You want to connect with people outside your field. What’s the best way to start?

The best suggestion I have is to start working in a coworking space. There you will meet all kinds of different people from different industries. You get to network every time you go there and you always meet someone new. The conversations you have are really eye opening and there is so much opportunity for collaboration.

Attend Events: Go to gatherings where professionals from different fields meet. Join Groups: Be part of clubs or associations that include people from diverse backgrounds. Connect Online: Use platforms like LinkedIn to engage with professionals outside your field. Offer Help: Find ways to provide value to others, like sharing insights or resources. Take Classes: Learn about topics outside your expertise to meet new people. Volunteer: Offer your time for projects involving different fields. Stay Curious: Approach conversations with an open mind and genuine interest. By following these steps, you can easily start connecting with people outside your field.

To meet people in another industry my advice is to join your local Chamber of Commerce and attend its events. Network with a few people that you resonate with on common issues/areas and nurture those relationships. This has helped me.

Finding common ground is a key pillar in all good relationships. In this scenario start with the common ground of a person you both know. Reach out to your mutual acquaintance and tell them you would like an intro AND why. Let them make the connection for you. Even better if this person is liked and respected by both parties. Maybe you start with a phone call. Or if that person you want to meet is important, maybe buy lunch for them and your mutual friend. This will help start the relationship on the right foot.

To connect and meet others outside of your field, I'd recommend using your current network to ask them to link you with people they know. An introduction is a really good way to meet new people, especially when you've mutual connections & shared values. Networking would be my No1 tip here, and asking people to help you out. Start the conversation and be ready to act on it. Do the same on your social platforms too. Then track your conversations and remember to follow up.

Building on my response to #1 above. it's starts with the conversation where you ask questions and listen. When you here something interesting ask about it. Listen actively and ask clarifying questions to learn more. People will assume you are a good or even great communicator when you listen. Take this time to learn. You'll get your chance to talk about you sometime. Just don't force it on people. Think about it do you like the pushy sales person? Nope you would rather deal with the professional who asks you questions in a consultative manner. Be the same way whether you're in sales or not.

I think the fasted way to diversify is find a place to volunteer. Habitat for Humanity comes to mind. I have found over my career when I volunteer with a group of strangers the bond made during an all day or weekend project builds personal and business relationships fast and lasting. You never know who's going to show up or who you will be working shoulder to shoulder with. Just don't use this as an opportunity to network, people will see right through it and you'll be "that" guy or gal. Just be you and do what you showed up to do. Work. Put in an honest effort. The rest will happen naturally. If it doesn't so what you did a good thing. Go do it again next time you see an opportunity. Either way it will not hurt you.