The nice weather is here and whether we are at work or on vacation – we want to be outside.

We all need to recharge and take advantage of this time of year, but don’t forget to make the most of it and include some networking and create a foundation that can help your career long after summer’s over.

Remember that your efforts over the summer have the potential to set the tone for the rest of the year and beyond. Don’t wait until September, start now.

Here are 5 tips to make summer productive.

1) Make Networking Goals. You know if you don’t plan it won’t happen. The best way to actually follow through with your goals is to make them realistic ( it is summer after all!)  A realistic goal would be to meet 1 new person a week. Introduce yourself to the person on the lounge chair next to you at the pool. Invite a coworker to get coffee in the morning. Try out a new coffee shop or deli and introduce yourself to the person at the count or at the table next to you. Step outside your comfort zone and reach out to co-workers and supervisors to ask questions.

2) Reach Out to Existing Connections. Summer is a great time to re-connect with existing connections. A quick email to say hi, a postcard to let them know they’re appreciated or perhaps a coffee in the park. Just because summer is here doesn’t mean that everyone is on holidays. It’s just a bit more casual.

3) Business Cards. This time of year can be a challenge to carry everything with you especially when you are trying to divest yourself  of as many unnecessary garments and bags in the warm weather but don’t forget to carry your business cards!  Take a moment to put a couple of cards in the sports bag that you usually pack for the beach, add a couple of cards to the different purse(s) you may own, if they aren’t already – have cards in your glove box or middle console of your car. Whether you’re attending a club meeting, networking event, or meeting people on the fly, being able to easily hand over a card will make a better impression and put you in a more advantageous position than trying to scrawl a note on a post-it or fumbling with your smartphone.

4) Attend Networking Events. It’s about Quality, not Quantity. I don’t know about you, but I love smaller events where I have an opportunity to meet AND have a conversation with people rather than the ‘card grab’ that some networking events turn out to be. Attend local networking events in your area and check out groups and professional organizations that you might be interested in joining. While this time of year may be more relaxed and lean towards a more social atmosphere, be professional and polished (don’t drink too much!), dress business casual if the event calls for it, and mingle with a purpose.

5) Follow up. Networking is just the first part of building connections and business relationships. Email the contacts that you have made periodically to maintain a connection. Update them on anything that you are working on that are relevant to their field. Discuss a current event or trend in the industry to show that you are still interested, and to continue to gain insight from an insider’s perspective. Send physical thank-you cards or a note to thank anyone that has given you their time or any advice or opportunities over the summer. If the contact is more casual, then drop a sincere thank-you email.

Now Go Get Connected!

About Cathy Kuzel

With 25+ years of experience as a successful Entrepreneur and Business Consultant helping Entrepreneurs succeed, she is recognized across Canada for her in-house and public seminars on “All Things Small Biz”. Named one of the Top Ten Mentors in Canada, Cathy is the Founder of The Connected Woman Association, Author of “Are You a Collector or a Connector?”; “I’m on the Phone!”; the internationally known “Daily Espressos” and is a networking maven.