Would you rather clean out your inbox than mingle in a room full of strangers? Thinking to yourself, “I know how important relationship building is, and I should do (more of) it, but...” then you find an excuse.
When networking feels forced or drains you, it’s easy to choose anything else over putting yourself out there. Add in confidence issues—whether you're new to a role, switching industries, adjusting to a new city or simply out of practice—and it's no wonder many people avoid it.
But here's what most people miss: summer isn't just vacation season—it's a networking goldmine. Without the usual pressure and intensity of the rest of the year, it’s the perfect time to give networking another try. While others are mentally checked out at the beach, use these slower months and smaller crowds to build some authentic and impactful professional relationships.
Summer fundamentally shifts the networking landscape in your favor. There's less competition for attention while half your industry is on vacation, which means the people you do meet have more time and mental bandwidth for genuine conversations.
The atmosphere is often more relaxed, too. Instead of stuffy conference rooms, you're meeting at rooftop happy hours, outdoor charity events and golf tournaments where conversations flow more easily. People are typically more open to grabbing lunch, drinks or coffee when the pace slows down and the weather is nice.
Most importantly, this is a strategic opportunity. While competitors are out-of-office, you're building relationships that will be valuable when business picks up again in the fall.
Before diving into cold waters of networking, start with people you already know but haven’t spoken with recently. Reach out to local contacts for coffee, drinks or breakfast. Connect with long-distance contacts over a phone call or video chat.
Think about who you built a rapport with previously and would like to pick back up again. Reconnections feel less intimidating than meeting strangers and often yield better results because there's already a foundation of trust and shared experience.
Stop forcing yourself into networking situations that make you feel uncomfortable. Pick activities you actually enjoy, whether that's charity golf outings, wine tastings or industry meetups that align with your interests.
Skip events that are hard to get to or overly expensive, which creates stress before you even arrive. A better approach? Invite a client or colleague to something they enjoy. You get relationship points regardless of whether you have fun (and you might surprise yourself and enjoy it too).
Practice how you introduce yourself beforehand so you're not scrambling for words when you meet someone new. Set realistic goals. Having two or three meaningful conversations is far more valuable than collecting 20 business cards you'll never use. Networking success isn't about meeting everyone in the room; it's about making a few genuine connections and developing relationships over time.
As much as you prepare for networking events, remember: the real magic happens after the event. Follow up with new contacts within 24 hours while conversations are still top of mind. Reference something specific from what you discussed, which shows you were engaged and helps with recall, and then suggest a concrete next step or offer something valuable.
Wondering what you have to offer? Focus on the 3 I’s of building relationships: invitations, introductions and information. These are always appreciated when relevant.
Keep it brief and genuine. Nobody wants a novel in their inbox, but they do appreciate timely and thoughtful follow-up.
Don’t dismiss the summer slowdown as a networking obstacle. Use it as a competitive advantage, investing in relationships that can create opportunities when business heats up again. Particularly for those who feel intimidated by networking, the “off-season” is an easy opening to gain traction with people who are less busy, at events that are less crowded. Strong networks aren't built on superficial exchanges in packed spaces. They're built on genuine connections formed when there's time and space for real conversations.
Start small. The relationships you nurture now will pay dividends year-round, long after the beach umbrellas are packed away.
Send one reconnection message to someone you haven't talked to in months. Don't overthink it! Simply let them know you were thinking of them and suggest catching up over coffee or a quick call.
Point Road Group specializes in helping professionals communicate with clarity and confidence. Contact us to learn how we can help you make stronger connections and advance your career.
