Making connections is an integral part of growing, regardless if you’re new to the area, a freelancer, or a small business owner. The right network can help you find opportunities, develop fruitful relationships, and help you reach your goals. So, how can you find new connections in the Silver Lake Area? Here’s how.
Start With a Plan
Like anything else, it’s essential to start with goals and a plan to achieve them. Your goals and strategy will differ depending if you’re looking to make friends or develop business connections. That said, using proven methods like S.M.A.R.T. goals can set you on the right path.
If You’re Looking to Make Friends in the Silver Lake Area
Your plan will look a bit different if you’re looking to make friends in Silver Lake, Atwater Village, or Echo Park. For example, you might set the goal to go out to events, groups, or meetups twice a week. You might make additional goals of talking to one new person at each event or when you’re out and about. Following this goal would put you in the right environment to make friends and meet new people.
If You’re a Local Business Owner or Freelancer
If you’re a business owner or freelancer, you may want to adjust your plan. For example, you might set a goal to attend relevant workshops, courses, or meetup groups every month. When you attend these events, you should put your best foot forward and bring contact information, like business cards or similar material.
Set Aside Enough Time
Besides having the right plan of action, you’ll also need enough time. It’s impossible to accomplish everything in a day, week, or month. But if you manage your time correctly, you can meet new people and develop strong connections.
Be sure to work within the confines of your schedule. You might only have time for one event or outing per week. That’s perfectly fine, but you should make your time count by attending events you genuinely care about. Be on the lookout for relevant outings to your industry, interests, or lifestyle to find like-minded people in your community.
Provide Value and Give Back
One way to develop connections is to provide value and give back to the people you meet. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to give flowers to every stranger you come across. Instead, ask yourself how you can provide value to the people around you or when you’re at an event.
Giving back could be as simple as buying everyone a round of drinks or offering to help clean up after an event. Alternatively, you might provide value by hosting events at your house, carpooling, or bringing food.
You might have even more opportunities to provide value if you’re a business owner or freelancer. For example, a small bakery could make cookies for free or at a discounted rate for local charity events. Freelancers should also consider offering their services at discounted rates or for free to build strong connections.
Ask Questions and Be Friendly
As you know, a smile goes a long way. Be sure to be friendly, interested, and lively when meeting new people. Regardless if it’s for business or pleasure, asking questions and taking an interest in others makes people feel appreciated. Being someone people want to be around or invite back is the quickest way to build your network in the Silver Lake area.
