Networking Pro-Tip: Don’t Let Your Relationships Melt In The Summer Heat
Summer isn't networking’s off-season — it’s relationship building’s secret weapon.
In the hazy lazy days of summer, many people get lazy with their networking. So while everyone else checks out, you can check in — and deepen the right relationships with a little care and creativity.
Here are five ways to network smarter this summer:
Quality Over Quantity
Use summer's slower pace for deeper, more meaningful conversations. No need to rush between packed events — prioritize those who are available and open to connection.
Master the Strategic Summer Check-In
Ditch the generic “Hope you’re having a great summer!” Instead, send something useful:
- a beach read they’ll actually finish
- link to your favorite local outdoor dining spot
- a local getaway spot they might love
- a travel article that aligns with their interests
- a packing hack that actually made your last trip easier
Network Like You’re on Vacation (Even If You’re Not)
Summer’s casual energy is your ally. Host a walk-and-talk at local farmers market. Meet at an outdoor concert. Invite colleagues to a community event. IRL doesn’t have to mean formal.
Plan for Fall’s Networking Surge
Use August to prep your September, October, and November. Research conferences. Draft your outreach to contacts you hope to see at these events. Use "Save the Date" communications from the organizers of post-Labor Day events to spark conversation. By the time networking ramps up in the Fall, you’ll be hitting your stride.
Seasonless Networking Is the Point
Your career doesn’t take a vacation — neither should your relationship building. Adapt your networking approach to the rhythm of the season, instead.
Ready to act?
Identify one relationship you don’t want to let lapse — and use summer’s slower pace to reinforce it. Then apply one of these moves:
😎 Send a personal, context-rich check-in — not a blast
😎 Share something they’ll actually use this season (travel rec, smart shortcut, great read)
😎 Extend a low-key invite — walk, coffee, outdoor event
😎 Mention an upcoming Fall event and why you hope they’ll be there
😎 Or just say: "you’ve been on my mind, and I didn’t want the summer to slip by without reaching out"
Small gestures now set the tone for deeper connection later — so don’t let summer’s laid-back vibe stall your networking momentum.