Unconventional avenues of networking

Those of us who enjoy sitting at a corner, headphones on, minding our own business, often face the hurdle of fleeting connections or scanty social resource.

To tackle such predicaments, universities often dedicate courses such as "business communications" in order to help undergrad students master the art of networking. Fun fact, it doesn't tell us how networking is something that can be done anywhere, anytime. Today, we look into how unconventional avenues can turn out to be the best places to broaden your connections.

Cricket stadiums are goldmines for networking. Imagine, sitting beside an equally frustrated spectator and lamenting your pent-up anger at your favourite team. Likewise, such interactions can not only determine your degree of cricket punditry, but with the right people and the right cards played, a cricketer's poor form can be your ticket to success.

Golf is a game that is easy on the physique yet fulfilling to achievable degrees. Golf tournaments usually have huge corporations backing them up. Even to extents where high end corporates take time out of their 9 to 5 lives to play the game. So if you putt it right on the golf course you're most likely to putt it right with the big boys.

Football afficionados are becoming more and more active and we now see corporate football as a common phenomenon. Many international brands that sponsor football clubs are operating in Bangladesh, and they arrange events that bring together football fans. These events are an eclectic of diverse corporate individuals sharing the same passion for the team. Futsal, a less stressful version of the game is immensely popular in the professional arena. That explains the emergence of tournaments like the "Ascent Cup," where companies in the shape of a 5-membered teams, face off. Everything said and done, it's a great way to develop interpersonal communication and networks with corporates outside of one's working paradigm.

High school or university reunions may seem like a waste of time and energy to you, but really these can be quite useful. Remember that one senior at school all your teachers spoke highly of? Imagine meeting them, years later at your school reunion. Reunions are the best way to rekindle the memories we all cherish but it's also a great way to connect with individuals who can have a positive impact on your journey into the job market.

The world has shrunk tremendously and works substantially on networks. Networks can culminate in the form of recommendations, referrals, or just advice. So go to that event, attend that cricket match, and it might just prove to be a turning point for you.

Naveed is a student of Marketing at Bangladesh University of Professionals. Reach him at naveed1327@gmail.com.