Professional Networking Through Running
Many people think of the health and fitness benefits of
running. Or the personal satisfaction that comes with
completing a race, a challenging training run or setting a
new personal record. But most people don’t realize that
running with others offers a great opportunity to network
professionally. Mention running or a race at work and
you’ll be surprised how many people are doing the same
thing.
Running, in fact, is a great way to extend your professional
network while also doing something that is fun, healthy
and lends itself to connecting with others. Runners come
from all walks of life and running related events often give
you the opportunity to meet people who are motivated
and successful at what they do. Think of the sport itself -
running any distance requires hard work, dedication and
commitment. These are qualities often found with people
who are goal oriented and successful professionally.
While running with others, you can skip those awkward
moments during professional events when you meet
people and don’t know what to say. Instead - you can talk
about your family, hobbies, goals for a race or anything
else you are interested in. In fact, running in silence
between conversations is also very acceptable. Before you
know it, you’ll have established a relationship with
someone who can become a useful contact professionally.
So, to take advantage of something that is healthy and
good for you, here are a few tips for expanding your
professional network while running:
Team building activities:
Encouraging a group of people from work to participate in
a local race can be a great team building activity. It builds
camaraderie and gives people a chance to interact in a
non-work setting. Participants can be of any fitness level -
from a walker looking to participate in something healthy
to a speedster looking to set a new personal record. You
can still have team building events with them, whether it is
a “training” runs in a local park, going out to eat as a group
where you hand out team shirts, posing for a team picture
before the event or giving out awards/finisher certificates
in a group setting afterwards. And as the organizer of the
activity, you are showing management you have skills that
can be important in more senior roles - being a team
player (team building, team leader) and taking the
initiative.
Join a local running club:
Running clubs are very common in many areas and often
have organized group runs and races you can participate
in as a team. They will also connect you with training
partners at your level that you can run at your own pace
with. Clubs attract members from all walks of life and
companies. Participating in club activities gives you a
relaxed, casual environment to establish relationships with
people you would otherwise never have met.
Raise money for a charity:
If there is a charity that means something special to you -
chances are they would be happy to support you in raising
money by completing a race. While raising money tap into
your network at work and on social media. Not only would
you be raising money for a great cause, but you will be
getting very positive attention from your network and
senior management. It shows you are willing to work hard
at a goal to complete a race and raise money for a worthy
charity. Fund raising also gives you a chance to interact
with people you might not normally have a chance to talk
to.
Not interested in running a race? Charity Miles is an app
that you can download to track your neighborhood jogs or
weekend hikes turning these into fund raising activities for
a charity of your choice (from over 50 they have
relationships with).
There are a number of charities which provide resources
and assistance for runners who raise money for them.
These include:
•
The Leukemia Society Team In Training raises
money to cure cancer. They offer coaches and team
training events for runners who raise money for
them. Like a local running club, these activities give
you the opportunity to connect with other runners
who may have similar professional interests as you.
•
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Fred’s
Team has a very large fund raising team that
participates in the NY Marathon, London Marathon,
Berlin Marathon and other races.
For tips and advice on how to raise money for your
charity, check out these articles:
o
How Do I Raise Money for Charity While Training for
a Race? - Womensrunning.com
o
12 Fund raising Tips for Charity Runners -
Verywellfit.com
Conclusion
There’s a reason why LinkedIn stops showing the number
of connections you have when you reach 500. Its about the
quality of the connections you have, not the number.
Whats important is you establish a relationship with
someone and continue to interact with them over time.
People often make the mistake that they must do
professional networking through professional events. But
these can be awkward and require you find a way to break
the ice with total strangers. This can be difficult, even for
someone who is outgoing and has a well planned pitch or
introduction.
Health and fitness, on the other hand, is an activity many
people are interested in and spend time on. Planned
properly, running can be a great opportunity to build
meaningful relationships with other people, It also shows
qualities to your management that can be important in
your career:
•
Team building
•
Leadership and initiative
•
By raising money for a charity - caring for people less
fortunate than you.