It seems that everyone I talk to lately is incredibly busy. I know I am. This causes us to look more and more at how we're spending our time to try and find ways we can be most effective. In the last few weeks I've had several opportunities to combine networking with other activities. Each of these different events were fantastic and I'm sure I'm not the only person who'd like to find more ways to do this.

As I was thinking about writing this blog post it dawned on me that I already combine networking with other activities quite well. Being that I do a huge portion of my networking during lunch is the perfect example. For some combining coffee and networking would count, but being that I don't ordinarily drink coffee doesn't exactly put this in the win column for me. Golf is another tried and true combination networking opportunity utilized by many.

This morning I went on a great 20+ mile bike ride with CJ Romberger and Brian Massey. I can't think of many other ways to combine burning 800+ calories with great conversation and relationship building. In fact I'm pretty sure we're on our way to working together in a meaningful way on a project (stay tuned for details).

A couple of weeks ago Chris Garrigues put together the second Twitter Playdate where he helped gather a number of local professionals who use Twitter at Zilker Park with our kids on a Sunday afternoon.

In both of these examples networking was combined with activities that are important by themselves, and serve to bring us even closer together via our shared interest (cycling/kids).

Here are a few other ideas:

• Networking and many types of exercise: Running, Cycling, Walking, Golf, Weight Lifting, etc. (Swimming... Not so much)
• Volunteer - Bring a group of people together and do some good in the community together.
• Put together a dinner party and include spouses/significant others.
• Wine Tasting - Do you have a love for wine? What a great excuse to bring people together
• Favorite Hobby? Bring others who share your passion together around this special interest

These aren't exactly unique ideas. I'd be willing to bet that some of your closest friendships have been developed around activities or interests that you share with another person. These are a major source of accidental networking connections. I'm suggesting you be just a bit more intentional about the activities you love and the people you'd like to build better relationships with.

What other experiences and activites can you combine with your networking efforts? No really, I want to know. Please add your own comment, story or suggestion to this blog post. Thanks!

Happy Networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com