Casual Networking for Veterans

When you're in the military, you're one of many. Many times, personal needs and desires play a much smaller role than the needs of the whole. Personal sacrifices must be made to benefit the larger group. Active service members understand and experience a true sense of belonging, of being part of something huge and meaningful. You don't have to do much networking as a military professional, because all your ties are already forged for you. But, for veterans, mastering casual networking isn't at all as simple as looking for something else wearing a uniform. What Is Casual Networking? Networking means connecting, exchanging, trading information and ideas. Machines do this all the time through a complex series of linkages and wiring. With people, it isn't as easy as just "plugging up" - or is it? In contrast to both social networking (making new friends) and career networking (making new friends that could help you get ahead in the job market), casual networking is much more free-form. Casual networking is about simply meeting new people, making a connection. Ever hear the old adage "it isn't what you know, but who you know?" Whoever said those words was a true master or networking. Networking, even casual networking, is all about meeting people, connecting, and remembering those that you met. You never know who might help you in the future, or what doors these new connections of yours might open. That's why casual networking is important - because who you know is so, so important in a civilian world. How It's Done So, how is casual networking done? It sounds simple, but many veterans may struggle. To casually network, all you really have to do is meet people and make some sort of impression on them. After all, it doesn't do much good to meet them if they never remember who you are, right? Put yourself in a position to meet new people by getting involved in your local community. Do volunteer work, join sports leagues, get involved in parenting groups if you have children, join a church or spiritual group. You'll find that there are even groups you can join online, where it's possible to connect with locals through an electronic medium. What do you like to do? Are you interested in books, art, music, movies? There may be local groups (book clubs, writers' workshops, art classes) that you can join to help you not only pursue these interests, but casually network with others. Get yourself out there, put yourself in a place to make those connections, and casual networking will come naturally. Networking To reach your goals of casual networking, overcome any shyness you may have. Introduce yourself, talk to people, shake hands, be friendly. All of this is networking, and all of this will go a long way toward creating a lasting impression. Remember those that you meet, ask for business cards where appropriate, and forge connections that could turn into friendships or lucrative opportunities. Be friendly. That's all that casual networking really is. When you think of networking in simple terms, it becomes one of the easier tasks to master as a veteran. Comments (0) Show/Hide comments Write comment Show/Hide comment form Name Email Website Title Comment Add Comment