In the modern world, we spend lots of time in front of a computer screen or looking at a cell phone or an iPad. To meet new people face-to-face, we have to get out of the house, the office, or the car and look people in the eye. When you are looking for meeting new people, you can use this list to see where you will find new people. Even if you are uncomfortable, go anyway and begin practicing your skills at getting to know new people. Remember: It's not about you; it's always about them! Get to know their hopes, dreams, passions, and even fears.
- Go to a ball game with a friend
- Talk to someone in the cafeteria line
- Attend a networking meeting
- Talk to someone while you are waiting for a ticket in a movie line
- Go to a trade show and meet people in the aisles
- Attend a conference
- Go to a concert
- Get to know the person sitting next to you waiting for an airplane
- Introduce yourself to the person sitting alone at the next table at Starbucks
- Join a club like Rotary
- Participate in a service project and get to know the leaders
- Join a non-profit board
- Take public transportation
- Volunteer your time
- Take a class
- Go to church
- Talk to strangers (the 3-foot "bump rule" requires you to speak with anyone who comes within 3 feet of you)
- Join a sports team
- Find a hobby and join a hobby group
- Join a book club
- Have a party for your friends and invite a few people who you are coming to know
- Join a sports fan team club
- Attend the county fair
- Join a public speaking club (like Toastmasters)
- Take an improv class
- When you take a walk for exercise around your neighborhood, take your earbuds out of your ears and start a conversation with the neighbors you meet along the way
- Talk to people who work out with you at the gym
- Take a wine tasting class
- Go to restaurants new to you and compare your experience with others in the restaurant
- When you go to a bookstore, start a conversation with fellow readers
- Go on a retreat to learn meditation, yoga, or even self-exploration
- Take a cooking class
- Attend a play
- Take sports lessons
- Learn how to surf
- Take dance lessons
- Learn to play an instrument
- Join a chorus
- Feed the homeless
- Join the Sierra Club
- Join a language class
- Join a local hiking club
- Take a photography class
- Go to the flea market and find out what people are looking for
- Work the phone bank for a political campaign
- Attend an art walk
- Talk to people in line for tacos at a food truck festival
Learn more about how to get to know people easier. Use some simple tools and techniques to break down the barriers and get to know other people.