While it's important to take some time for yourself and enjoy life outside the workplace, it's also important to stay proactive with your professional development. You never know when that life-changing opportunity will present itself.
The good news? You can do both. Here are a few simple ways to network during summer vacation (and still enjoy your time off!):
1. Always Keep Business Cards Handy (Or Go Digital!)
It's important to always have a few business cards with you, no matter where you are or what you're doing. If you happen to meet someone at the tiki bar who you think would be an asset to your network, you want to be prepared. Even in the smallest of gatherings, you never know when you may meet someone who could end up being a valuable connection.
If you're a job seeker or your company doesn't offer business cards, you may want to consider getting your own printed with your basic information, especially a link to your LinkedIn profile, where you can continue your networking efforts with the new connection.
Don't want to seem old school? Consider using a digital business card app like HiHello or Blinq, which allows you to easily share your contact info via QR code or text message. It's eco-friendly and travel-ready.
If you're not comfortable giving out business cards, you could exchange emails or connect instantly on LinkedIn. The important thing is to establish a means of communication.
2. Plan A Family Trip With Networking In Mind
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If you're considering relocating or just want to start building a network in a particular area, consider taking a family trip to that location. Get to know the area, attend local events, and make an effort to meet new people. Check out local business mixers, coworking spaces, or professional meetups happening during your stay.
Don't go into it with an "all-business" mindset, though.
Remember, you're on vacation with your family. The focus is on spending your time with them, not making lots of connections. If you can meet one or two locals and build a casual relationship with them, that's a great start. Those light conversations can turn into valuable career connections over time.
3. Take 30 Minutes Each Week To Network Online
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Even if your summer may be jam-packed with fun activities, it's likely you will have half an hour each week to spare. Make time each week to attend a virtual networking event, engage in an industry-specific online group, or connect with new people on LinkedIn. It's not a major time commitment, and the reward could be huge. Not to mention, you can do it while you're sipping on a refreshing cocktail on your patio.
That's one of the great things about virtual networking—you can do it virtually anywhere!
The truth is, virtual networking is the future, so it's important to become good at it! Between remote work and the sheer convenience of it, most professionals are expanding their networks online.
Building your professional network over summer vacation is easier than you think. Whether you're meeting someone at a cookout, chatting with locals on a family trip, or attending a virtual event from your hotel room, you can make meaningful connections.
Use these three networking strategies to grow your career while enjoying everything summer has to offer!
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