What's the most random or unexpected place you found a great networking connection?

Question

I've found opportunities playing beach volleyball, surfing, and at a print shop.

Be open to conversations that happen naturally.

Do you have a fun networking story to share?

✴️Nazir Yusifov✴️ · Accepted Answer

The most unexpected place I made a great networking connection was at the airport. While waiting for a flight, I started chatting with a fellow traveler who turned out to be an investor interested in tech startups. That casual conversation led to valuable insights and future opportunities! It was a reminder that networking can happen anywhere, even when you least expect it.

Dan O'Malley · Answer

@yusifov That's awesome! Thanks for sharing. It proves the point we should be open to opportunities anywhere!

Answer

Made a great connection at my son's little league baseball game! Turned out one of the other dads was a retired executive from a major tech company. We got to chatting about startups and he offered to introduce me to some VCs he knows. You just never know who you might meet out in the real world when you least expect it!

Business Marketing with Nika · Answer

Train :D

Wendy Huang · Answer

One of the most unexpected places I made a great networking connection was at a dog park. I struck up a conversation with another dog owner, and it turned out they were in my industry. A casual chat about our dogs turned into a great professional connection!

Answer

I once found a great connection while waiting in line for street food! We started chatting about the long wait, and it turned into a conversation about business ideas. Sometimes, the best networking happens when you least expect it—like over a plate of spicy noodles.

Answer

Met a potential client while waiting in line for coffee! Totally random but worked out.

Answer

I connected with a great mentor during a yoga class  wasn't expecting that at all

Dan O'Malley · Answer

@odettecelestemontgomery This is such a great story! Do you mind if I use it as an example of being open to networking in everyday life in my networking newsletter?

Answer

The most random networking connection I made was at my gym. I struck up a casual conversation with someone on the next treadmill over, and it turned out we were both startup founders. We ended up grabbing coffee later to share ideas and experiences. It just goes to show, you never know who you might meet or where!

Dan O'Malley · Answer

@lvy__maxwell This is great!

Dan O'Malley · Answer

@zackary_mooney Yes!

Dan O'Malley · Answer

@dedew16 Love this! I give this example in my networking newsletter:

You're standing in line at Starbucks when someone comments, 'The line's never usually this long."

Instead of mumbling something in agreement while staring at your phone, start a conversation. Keep in mind everyone loves to talk about themselves. So ask a question. You already have something in common. You both like Starbucks.

Dan O'Malley · Answer

@hswpro Yes! I use dog parks as an example of a great place to network in my newsletter. Thanks for sharing!

Dan O'Malley · Answer

@odettecelestemontgomery

What's the most random or unexpected place you found a great networking connection?

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