How can you network outside of your industry and still find common ground?

1 Identify your goals

Before you attend any networking event or reach out to any contact, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Do you want to learn about a new trend, find a potential partner, or explore a career change? Having a specific goal will help you focus your efforts and choose the right people to talk to. It will also help you craft your elevator pitch, which is a brief and compelling introduction of yourself and your value proposition.

2 Do your research

Once you have identified your goal and the people you want to network with, you should do some research on them and their industry. You can use online sources, such as LinkedIn, industry blogs, or news articles, to find out more about their background, interests, challenges, and achievements. You can also ask for referrals or introductions from mutual connections. Doing your research will help you prepare some relevant and insightful questions, show your interest and respect, and avoid awkward or inappropriate topics.

3 Find common ground

Even if you are networking outside of your industry, you can still find common ground with your contacts. You can look for shared values, experiences, goals, or passions that can help you establish rapport and trust. For example, you can talk about your education, hobbies, volunteer work, or personal stories that relate to your goal or their industry. You can also use humor, compliments, or empathy to create a positive and friendly atmosphere.

4 Listen and learn

One of the most important skills for networking is listening. You should listen actively and attentively to what your contacts are saying, and show your interest and curiosity by asking follow-up questions, nodding, or summarizing. You should also be open-minded and willing to learn from their perspectives, insights, and advice. You can demonstrate your appreciation and understanding by acknowledging their points, sharing your own views, or offering your support or feedback.

5 Follow up and stay in touch

Networking is not a one-time event, but a continuous process of building and maintaining relationships. You should follow up with your contacts within 24 hours after meeting them, and thank them for their time and conversation. You should also keep in touch with them regularly, and provide value by sharing useful information, resources, or opportunities that are relevant to their industry or goal. You can also invite them to join your network on social media, or ask them for a referral or a recommendation if appropriate.

Networking outside of your industry can be a rewarding and enriching experience that can help you grow as a supervisor and as a professional. By following these tips, you can network effectively and confidently, and find common ground with people from different backgrounds and fields.