It’s easy to get stuck in a rut and become bored at meet-and-greet events, business expos and leads groups.  Take a chance and step outside your comfort zone.  Parties and social gatherings can only take you so far in your networking circles.

The following “think outside the box” venues allow you to meet people and expand your networking horizons.

1.    Coffee houses – This is a favorite hangout for the meeting of the minds. Strike up a conversation while you’re waiting in line for your latte.  Even a simple hello or small talk could open up the conversation and lead to exchanging business cards.

2.    Book stores – Book stores attract a wide variety of people. Check out bookstores on the weekends when the store is busy with foot traffic. Bookstores draw large crowds, especially when they host book signings. Sign up for a book club – this gives you another opportunity to meet more people.

3.    Laundry mats – A laundry mat is a unique spot to meet new people. You have a captive audience since people have to wait for their clothes to dry. If your apartment or condo complex has a laundry room on-site, this is great place to meet your neighbors and get to know them better. You’ll never know where the conversation could lead. They might be in need of your products or services.

4.    Grocery stores – When you’re waiting in line, strike up a conversation with the person next to you. Make small talk – pick up a magazine on the corner aisle and comment on current news. People always love to give their opinion and offer feedback. This is a great segue into finding out more about a person.

5.    Gym/fitness classes – The gym or yoga classes are another great place to meet new people. It’s easy to chat about your health/fitness goals with like-minded people. Because you consistently see the same people in your classes or at the gym, it’s easy to find out about people’s lives, jobs, kids, etc.  People are more relaxed during or after a work-out and are more likely to share personal details.

6.    Dog parks – If you’re an animal lover (especially in big cities), dog parks are one of the hottest spots to meet new people. Who doesn’t love talking about their beloved Spot? Talking about common interests, such as animals, helps break the ice.

7.    Kids’ Activities – School functions and sports activities allow you to meet other parents and support your children’s interests. It also opens up a new circle of people you wouldn’t meet otherwise.

8.    Church – If you attend church/a place of worship, take the opportunity to chat with people in your congregation. You may find that you share other common interests, and fellow church members might just turn into your next client.

9.    Volunteer/Charity Work – Charity work is not only a great way to give back to your community, but you meet a diverse range of people as a result of your volunteer efforts. Many professionals enjoy volunteering their time (think charity golf tournaments and gala events) – you might be surprised who you’ll meet!

10.     Airports and airplanes – Airports and airplanes are one of the easiest ways to meet new people and exchange business cards. If you’re on a four hour flight, this is a great opportunity to make small talk with the person next to you. Take a genuine interest in what the other person is doing (comment on how much you like the book they’re reading, etc.) People can spot a fake a mile away – so keep it real.

Whenever you step outside your door, make sure you always have your business cards in your purse or wallet. You never know who you’ll meet that day. When meeting people, always remember to share a common ground and actively engage the other person in conversation.  Make small talk and remember to always listen.

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