HERE ARE SOME BEST PRACTICES TO MAKE PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS IN DALLAS-FORT WORTH, TEXAS. DON'T BE NERVOUS, THERE'S PLENTY OF FUN WAYS TO MEET!
Widely recognized as one of the world’s greatest banking and technology centers, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is filled with opportunities. There you’ll find a new job, possibilities for career advancement, and some friendly new faces.
But no matter where you are, networking when you don’t know anyone poses a challenge.
(Though keep in mind, it’s not as scary as moving to a bustling metropolis like DFW!)
Follow our tips to turn this networking challenge into a new and exciting adventure.
JOIN A DALLAS-FORT WORTH PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION
A local DFW organization should be your first stop to meet career-minded professionals. CareerDFW.org is a great place to look for opportunities. This site offers comprehensive listings for networking events, workshops, job postings, and more.
Some organizations cater to specific industries, such as PR professionals or digital marketing experts, while others offer a “come one, come all” atmosphere.
Meetup.com provides listings of professional networking events in Dallas and Fort Worth. Be ready to mingle without getting wild. It is important to remain professional, even if the event takes place in a local bar or hot spot. Try out the Dallas Young Professionals meetup if you’re hoping to meet other young professional in more casual settings ranging from brewery tours to local festivals.
If you’re eager to meet new contacts beyond professional groups, look for local groups dedicated to your interest areas. The North Texas Outdoors meetup is calling your name if you’re looking to meet local outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re hoping to meet new female friends, the Girlfriends of Fort Worth group might be for you. There’s even a meetup dedicated to dog lovers in Dallas and an open mic group if a poetry slam is more your scene.
LEVERAGE YOUR EXISTING NETWORK
In today’s Internet-connected age, odds are that people in your network know others in your new region. {Click to Tweet} Not only will family and friends keep you sane during your move, but they might be willing to make an introduction to cool people they know in DFW.
Once they’ve made the connection, arrange a get-together at a public meetup or a community event. Show off your local savvy to this new acquaintance by suggesting an art show or a free concert in the park. It can even be something quirky like a haunted house tour or an adult spelling bee at the Alamo Drafthouse.
Related: How to Communicate Effectively at Work
CONNECT AT YOUR JOB
If you relocated with a job in place, then you have a built-in network. Avoid eating alone by bringing or buying your lunch in the company cafeteria—our modern-day watering hole.
If you step out of the office, ask your team members if they’d like you to bring back coffee. Maybe they’ll even accompany you!
Participate in office activities, whether that means joining the softball team or saying “yes” to happy hour.
Participate in office activities, whether that means joining the softball team or saying “yes” to happy hour.
If your office doesn’t host a happy hour, consider Dallas Network After Work, a citywide happy hour.
Related: Job Hunt Stereotypes (And What Companies Are Really Looking For)
VOLUNTEER IN YOUR NEW COMMUNITY
Volunteering is twofold. Not only will you meet new people, but you can make a difference in your new community. It’s easy to strike up a conversation while you have a task to accomplish, and you’ll connect with others passionate about the same cause.
If you’re up for getting to know your new community while having a positive impact, visit the Communities Foundation of Texas volunteer page for volunteer opportunities in your area. The Communities Foundation of Texas even helps sort opportunities based on whether you want to volunteer solo, with your company, or with any other kind of group.
Another favorite volunteer resource for North Texans is VolunteerNow, one of the largest and most active volunteer centers in the U.S. VolunteerNow goes beyond offering a list of organizations to volunteer for; they help you find volunteer pursuits based on what you’re passionate about. And just a pro tip: check out VolunteerNow’s Voly in the Park event, Dallas’ top volunteer festival.
DO SOMETHING OUTSIDE THE BOX
Don’t limit your networking to a typical meet and greet. Do something you’ve never done before! {Click to Tweet} Learn how to appreciate chocolate (like you need a class for that), bring your own cocktails to a painting party, or check out the Renaissance Faire.
On the first Friday of every month in Fort Worth, local businesses and attractions host a variety of special events open to the public. My personal favorite are First Fridays at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Even if the networking is unsuccessful, you’ll learn a new skill or experience something memorable.
Some women hesitate to “network” in the traditional sense because it seems inauthentic. If you feel this way, think about it like this: You’re not collecting contacts, you’re cultivating relationships.
Some women hesitate to “network” in the traditional sense because it seems inauthentic. If you feel this way, think about it like this: You’re not collecting contacts, you’re cultivating relationships.
Even if you don’t know anyone in the room, be friendly! Ask questions to find common ground with other networkers. Conversation is not limited to work, but it can be about a variety of subjects including food, movies, or hobbies.
Even if you walk in the door alone, you won’t stay that way for long.
