Since this blog is about ways to meet new people, I thought that this 
was an interesting article from Forbes magazine that many of you would like to read!

5 New Ways to Network

By: Patty Seawall

If you want to groan every time you hear the word “networking,” well, 
I don’t exactly blame you. The word conjures images of uncomfortable 
schmooze-fests, where suit-clad business executives work the room, wine 
glass in hand, feigned interest at the ready. Who would enjoy that?

But guess what? Networking doesn’t have to be that bad—in fact, it shouldn’t

 be. The goal is to meet new people and expand your professional network, 

and there’s no reason those activities have to be confined to conferences and 

industry happy hours.  All it takes is a little imagination, and networking 

might even be kind of fun. 

1. Reinvent the Meet-and-Mingle

Is there an activity you’ve been wanting to try, 

or a new skill you’d like to learn? Pick an activity

—like taking up golf, learning to make your own

wine, joining a book club, or anything else that

other stressed-out professionals might do to 

unwind—and try it out! (Groupon is a great place 

to look for new ideas.) People in a relaxed, 

social setting are usually more open to conversation,

 which makes this the perfect opportunity to open

 up, ask questions, and build new relationships.

2. Be In With the In Crowd

In nearly every big city, there are at least a few

 restaurants where the politicos, the PR people, 

or the state workers like to go to mingle with their 

own. Even professional chefs have their favorite 

after-hours haunts. And a little legwork or friendly 

conversation with a knowledgeable bartender will 

give you some ideas of the hot spots in your industry.

 So, pick your place, grab a friend, cozy up to the 

bar, and strike up a conversation with the person next

 to you. Putting yourself (literally) next to other

 people in your field will increase your chances of 

networking success.

3. Take Up a Cause

Consider volunteering your time where your 

heart is. Pick a local church, animal sanctuary, 

or non-profit where you can put in a few hours after 

work or on a weekend alongside other people in your

 area. Or, lend your professional expertise to a neighborhood

 school: Put together a presentation (complete with

 handouts) about your field for career night, when 

parents (read: new contacts) are also in attendance.

4. Work It

Fundraisers usually have no trouble finding people

 who are happy to fork over $200, get dressed up, and 

enjoy the wine and hors d’oeuvres—what they really 

need is extra hands. So call your favorite charity and offer to 

work the registration desk. You’ll get to be there for the entire

 event, you’ll have a built-in chance to meet and talk with the 

(often high-profile) attendees, and you won’t have to pay a dime to do so.

5. Reconnect With Your Past

College and high school reunions or alumni events are the hidden gems of 

the networking world. They offer a room full of people with 

diverse interests and careers who you already know (or at least, who

 you have something to talk about with)! So, after you reminisce with

your former classmates, club-mates, and sorority sisters, strike up a 

conversation about their careers, and talk about yours. Your old friends 

could be (or at least put you in touch with) valuable connections.

Whether you’re looking to leave your dead end job or just want to

 connect with people who may lead you to your next career move,

 face-to-face networking is still one of the best job search tactics 

out there. And if you’re willing to think outside the box, it might

 actually be fun, too.