4 Fresh Ideas for Summer Networking and Career Growth

Discover four fun ideas to ignite your career this summer! In this blog post, we'll explore innovative networking techniques, engaging team activities, finding work-life balance through passion pursuits, and the power of sharing your career goals. Get ready to supercharge your professional growth and make meaningful connections. Let's make this summer a transformative season for your career.

Summer is the perfect time to recharge and enjoy the sunshine, but it's also an opportunity to reflect on your career path and set new goals. Whether you're looking to switch jobs, expand your network, develop leadership skills, or achieve a better work-life balance, here are four exciting ideas to revitalize your career and propel you toward success in 2023.

First, figure out your career goal, and then try out these four fun ideas to boost your career success this summer. Is it to find a new job/industry, expand your network, build more leadership skills, or maybe find more work-life balance? 

Find a Wing(wo)man to Make Networking Fun

If you're not a fan of traditional networking, I completely understand. The typical networking event can often evoke dread, nervousness, and discomfort. The pressure to talk about yourself, deliver the perfect elevator pitch, and make a compelling call to action can be overwhelming and deter you from engaging in networking activities altogether.

But here's the thing: networking doesn't have to be that way. It can be enjoyable if you approach it with a little creativity. One strategy I often recommend to clients who "hate to network" is finding a Wing(wo)man—a trusted friend who can join you on this journey. Together, you can choose a fun activity that aligns with your interests and discuss your professional objectives beforehand. Take a moment to identify 2-3 talking points that you'd like each other to highlight when engaging with others.

The beauty of this approach is that you no longer have to focus solely on yourself. Instead, you can celebrate your friend's accomplishments and goals while they do the same for you. It's a collaborative effort where you become each other's biggest advocates. Embrace the experience, enjoy the activity, and see what unfolds. Remember, you are a team, and working together can achieve more than you could alone.

Boost Your Visibility and Leadership: Organize a Fun Team Activity

If you want to enhance your visibility and leadership skills, why not take the initiative and organize a delightful work activity? Whether you're a seasoned employee or a fresh face at your company, creating a fun experience can have remarkable benefits. Consider hosting a creative happy hour at a trendy outdoor venue or arranging an in-house training session.

When you take on the role of organizer, you step into the spotlight and demonstrate your leadership and initiative. It's no secret that people bond over shared experiences. As a workshop facilitator, I've witnessed colleagues who engage in unique activities develop a deeper sense of compassion and camaraderie. This, in turn, fosters a more productive and communicative team environment.

If you're searching for ideas to get started, here are a few suggestions that will make you shine like a superstar:

• organize an art happy hour in the office or at a location off-site
• Initiate a group improv or acting class (I recently signed up for one and thought we could all participate together).
• There's bound to be a coworker certified in outdoor yoga or meditation—why not arrange a session?
• Plan a team run or engage in fundraising efforts for a charity aligned with your company's mission.
• Organize a lunch n' learn session on a topic of interest to your colleagues.

Remember, whatever activity you choose, make it enjoyable. Simultaneously, it will position you as a leader who thrives on bringing people together. Embrace the opportunity to boost your visibility and leave a lasting impression as someone who fosters a positive and engaging work environment.

Finding Work-Life Balance: Embrace Your Passion

Are you longing for more work-life balance? As busy professionals, we often find ourselves caught up in work demands, navigating office politics, and managing tight deadlines. The stress can skyrocket; unfortunately, the things we love to do often take a back seat as other priorities take precedence.

However, exploring our passions outside of work can bring much-needed balance and help alleviate stress by providing an outlet for our emotions and creativity. I've always made it a point to engage in activities beyond my day job, such as painting, playing tennis, and pursuing various side hustles. These endeavors have given me a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and renewed energy and focus.

Moreover, immersing ourselves in our passions allows us to be our best selves, feeling confident, content, and perhaps even more relaxed. When we're in our element and dedicated to a passion project, we radiate authenticity, making it an excellent opportunity to connect with ourselves and meet others, and network in a fun and meaningful way.

So, please don't keep your passion all to yourself! Instead, share your career goals with others.

This summer, take the initiative to share your career aspirations with those around you. Whether attending a BBQ or participating in a surfing class, try to start conversations with the people sitting or paddling beside you. Share that your dream company is [fill in the blank] and your ideal role is [fill in the blank]. You never know; that person may have a connection to the recruiter at that company.

J. Kelly Hoey, the author of "Build Your Dream Network," offers invaluable insights into networking and emphasizes its continuous and essential nature. While we may control our networking efforts, we cannot predict the outcomes. Networking opportunities are everywhere, and it's crucial to embrace them.

As you embark on your career growth journey this summer, remember that it can be an enjoyable experience in itself, even during a "mental break." Set your goals, explore these four fun activities, and witness their transformative impact on your personal and professional growth.

Kori Burkholder, Certified Professional Career Coach

Kori Burkholder, a Certified Professional Career Coach and transformational art facilitator, specializes in helping busy professionals explore their unique creativity. Focusing on turning dreams into reality, Kori's coaching and facilitation offer practical tools, ideas, and resources to support individuals and organizations in achieving their happiest and best selves. Whether you seek career transitions, leadership development, or work-life balance, Kori empowers you on your journey to fulfillment and success.

Join Kori Burkholder in unlocking your potential today.

P.S. And whenever you're ready... here are four ways we can help you get unstuck and grow your purpose-driven career:

1. Watch a free Masterclass: Clarify the fastest path to land a more fulfilling and purposeful career & beyond. Identify any limiting beliefs and self-sabotage patterns to start creating an inspiring vision of your future dream career. Learn how to implement the 4-step game plan our clients use to develop a job they look forward to daily and a solid plan to achieve. Watch it.

2. Download my "Purpose Driven Career Quiz" workbook: If you're struggling to figure out what you want to do next career-wise, then download my new workbook "Purpose Driven Career Quiz" to see just how far (or how close!) you are to landing a purpose-driven career! Download it. 

3. Join our FREE Purpose-Driven Careers Facebook Group and connect with other driven professionals learning how to make an impact, earn income, and create the freedom they desire in their life and career. Join us!

4. Work with me privately: If you'd like to work directly with me to build the career of your dreams... schedule your complimentary Career Strategy Breakthrough Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding and landing your dream role and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Please apply for your FREE call with me here. Book it.