What physical activity comes to your mind when you hear “Networking?”
I’m guessing: You being in an event trying to talk to strangers? Here’s a secret:

👉 Meeting strangers is the OBVIOUS way to “network.”

For most people, it’s also the “maybe a waste of time” and also “a bit dirty” way.
Luckily: There are other ways.
Does it also happen to you that you meet someone - have a really good time whenever you meet them - but then life happens?
A couple of months or years later, they’re completely off your mind.
You would actually enjoy seeing them again, but initiating that meeting is just too much effort.

Funny thing: MOST PEOPLE are like that.

👉 People are bad at staying in touch.

Use this to your benefit: Start organizing reunions.

• High school reunion.

• Elementary school reunion.

• Erasmus Student Club Year 20xx reunion.

• Argentine Tango Dancing Platypus Club Year 20xx reunion.

…and more. See what I mean?

Many of those people are in an interesting place in their lives now.
Most of those people will be happy to talk to you.
ALL of them will be happy you got in touch.

A reunion is a more time-effective way of getting back in touch than meeting everyone for lunch or a coffee 1:1.
You have INSTANT TRUST, you’ve known each other for YEARS, maybe DECADES!
And there is NO AWKWARDNESS. Because you are NO STRANGERS.

As you’re thinking of the next networking event or the next humongous conference to attend, remember:

There’s a lot of amazing people FORGOTTEN in your Friend/Contact list.

Most of them are WAITING for you to invite them to a reunion.

Even if they don’t know it yet.

Get in touch.