While I love social media to network online (favorites include LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter), I love even more networking offline. Networking offline allows me to deeped the connections I have, and create more new ones, faster and more effectively.
I’m an extrovert, and I get super energized when I get to hang with others who share their energy with me. I recognize not everyone is that way, but if you’re willing to step beyond your introversion and be a little bit out there, this article can help you network offline.
5 Simple Ways to Network Offline
Attend conferences – Going to a conference is a great way to find people who share an interest with you. Recently, I’ve attended the HDI Annual Conference and connected with almost 2000 passionate, dedicated help desk and service desk professionals. The first weekend of May I’ll be attending SOBCon in Chicago with 150 or so folks who are passionate about online publishing and blogging for business, something I want to learn a LOT more about. Another great type of conference is the “camp style” conference. Check out PhotoCamp Milwaukee for more about these types of conferences.
Send out notes and postcards – Quick questions: How many handwritten notes do you get in your mailbox every day? How about every week? OK, every year? My answer: NOT ENOUGH! I love to get handwritten notes and I’d bet you do too. So how many did you SEND out last week/month/year? I’m guilty too, but I do send a few, and when I do, folks LOVE getting them and they send me a note of thanks back. Send 1 or more this next week, and then make it a habit, or better yet, send one out every DAY and see what happens.
Share a cup of coffee or lunch – Recently I had a 4 hour layover in Phoenix, and rather than just sit in the airport and be bored, I coordinated a cup of coffee and lunch with my dear friend Pam Thomas (see above picture). We had a great conversation, we deepened our friendship, I still caught my flight, and it didn’t hurt one bit 
You can do the same thing at work, in your city, or whereever you’re going.
Attend or Organize a Meetup – Send an e-mail, a tweet, or whatever, to some of your friends and connect with them live at a local coffee shop, bar or restaurant. It’s even more fun if you ask your friends to invite one friend so you can meet someone new.
Attend a book or poetry reading or open mic night – Your local bookshop probably brings in authors or has an open mic night. Support an author, meet someone new, and learn something new…all at the same time!
What’s YOUR favorite way to network offline?
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Phil,
As an official “old guy” I’m really happy to see your post. We’ve become very good at the high tech stuff, but have somewhat neglected the high touch aspect to life. (OK, I’ll get off the soapbox and answer your question.)
I regularly send e-mails to people and just ask about “coffee and conversation.” I rarely get a refusal and have built a nice network of people who drink coffee and share ideas. By the way, how about coffee and conversation one of these days. I’ll drive up to cheese country.
Bill
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Bill – You’re not an old guy, you’re a classic.
And I would LOVE to get together for coffee and/or lunch/dinner sometime soon. I’ll shoot you a note and let’s make it a date! Been TOO LONG my friend!
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Phil – I AGREE with all you say & do ‘em all (well haven’t been to a poetry reading recently…). I OFTEN send notes to people especially THANK YOU notes for even the smallest thing — and do you know what — probably 4 out of 5 times people will call me OR write me back & thank me for the thank you note – b/c it meant so much to them.
Phil – keep writing & reminding – you’re GREAT.
Thank You
Helen
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You’re VERY welcome Helen! Glad to share, remind, and inspire.
Thank YOU for your comments. Makes me smile!
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My favorite way to network offline is to attend service events. Too meet with people who are passionate enough to take time from their schedule to serve and interact with others is a powerful experience.
I think you get a great understanding of a person when seeing them do ordinary things for extra ordinary causes.
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These are great ideas! Even an introvert can manage these! Well, except maybe the open mic :0)! I’m going to go write a few notes right now…
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Glad you like those Deborah, even though not all of them are perfect for introverts
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Phil, As a middle-ager, I find it refreshing to see a person from the younger generation promote in-person networking. What you suggest I was taught to do growing up, but it’s not typical of someone in your generation. So I applaud you and thank you for spreading the word.
I enjoy phone calls and emails to stay in touch with far flung friends/family. Right now I am travelling to do “in-person” contact with dear friends of many years.
Meanwhile I ask myself the question of the day – to twitter or not to twitter! Only time will tell.
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Hi Phil .. thanks for these .. I’m quite good at keeping in touch .. but perhaps have the English reserve here at home. I have however ‘had’ to write to friends and family regarding my mother and they’ve all had personal notes attached to them, which generate letters back .. so I’ve done my fair share of personal writing over the 2+ years .. it is great as my Mum in her last days .. gets letters or card from everyone – so important!
Fortuantely I’ve learnt to mix .. it took me many years to do it .. and now I do it quite well – sometimes I don’t feel like it! But mostly I enjoy the repartee and laugh and participate .. occasionally I’ll smile and switch off .. I’m needing my own space.
Thanks -
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
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Phil –
Thanks for encouraging me to SHARE my story about the power of a simple note….
http://whatwouldhelendo.wordpress.com/2009/04/28/what-a-note-will-do/
Helen
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