We all need to get away and unplug every now and then. Email, phone calls, news, social media… you have to take some downtime and disconnect yourself from the constant bombardment of information. When we get away, however, we typically don’t unplug from connecting with other people. Unless you’re going to a Buddhist meditative retreat, you’ll be spending time with other people, mostly family and friends, but undoubtedly you have the opportunity to chat with many new people.
Vacations provide an ideal setting to meet new people. Sitting next to you on the plane or at airport bar, on the deck of a cruise ship, at the beach or the lake, on a mountain trail, at a table in the casino, or on the ski lift or in the lodge – the possibilities for a friendly collision are endless.
There is a lot of opportunity in those casual and serendipitous encounters. Yes, you may find a new friend or lover, but you could also meet your next business partner, supplier, or investor. I’ve heard many stories of venture capital deals that started with a chance meeting at a ski lodge, and M&A deals where the first conversation was with a random airplane seatmate.
In these fun and casual settings, you’re surrounded by like-minded people. You share the same interests with those around you. Those that like a particular destination. Enjoy the same sport. Reading the same author. These are ideal opportunities to strike up conversations since you obviously share a common interest. You’re also catching people at their most relaxed.
Here are a few suggestions for making new connections while on vacation:
> Leave the briefcase home but take the business cards with you. Conveniently, they fit in a wallet or purse.
> Keep your phone around. Even if you turn off email, have your contact list and maybe LinkedIn available to you.
> Take advantage of every opportunity to mingle. Whether it’s happy hour or high tea, vacations offer many chances to mix with other people.
> Finally, have something to offer. Yes, you can buy someone a drink, but that lasts only a few minutes. I’m thinking – an introduction. As you learn about your new acquaintance, consider someone in your network where there might be mutual benefit in knowing one another.
If you’re going to make an introduction while on vacation, don’t forget about IntroNet. Make spontaneous introductions easily from your mobile device and track them over time – making your new connection a lasting one.
One last thought… Networking on vacation doesn’t only have to be for professional purposes only. There are many opportunities to make personal introductions for these new acquaintances. Maybe a date for your sister, a plumber for your neighbor, or a job lead for your son. Introductions help strengthen both professional and personal relationships.
Enjoy your summer. Meet new people, build relationships, make connections, and grow your influence. It would be great to hear your stories of connections made while on vacation. Feel free to share below!
