is one of the most effective ways to build a diverse network of successful professionals that you can help with your expertise or rely on for something that you are working on, such as looking for a new job.   In many large cities, there are always a networking event to go to on any given night.   Some are focused on specific professions and some are more general with speed networking.

The argument for traditional business networking events is that most attendees go to the event with their own agenda.  Face it, you network to build your professional contacts and ultimately your business and career so of course it is all about you when you meet people at networking events.

There is nothing like meeting new people and building relationships with familiar faces, however, believe it or not, business networking events are not the only place to build your social and professional network.  Let's look at some other places you can network that may result in a great lead and/or ultimately new business or a career.   Face it, when you network in most places, the other person may not have a mission like they would at a business networking event.

Ok, so here we go!   There may be some humor in some of the options.

The Airport/ Bus Station/ Subway Stop - Most times people travel alone, are entrenched into their smartphones, but are generally bored while waiting for their ride.    If you do catch their eye, try a simple hello and it they are receptive, start some small talk such as where are you traveling to, or what you do for work.   In this situation, there is really no pressure so next time, don't bury yourself in a book or on your phone and say hi to people.

At a Music Concert - Unless you are a death metal concert, people are usually feeling joyous and are anxious for their music hero to take the stage.  Since concertgoers are having fun, might have had a couple of drinks, it may be easy to strike up a conversation and talk a little business.   It may be awkward to exchange business cards with someone before the music starts, so maybe pull out your phone and connect with them no social media and follow-up later.

At Your Local Pub or Coffee Shop - Yes, this is the traditional networking spot before business networking themselves got popular.  My dad was an entrepreneur and in sales, and he cut his best deals at the local Irish pub.  Again, people are generally friendly at pubs or coffee shops and they are more likely to strike up a conversation with you and connect with you on social media.    Just don't tag yourself with a couple of brewskis in the your hand if you are trying to make an impression.

At the Gym - Like music concerts, generally everyone is happy at the gym unless they took one two many doses of creatine.   It may be easy to strike up a conversation with someone about their workout and goals.  If you are in the health/wellness business, you may be able to offer suggestions.   It may be awkward for a guy to network with a girl right away or vice versa, but if you draw the line early by chatting about shop, this can be a very effective way to build your business network.

At the Park, especially a Dog Park - If you are thinking of taking Fido for a walk, go to a dog park.  It is easy to mingle with people and talk about your canine.   Complement the person's pet so you build trust and they spark up some small talk.    You can also talk about the neighborhood and some things you are working on to see if it generates any interest.

Alumni Events - I know I did not want to include events, but this is one not to pass up.   Most schools have alumni activities such as a Red Sox game, or a boat cruise hoping to get alum to mingle and help each other out.   The pressure is off at an alumni event since most people are there to help each other out and are properly doing something that may relate to what you do.   My advice this summer is to look for alumni events to attend with the fall season coming faster than you think.

At an Evening Class - Continuing Education is very popular for professionals looking to start a "side gig" alongside their regular job and may take a real estate or a social media class at night to build up their skills.    You will already have something in common with others in your class, so the pressure is off to be able to strike up a conversation and build trust.   The only agenda attendees have at a class is to learn.

So here are eight other options to build up that professional network.  Of course, there are other options such as conferences, church, or meetups so anytime you are around people you have the opportunity to network.  Always remember, the person you are talking to may not be a good lead, but they may know someone that can help you.

Let me know about your successes networking at unique places.