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School may be out, but summer is the perfect time to network. Now that the sun is out to play, networking events involve grilling out, margaritas, and shorts instead of business suits and meetings. Business never sleeps and summer shouldn't stop your efforts to advance professionally.
Where
You can find out about the upcoming networking events on Twitter or EventBrite. Many organizations hold events such as fashion shows, mixers, and more where you can find yourself talking to some heavy hitters. Talk to your professor or mentor about summer events such as workshops or speaking engagements. Be sure to have business cards on hand.
Why
People are generally more laid back during the summer and love to be outdoors. It's a perfect time to talk to the right people in their most comfortable state. Even the most unlikely events can be a networking opportunity.
How
Try planning a cocktail hour for your office or invite your manager out for drinks on a casual Friday. You can even go the extra mile by planning a cocktail hour for multiple offices. This gives your home company the opportunity to network on a grander scale. Just be careful how many Margaritas you gulp down. People generally love to be outdoors, so planning an outdoor event could be a great idea as well. Try a picnic or cookout that will find everyone in a fun, calming mood.
What
Now that everyone is in a great mood, find a way to stand out. Don't bore the entire conversation with work. Try discussing a new moving and mention an interesting marketing strategy the movie used. Keep away from talks about religion, politics, or controversy no matter how strong your opinion is. Entertainment is a great way to segway into a conversation about the your company's plans for the future.
