#LPT #RoutineChange #MeetNewPeople
Are you feeling stuck in a rut and yearning for new experiences, new thoughts, and different world views? Changing up your routine to meet new people could be just what you need! Not only will it help you expand your social circle, but it might also benefit your career in ways you never imagined. In this article, we will explore various activities and strategies you can introduce into your routine to meet new people and potentially boost your career prospects.
### Evaluate Your Current Routine
Before diving into changing your routine, take a moment to evaluate your current habits and activities. Ask yourself the following questions:
– How much time do I spend socializing outside of work?
– Am I involved in any community or social groups?
– Do I attend any networking events or professional development workshops?
– Are my current hobbies and interests conducive to meeting new people?
Understanding where you currently stand will help you identify areas where you can make changes to meet new people.
### Join New Social Groups or Clubs
One effective way to meet new people is to join social groups or clubs that align with your interests. Consider the following options:
1. **Meetup Groups:** Meetup.com is a great platform to find groups of like-minded individuals who gather for various activities, from hiking to book clubs to coding workshops. Join a few groups that interest you and attend their events regularly to meet new people.
2. **Professional Organizations:** Joining professional organizations related to your field can open doors to networking opportunities and career advancement. Attend conferences, seminars, and networking events organized by these organizations to meet new professionals in your industry.
3. **Volunteer Work:** Volunteering for a cause you care about not only benefits the community but also allows you to meet people who share your values and passions. Look for local volunteer opportunities and get involved.
### Attend Networking Events
Networking events are a goldmine for meeting new people and expanding your professional connections. Here’s how you can make the most of these events:
– **Prepare Your Elevator Pitch:** Have a brief summary of who you are, what you do, and what you’re looking for professionally ready to share with new acquaintances.
– **Ask Open-Ended Questions:** Show genuine interest in the people you meet by asking open-ended questions that encourage conversation and connection.
– **Follow Up:** Don’t forget to follow up with the people you meet at networking events. Connect with them on LinkedIn, send a personalized message, and suggest meeting for coffee to further build your relationship.
### Take Up a New Hobby or Skill
Learning something new not only enriches your life but also provides opportunities to meet new people. Consider taking up a new hobby or skill that interests you, such as:
– **Art Classes:** Join a painting, pottery, or photography class to meet fellow art enthusiasts.
– **Dance Classes:** Take up salsa, ballroom, or hip-hop dance classes to meet new friends and get your body moving.
– **Language Classes:** Learning a new language can open doors to new friendships with people from different cultural backgrounds.
### Utilize Online Platforms
In today’s digital age, meeting new people has never been easier with the help of online platforms. Consider the following options:
– **Social Media:** Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with people who share your interests. Join groups or follow pages related to your hobbies and engage with other members.
– **Online Forums and Communities:** Participate in online forums and communities that cater to your interests. Share your knowledge, ask questions, and engage in discussions to meet new like-minded individuals.
– **Dating Apps:** While primarily used for dating, some apps like Bumble BFF and Meetup offer options to connect with people platonically based on shared interests.
### Seek Mentorship and Guidance
Building relationships with mentors and experienced professionals in your field can provide invaluable guidance and support for your career. Consider the following steps:
– **Identify Potential Mentors:** Reach out to professionals in your industry whom you admire and ask if they would be willing to mentor you.
– **Attend Networking Events:** Look for events specifically designed for mentorship opportunities, such as speed mentoring sessions or mentorship mixers.
– **Join Mentorship Programs:** Many organizations offer formal mentorship programs that pair you with a seasoned professional who can help guide your career development.
By incorporating these activities into your routine, you can shake up your social life, meet new people, and potentially boost your career prospects. Embrace the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and welcome new experiences and relationships into your life. Who knows what doors they might open for you in the future! 🌟
So go ahead, make that change, and let the world of new opportunities unfold before you!
What makes you happy? Art, music, movies, trivia, gaming? That answer will lead you to where to go to meet like-minded people.
What is your hobby? Then look up that hobby as there are typically groups that meet to do that said hobby. Having something in common is a quick and easy way to meet people.
Meditation beginner Groups
To benefit your career I recommend going to a conference relevant to your industry. You’ll have the opportunity to meet tons of like-minded people, many of whom are also interested in networking.
Otherwise, go to community centers/pools/clubrooms/etc. if they are available in your community. Bars, wineries, vineyards, beer gardens, etc. are also great options.
This is definitely not for most people!
Find a career with mandatory travel. I travel almost weekly meeting new people, earning airline miles, hotel points, and car rental credits.
Because of this, my personal travel is amazing! The last 6 years I have been in a different country for New Year’s Eve and day.
14 countries and counting, love new stamps on my passport.
Now, why would you want that?
I kid I kid.
What worked for me in the past was getting together with people who had similar interests. At the time I went on meetup.com and met people in karaokes.
I found Bumble BFF and an activity that requires meeting weekly helps.
Do you like reading? Check out book clubs. Climbing and boxing gyms are cool for drop ins.
Do an indoor bouldering course and then create a group chat to go bouldering together.
But to be honest any hobby will do, if you want to make friends.
Not sure what your career is but are there any courses you could take for certifications in your field?
I say this a LOT, but… volunteer for a cause you believe in. Especially if you have a valuable skill.
I’m a corporate photo/video guy, and doing fundraising content for nonprofits has really been life-expanding. Meeting good people, interviewing the people they serve (that’ll make you re-asses how lucky you are pretty fast!), meeting professional contacts, and having people express heartfelt gratitude to you – it’s huge. And it can take you very far afield from your day-to-day experiences/comfort zone – *very* far.
I’m a near-albino ginger agnostic, and I fell into work with a black church collective, working on PTSD and trauma in under-served communities and particularly pastors of poor churches. It’s become one of my favorite things, those church ladies are all like PhD’s and are a freaking blast. I just had no idea I’d be involved in something so beneficial but also so fun and “joyful”. I also do stuff for severe special needs kids and a lot of addiction recovery, it’s all been so cool.
What are your hobbies and what are things you’ve been wanting to do but holding back on.
Whatever your technical specialty, there’s probably a user group that meets periodically in your area. Go to those for sure. Tech conferences are fun too if you want to get out of the house.
I’m a techie and over the last 30 years have had the joy of hanging out with Linus Torvolds and Steve Wozniak at conferences. There are plenty of “normal” people to meet at conferences too.
If you’re looking to meet people you can hang out with, then local user groups are the better bet.
Volunteering (Habitat for humanity, food drives, conservation projects) is another local meet-up activity to look for to socialize where people are in the vicinity.
Toast Masters, it will allow you to work on public speaking and meet a ton of people at the same time
Praise Israel, you will get funded, network great and get free trips to Epsteins island, or even better place Israel itself.
The big thing is consistency. Find a club, sport, activity of any sort that is outside of the house and around other people and do it regularly. You will naturally start bonding with the other people there that also go regularly.