Networking on Vacation

It is vacation season!  If you are like me, you find it challenging to forget completely about work.  You never know when you will meet an interesting person who shares a common professional interest.  On the other hand, this is one of the precious few weeks that you have away from the grind of your job.  Let’s consider the possibility of being open to networking on vacation.  Here are a few smart tips for networking without going overboard.

Be Ready to Use Your Elevator Pitch

Craft a brief statement in answer to the common question, “What do you do?”  On vacations, you may be waiting in airports, standing in line, and lounging in common areas.  You never know when what may seem like idle talk turns into a networking moment.

Show Genuine Interest

When you meet new people, listen twice as much as you speak.   To get to know someone, ask open-ended questions.  Smile, make eye contact, and keep a comfortable distance.  Place your interest in the other person above your networking goals.  Also, remember that you are not looking to make a new best friend.

It’s Alright to Talk about Work on Vacation

As you meet people on vacation, the conversation often leads to work.  After all, most of us spend the majority of our time working.   Because you are in a new setting, people may be more relaxed to share ideas and contacts.  Some experts say “leave your work at the office” when you are on vacation with your family.  That is true to some degree. However, it is fine to make brief connections and talk about work as you interact with the people that you meet.

Create a Spark and Follow-up Later

If you find a common business interest with someone, you can create the spark for the partnership during vacation. However, don’t monopolize the other person’s time during vacation or take time away from your loved ones during vacation.  You will have plenty of time to follow-up with your new contact via LinkedIn or email when you and the contact are settled in the office, perhaps a few days after you return from having been away.

The Bottom Line

Your primary goal for vacation is to rejuvenate your mind and body by spending time away with loved ones.  Therefore, don’t force relationship building on vacation.  Let the networking happen naturally.  If a networking opportunity presents itself - great.  If not, enjoy your vacation and return to work refreshed and ready to conquer new challenges.