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:
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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.
© Copyright Lexabean, LLC
Professional Networking Through Running