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During the summer, the number of business networking events tends to diminish. In fact, the organizations that do have events usually just put on social gatherings. With fewer options during the summer, you need to create your own networking opportunities. Take advantage of playing and attending sports with other professionals. This is an excellent way to build relationships.

Spend Time Golfing

Golfing is a great way to get to know people outside the office. If you don't golf, it may be worth taking the time to learn the game. You will find that a lot people in the business world know how to golf. Many organizations put on golf outings throughout the summer. Take advantage of these opportunities because they are fun and it's a good environment to get to know your peers and meet some new people.

Other than formalized golf outings, invite people to golf with you throughout the summer. If you usually golf with the same group of people each time, make a point to mix it up and invite new contacts throughout the season. By inviting new people to golf with you, you will be able to further develop these relationships. At the same time, you may end up talking business during golf, which can actually be a benefit because you are in a more relaxing environment.

Spend Time at the Baseball Park

If you are lucky enough to live in a city that has a professional baseball team, make an effort to attend a few games throughout the season. Even if you're not baseball fan, it's still a fun and social activity.

Some organizations plan events around baseball games whether it's to watch it at the park or on television in a bar. People gravitate to each other around sporting events. Even if you don't want to watch the game, consider the gathering an opportunity to get to know people. If you don't attend any games with an organization, take the time to attend some games not only with some friends but also with some business colleagues. Buy some tickets and invite various people throughout the season.

People will appreciate your invitation and will usually reciprocate the gesture. If you get invited, make an effort to attend those games. Your relationships will only get stronger the more times you interact with people.

Spend Time Watching Basketball

Now that the NBA finals are over, the WNBA is still happening during the summer. If your city is fortunate enough to have a professional women's basketball team, consider attending several games with some of your business contacts. Just like baseball games, basketball games are also a great way to have fun. It doesn't matter if you're a fan of the team or sport because your main reason for attending with colleagues is to build relationships.

Buy some tickets and start inviting people to games. People will always appreciate the gesture.

Get Involved With Community Sports Leagues

In addition to golfing or watching team sports with others, you can join a sports league. This will allow you to play team sports with various people in your community. For example, you could play volleyball, basketball, softball, soccer or tennis.

Most of these leagues are co-ed and are designed for you to meet new people and generate friendships. The great concept about these leagues is that you meet on a regular basis so you are guaranteed to build some new relationships. Also, many of these groups organize social events for their members. This is another great way to build your relationships beyond the field. Get involved with these leagues by helping organize teams and social events. Your involvement will allow you to meet some additional people.

A very popular club in Chicago is the Chicago Sport & Social Club, which organizes a dozen adult recreational sports leagues as well as a variety of monthly social events.

Final Thought

Take your relationships to a new level by not only attending sporting events but also by playing sports together. Summer is about having fun. Make fun a part of your networking as well.

Jason Jacobsohn is a seasoned networker who believes in relationship building as a key component to business success. He enjoys helping others succeed by making introductions, planning events, and sharing resources. In addition, Jacobsohn enthusiastically shares resources with his network through his e-mail newsletter, "Network Your Way to Success," and http://www.jacobsohn.com, a comprehensive business and networking resources Web site.

Further, he shares an additional perspective through his blog at http://www.networkinginsight.com

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