Being outdoors stimulates good connections.
“Research has shown that exposure to natural environments can stimulate the brain and increase cognitive function. This means that taking your work outside can help you generate new ideas and solve problems more effectively. Plus, the fresh air and change of scenery can help reduce mental fatigue and increase energy levels, allowing you to stay focused and alert for longer periods of time.”
― Cloey Callahan, Employees flock to outdoor offices for the summer
Who doesn’t need increased energy levels, after years of non-stop Zoom meetings, or being home alone with your three-year old executive assistant?
Whether it’s setting up an office under an umbrella in your backyard or having a boss who remembers the excitement of their elementary school teacher saying, “Kids, let’s have class outdoors today”, it just feels like a good idea to get outdoors.
If your organization offers outdoor working, think about the setup. Decks and rooftops with “a diversity of seating arrangements, greenery, and access to fast WiFi and power outlets” create a calmer workspace. People put in pleasant new situations are likely to relax and engage more with others around them.
The Picnic Table Effect
Put a picnic table outdoors. You will get people sitting together because most of us are comfortable sharing a picnic table. We call this the Picnic Table Effect. Birds do it, and we can too.
No outdoor space? Do a Group Walk
If your building doesn’t have any outdoor space, do your version of the Google Walk. At a luncheon we attended several years ago, Larry Page, one of the founders of Google, shared this story. Every Thursday at a random time, a message went out that simply said, “Google Walk!” The key is anyone can join.
Google employees would meet at a designated spot, and then this group (all from different parts of the company) would go for a walk. It is an exercise in relaxed bonding and sharing of ideas. We don’t know if Google still does this, but regardless, it’s a great idea for your office or team!
Networking is more relaxed al fresco
Networking in the sunny months offers more opportunities to get together with friends, families, and new connections. While events may seem more casual, the result is the same, you meet new people. That’s what ‘positive networking’ is all about.
So, during this season of backyard barbecues, if the temptation is to make a beeline to your friends, change course. Seek out a few people you don’t know, then perhaps introduce those people to your friends. Congratulations, you are now a connector!
Summer is wedding season but networking at weddings can be challenging. Tables are organized so groups of friends and family can sit together (nothing wrong with that) but make an effort to go over to other tables and introduce yourself to new people. Here’s an easy question to start the conversation, “How do you know the couple?”
Show your sunny corporate spirit
Your city or town will have all kinds of summer events. Consider having your company be one of the sponsors of a festival, a musical event, a picnic in the park or a pickle ball tournament. Often there is an opportunity for your company to sponsor with a donation or provide those little leaguers with shirts. It’s a great way to raise your profile and show your corporate citizenship. Don’t forget to invite your working-from-home employees to these events with a good cause attached!
Find your own place to take in the sunset
Summer flies by, and pretty soon it is September and those promised after-work drinks haven’t happened. In many places of the country September is as sunny a month as July or August, so keep the outdoors going! Decide now on your go-to patio and your day of the week and let others know: “On Thursdays after work join us at (you choose the patio).” It’s always helpful to have a core group of people who buy into this idea. Tweet it, Slack message it, put it on your Facebook page, and walk over to someone’s desk and invite them to join you. Then, to keep the energy going, post photos from the event on Instagram or Snapchat. The best way to build your network is to be inclusive, rather than exclusive, so be generous with your invitations.
Are you looking for more networking ideas?
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Happy Positive Networking®!
Gayle Hallgren and Judy Thomson
Image at top by: Helena Lopes on Unsplash
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