Do you find networking and fun to be mutually exclusive? In my experience, when networking becomes too strategic or transactional, it’s a chore. So I’ve been looking for ways to turn networking from a “should do” to a “surprise and delight” activity.
The data is clear: Most career advancement—whether a pivot, a new job, or a promotion— results from networking. A recent survey of 1,535 U.S. adults by CivicScience found that networking or personal connection was the most common way they landed a job. Most of us are keenly aware of this, but aside from attending professional conferences or trade shows, networking rarely goes on the calendar or the to-do list. Layer on that a pandemic, which halted in-person meetings and events, and it can be easy to think networking is at a standstill. But I have found it’s the perfect time to connect with new people in unexpected and dare-I-say, fun ways.
Yes, LinkedIn is always there, and it’s a place to be very strategic in your networking. Advice abounds about best tactics. Be intentional about who you target. Comment on or react to posts. Be helpful. Offer recommendations. Ultimately, request a conversation or informational interview. But there’s another way. A way that I find more enjoyable.
Several new platforms serve up warm introductions that can lead to very fruitful relationships. Most importantly, I’ve found the conversations to be fun. In a way, these introductions feel almost random. But the conversational twists and turns can yield some unexpected benefits. For example, I met someone I profiled on my blog, another who inspired me to clarify my five-year-plan, and another who gave the most valuable advice I could have imagined for my son applying to college. Conversely, you have no idea how you may be helping someone on the other side of the screen. Here are three companies that can be your gateway to this mode of networking.
Cirkel
The multi-generational workplace—I’m a huge fan. Cirkel’s tagline, “Closing the generational loop,” suggests the same. Once a month Cirkel introduces you to another member, usually from another generation but having complementary or intersecting interests, and helps facilitate a call. I’ve found their matchmaking to be quite thoughtful and spot-on. While the pandemic has caused Cirkel to go fully virtual, for me this has been a positive. The two Cirkel conversations I’ve had have been with people in Honolulu and New York—and I’m in San Francisco. In addition, members receive free access to the virtual events Cirkel hosts monthly. Cost: $50/month, with a three-month free trial currently available. Cirkel.world
Shapr
This app bills itself as “Tinder for Business.” The concept is indeed Tinder-like: Create a profile, and based on filters you set, Shapr serves up a new set of profiles for you to view daily. Swipe left if you’re not interested in meeting; swipe right if you are. If you both swipe right, Shapr makes the introduction. In pre-Covid days, you could opt for in-person meetings, but obviously it’s by phone or Zoom now. I’ve had several interesting conversations via Shapr with people I would not otherwise have had an opportunity to meet. I love that they suggest, “Swipe for one minute a day.” Doing so is an easy way to inject networking into your daily worklife. Cost: The free plan includes 15 profiles per day; the premium plan ($99 annually) includes more profiles and expanded opportunities to connect. shapr.co
Lunchclub
I just signed up for this one and am intrigued. Lunchclub makes weekly introductions (though you can control the frequency) for 1:1 video conversations. Lunchclub is different from the companies above in two ways. First, it feels slightly more strategic or “serious.” You describe your objective—for example, to find a new role as product manager, or make connections in your industry. The onboarding process guides you through this in a friendly and non-threatening way. Secondly, the matchmaking is done via artificial intelligence (AI). I have no doubt AI can do a decent job at this, and, in fact, this methodology only makes me more curious. Lunchclub gained a $4 million seed-round investment last fall and seems to be gaining traction. lunchclub.ai