We all have our interests, or fun things we like to do. I have just combined those things into my regular networking, and it has paid off! BIG TIME! My interests include sports, my alma mater (Virginia Tech), specialty beer, tasty wine, and volunteering. Over the past 4 years of working, I have incorporated all of those things into my networking regimen. Here’s how to do it:

1) Find out what your coworkers like to do

It’s always interesting to find out what your coworkers interests and hobbies are. Sometimes you just see them in the office, and you would have never guessed that they brew their own beer, adopt-out puppies every Saturday, or play racquetball. Once you figure out their passions, it might align with what you like to do, or you may have never done it, but decide to give it a whirl. They would enjoy sharing their passion, and you get the benefit of learning something new!

2) Invite your coworker out

If you “click,” mention that you would love to do it again, and gauge their response. Sometimes you know that you’ll never want to do that again, or you may not want to hang out with that coworker again, but at least you gave it a shot, and you can share that experience with them, even if it’s just once. And if it does happen to “click,” you are building your network. If you have the time you can set up weekly, biweekly, or monthly engagements, depending on your and their availability.

You are having fun, but more importantly, you are networking. I became friends with a Senior Vice President at my company, simply because I like golf, and I like to teach golf. This SVP likes to play, but wasn’t very good. After a fun 18 holes, we shook hands, and said we’d like to do it again. The next day, I sent him an email thanking him for the round. His response was he enjoyed it too, and if I was willing, I could be his golf coach, and in return, I would get free golf. JACKPOT. Since the first round of golf, we regularly played once a week, and hit up the driving range many times. Eventually, our friendship grew, and I had an SVP supporting me in my career.

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know… But more on that later!