You’re networking with people who have different interests. How can you make the most of your connections?

Networking is not just about exchanging business cards and adding contacts on LinkedIn. It's also about building meaningful relationships with people who can help you grow professionally and personally. But what if you're networking with people who have different interests than you? How can you make the most of your connections and avoid awkwardness or boredom? Here are some tips to help you network effectively with anyone, even if you don't share the same passion or industry.

1 Find common ground

The first step to networking with people who have different interests is to find some common ground. This could be anything from a hobby, a location, a mutual friend, or a current event. By starting the conversation with something you both can relate to, you can break the ice and show that you're interested in them as a person, not just as a potential client or partner. You can also use common ground to segue into deeper topics and learn more about their background, goals, and challenges.

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Javier Alés Ojeda

Marketing Manager at Atrebo and Tower Automation Alliance
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Take the time to listen and understand the interests, goals, and challenges of the people you're networking with. Show genuine interest in what they have to say and ask thoughtful questions to learn more about them. Look for common interests or experiences that you share with your connections. Find ways to offer value to your connections, whether it's through sharing relevant resources, providing advice or assistance, or making introductions to other people in your network who can help them.

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Joyce Tsang 👩💼 Content Marketing Expert

I give entrepreneurs a content strategy to drive growth 🧲⚡ 7x Reach | 2x Interactions | 60 MQLS
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The easiest approach is to ask some contrarian questions. If most people respond with a "yes" to a particular question, try to explore whether they also hold a different opinion, even if it contradicts your own. This is a great way to initiate an engaging conversation. Merely sticking to common ground in terms of viewpoints will result in a conversation filled with agreement. Instead, aim for a discussion in which both parties are interested but may hold distinct and compelling perspectives. This is how you can gain the most knowledge and derive valuable insights.

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2 Be curious and open-minded

The second step to networking with people who have different interests is to be curious and open-minded. Don't assume that you know everything about their field or that you have nothing to learn from them. Instead, ask open-ended questions that show that you're genuinely curious about their work and their perspective. For example, you can ask them what they enjoy most about their job, what are some of the trends or innovations in their industry, or what are some of the skills or tools they use. By being curious and open-minded, you can expand your knowledge, discover new opportunities, and show respect and appreciation for their expertise.

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Shahlayo Ranson

Content & Marketing Strategist | Digital Content Producer
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Enter the conversation with no expectations but to learn from the person you are talking with. You may not be familiar with their core interests so be sure to approach it as a curious novice. Ask questions, let them expound and tie their expertise back to your own strengths and experiences. With this approach, you engage them and make yourself relatable even if you have differing interests. In addition, you can both come away from the conversation with new knowledge.

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3 Share your value

The third step to networking with people who have different interests is to share your value. This doesn't mean that you have to pitch your product or service right away, or that you have to brag about your achievements. It means that you have to communicate how you can help them solve a problem, achieve a goal, or improve a situation. You can do this by listening carefully to their needs and pain points, and by offering relevant insights, advice, or resources. You can also share your value by highlighting your unique skills, experience, or network, and by explaining how they can benefit from them.

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Shahlayo Ranson

Content & Marketing Strategist | Digital Content Producer
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A great approach when networking is to think about the value you bring to interactions, not what you need out of the interaction. People are always likely to come out of a conversation with you with a high opinion of you if you are attentive and offer value and advice. Offering insights freely can set you up to be a valuable asset in the future.

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4 Follow up and stay in touch

The fourth step to networking with people who have different interests is to follow up and stay in touch. Networking is not a one-time event, but a long-term process of building trust and rapport. Therefore, you have to make sure that you follow up with your new contacts within a few days after meeting them, and that you stay in touch regularly. You can follow up by sending a personalized email or message, thanking them for their time, reminding them of your conversation, and suggesting a next step. You can stay in touch by sharing useful information, inviting them to events, asking for feedback, or offering support. By following up and staying in touch, you can strengthen your relationship and create more opportunities for collaboration.

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Shahlayo Ranson

Content & Marketing Strategist | Digital Content Producer
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It is easy to have a one-off interaction with someone and never speak with them again. But that doesn't make a strong network. When you connect and follow-up, you put yourself ahead of most people. It doesn't have to be time-consuming, but a quick message to someone that you connected with can make a strong impression. These small points of connection can put you at the forefront of their minds when they have opportunities or are looking for a resource. This is the foundation of a strong network.

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5 Be yourself and have fun

The fifth step to networking with people who have different interests is to be yourself and have fun. Networking is not only about business, but also about human connection. Therefore, you have to be authentic, friendly, and positive, and show your personality and humor. You don't have to pretend to be someone you're not, or to fake interest in something you don't care about. You just have to be respectful, respectful, and respectful. You can also have fun by finding ways to make the conversation enjoyable, engaging, and memorable. You can do this by telling stories, making jokes, giving compliments, or playing games. By being yourself and having fun, you can make a lasting impression and build rapport with anyone.

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Shahlayo Ranson

Content & Marketing Strategist | Digital Content Producer
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The easiest way to network is to be genuine. If you are putting on a front to advance a certain image, that will not be sustainable in the long run. Being yourself and being authentically curious, open, and helpful to the people you are networking with will make the best impression. That also takes discernment and avoiding situations where you are connecting with people you can't be genuine with just for a perceived benefit. Enjoy the connections you make!

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6 Keep an open mind

The sixth step to networking with people who have different interests is to keep an open mind. Networking with people who have different interests can be challenging, but also rewarding. You never know who you might meet, what you might learn, or what opportunities you might create. Therefore, you have to keep an open mind and embrace diversity, rather than avoid it. You have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone, explore new horizons, and connect with people from different backgrounds, cultures, and industries. By keeping an open mind, you can enrich your network, your career, and your life.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Jamie L.

SEO Expert | On-Page Content Marketing Specialist | Social Media Manager | Collaborative Communicator
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Here are some friendly and constructive tips for networking with people of diverse interests, from someone with an equally diverse experience: 1) Seek diverse perspectives to inspire your content. 2) Be a knowledge sponge and learn from others. 3) Focus on building genuine connections and offering value. 4) Leverage their network for introductions and resources. I hope these tips will guide your future networking pursuits!

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You’re networking with people who have different interests. How can you make the most of your connections?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Find common ground

2 Be curious and open-minded

3 Share your value

4 Follow up and stay in touch

5 Be yourself and have fun

6 Keep an open mind

7 Here’s what else to consider

Content Marketing

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You’re networking with people who have different interests. How can you make the most of your connections?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Find common ground

2 Be curious and open-minded

3 Share your value

4 Follow up and stay in touch

5 Be yourself and have fun

6 Keep an open mind

7 Here’s what else to consider

Content Marketing

Rate this article

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