Networking Outside the Box: 6 Unusual Methods to Making New Connections

When we think of professional networking, traditional methods such as attending industry events, joining LinkedIn, or reaching out via email come to mind. While these strategies are essential to making new network connections, there are some other unconventional methods that are just as effective. Today we’re going to talk about some unusual methods to making new network connections. Let’s begin.

Volunteering

Volunteering is often seen as a way to give back to the community, but it can also be a powerful networking tool. When you volunteer for causes or events related to your industry, you’re more likely to meet people who share your values and professional interests. For example, if you work in marketing, volunteering at an event focused on social impact marketing allows you to meet like-minded professionals in a more relaxed setting.

Volunteering also shows prospective employers that you’re passionate and proactive about your field. Additionally, these settings offer low-pressure environments where you can demonstrate your skills while forming genuine relationships. Instead of handing out business cards, you’re working alongside others, showcasing your talents and work ethic in real-time.

Public Speaking and Teaching Opportunities

Public speaking and teaching are excellent ways to position yourself as an authority in your field while networking with others who may be potential clients, collaborators, or employers. Offering to give a workshop or presentation, either in person or online, can showcase your expertise and bring you to the attention of those looking for your particular skill set.

Even better, hosting webinars or online classes can expand your reach beyond your immediate location. You can connect with people from around the world, and the interactive nature of these events allows for engagement, where participants may approach you for advice, mentorship, or new professional opportunities. These platforms may offer more exposure and more credibility than traditional networking events, so consider giving it a shot. If the idea of public speaking terrifies you, you’re not alone—check out our previous blog for some helpful advice.

Hobby Communities and Interest Groups

Joining non-work-related interest groups may not sound like a networking strategy, but it can be surprisingly effective. Many professionals have made successful business connections by bonding over shared hobbies or personal interests. Whether it’s a local photography club, an online gaming community, or a model train group, you never know where your next professional relationship might come from.

In these spaces, the pressure of formal networking is gone, and you can connect with people more naturally. Additionally, hobbies often bring together individuals from various industries, which can expand your network beyond the typical restrictions of your chosen profession. Some of the strongest business relationships develop when personal and professional interests overlap, leading to collaborations that might not have happened in more formal settings.

Social Media

We talk a lot about how effective LinkedIn is for networking, but it’s not the only social media tool out there. Twitter, or X, for instance, is a great way to engage in conversations around industry trends, while Instagram can be a powerful visual platform for showcasing your work or personal brand, particularly if you’re in a creative field. Similarly, joining Facebook groups or Reddit communities dedicated to your field can introduce you to professionals and enthusiasts who share your interests and can offer valuable insights or connections.

These platforms allow for more causal interactions, and the algorithms often work in your favor, showing your content to users with similar interests. Additionally, platforms like Twitter Spaces offer live, interactive discussions that can put you in direct contact with influential figures in your industry. Using multiple social media platforms broadens your digital footprint and makes it easier for like-minded professionals to find and engage with you.

Non-Industry Events and Conferences

It might seem counterintuitive, but attending conferences outside of your industry can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Cross-industry networking can introduce you to new ideas, technologies, and strategies that are being applied in different sectors, but that might also be relevant to your own. For example, a marketing professional might gain valuable insights from attending a tech-focused event.

These events also tend to have a diverse range of attendees, increasing your chances of making a unique connection that you might not have encountered in your own field. Attending non-industry events can also spark creative ideas that set you apart from your peers who may not have considered stepping outside the boundaries of their industry.

Offer Your Expertise

Sometimes, the most effective networking doesn’t involve exchanging business cards at all. By offering your expertise or assistance to anyone who needs it, you can leave a lasting impression on potential contacts. Whether you answer questions in online forums, offer advice on social media, or help a peer solve a problem at an industry event, these acts of kindness often lead to new connections.

By offering your expertise to those who need it, you're showing that you’re willing to contribute without expecting anything in return—a quality that’s highly valued in any professional setting. Moreover, by putting yourself out there in this way, you might find that others are more inclined to help you when you need it, creating a reciprocal relationship.

Networking doesn’t have to be limited to professional events or LinkedIn messages. Sometimes it pays to think outside the box and explore other methods of networking. In fact, you might find that you can form stronger, more authentic connections with professionals from a variety of industries by using these methods.