The Unconventional Networking Hack: How Casual Meetups Outshine Formal Events for Genuine Connections

Picture this: you’re at a fancy networking event, awkwardly clutching your glass of mediocre Merlot, and forcing yourself to feign interest in someone’s nine-to-five as they drone on about their LinkedIn connections. Sounds like a blast, right? Well, here’s a little secret: networking doesn’t have to be this painful. In fact, I’m here to tell you that you’ve been doing it all wrong. You see, the real magic of networking happens not at these formal events, but at casual meetups, where you can actually be yourself.

The first time I realized the power of casual networking was at a bar near my apartment in Tbilisi. Between sips of passion fruit cocktails and bites of sushi, I struck up a conversation with someone who, as it turned out, ran the Georigan Startup Association, and we had worked on the same project very briefly a few years earlier. We bonded over our mutual love of cocktails, khachapuri, and our favourite buildings. A few weeks later, he connected me with other businesspeople interested in supporting the same community as me, and the rest, as they say, is history. All this without having to wear a name tag or giving a tiresome self-promotion spiel.

So, let me share some tips on how to ditch the stiff suit and harness the power of casual networking.

1. Be Authentic

There’s something incredibly freeing about networking outside of formal events. Gone are the days of trying to impress people with your perfectly practiced handshake and carefully chosen buzzwords. Instead, focus on being yourself. People can sense when you’re being genuine, and they’re more likely to remember you for it. Plus, wouldn’t you rather work with someone you can have a genuine conversation with, rather than someone who spouts industry jargon like it’s their job (which, I guess, technically it is)?

2. Make Friends, Not Connections

When you’re at a casual event, don’t treat everyone you meet like a potential business contact. Instead, approach them as a potential friend. That way, you’ll find common ground and shared interests, which can lead to more meaningful connections down the line. Trust me, when you’re helping your new buddy move a couch up three flights of stairs, they’re far more likely to remember you when a job opportunity arises than if you’d just handed them a business card at a networking event.

3. Listen, Really Listen

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone who’s just waiting for their turn to speak? It’s about as enjoyable as watching paint dry. So, when you’re networking casually, make a point to really listen to what the other person is saying. Ask questions, show empathy, and resist the urge to turn the conversation back to yourself. Your newfound conversation partner will appreciate the attention, and you might just learn something interesting in the process.

4. Be Prepared, But Not Too Prepared

It’s always a good idea to have an elevator pitch in your back pocket, but don’t be so rigid that you can’t adjust to the flow of a casual conversation. If you find yourself at a dog park chatting with someone in your industry, don’t launch into a monologue about your professional accomplishments. Instead, find a way to casually mention your work in a way that feels natural. Who knows? You might even end up talking shop while your pups play fetch.

5. Follow Up (But Not Like a Stalker)

When you’ve made a connection with someone at a casual event, it’s important to follow up. But instead of sending a generic LinkedIn request, try something a little more personal. Send them an article you think they’d enjoy or mention something specific from your conversation. This will help to solidize your connection and show them that you actually care about more than just their professional network. But remember, there’s a fine line between being interested and being creepy, so don’t go overboard with the messages.

6. Embrace Serendipity

One of the best things about casual networking is that it often happens when you least expect it. So, put yourself out there and attend events that interest you, even if they don’t seem directly related to your professional goals. Join that book club, sign up for that pottery class, or go to that neighborhood block party. You never know who you might meet, and how those connections could impact your career in the long run.

7. Practice Makes Perfect

Like any skill, networking takes practice. The more you engage in casual conversations, the better you’ll become at identifying opportunities for professional connections. So, don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts don’t land you a job offer or a new business partner. Keep at it, and eventually, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a network of people who are genuinely interested in helping you succeed.

So, there you have it: my not-so-secret guide to networking success. No more name tags, no more rehearsed elevator pitches, and no more fake smiles. Just genuine connections with real people, forged over shared interests and common ground. And the best part? You don’t even have to leave your jeans and sneakers at home.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a dog park meetup to attend. Who knows, maybe I’ll find my next big opportunity while watching Fido make friends. Or, at the very least, I’ll enjoy some fresh air and sunshine, which is more than I can say for those stuffy networking events.