4 Steps: Meet New People

January 2, 2011

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Step 3: Propose a post-activity

Seeing if anyone on the team or in the band (or in whatever other group you’ve joined) is interested in grabbing a beer afterward is also a good way to meet new people. Generally, all it takes is someone to propose the idea. The night of the week may impact your odds of success a bit, but the effort shows you’re interested in getting to know these people a little better.

Your post-activity doesn’t have to be beers either; if you’ve been sitting all night, a more active plan might fly with your peers, like 10 frames of bowling. Your best bet is to avoid suggesting anything that can impede conversation, like a movie or a loud club, and your suggestion stands an even better chance at being well-received if it doesn’t require too much time or money.

Step 4: Secure a future plan

The last step to meet new people requires very little effort; it could be as simple as saying "We should do beers again next week,” something that initiates a regular social activity with others, or at least shows others your interest in doing so.
Sticking your neck out like this won’t always work out, and casual plans have a way of falling through, but the goal is to meet new people and develop a new social circle. Establishing a future plan like this at least allows people to see you as an open, social person, even if it couldn’t be further from the truth and you’re extraordinarily shy. People respond to willingness and genuine efforts, so even if this plan doesn’t quite come to fruition, it can lead to future invites and a variety of other opportunities.

Social skills