There is no better way to practice the networking skills that are crucial in both the business and political realms than to be placed in a location that you have never visited before and have no pre-existing contacts. That is the exact frame of mind I have been working in while building a network of friends here in Seattle. I have taken a number of approaches to this opportunity including pursuing contacts at work, through local social groups and by trying to find people who share my passion for personal freedoms, conservative policies and capitalism.
The latter approach brought me to the King County Young Republicans group on a site called MeetUp.com, a great site for finding any number of different social groups. I signed up, wrote a few words of introduction and RSVPed for today’s event a little earlier this week. Today, I showed up right before the event, was immediately noticed by the group’s president Jason and was welcomed into a great group of fellow Republicans. We took a scenic train ride, hiked the falls and had a great lunch at the local Snoqualmie Brewery (the Nitro Pale Ale was the smoothest ale I have ever tasted due to it’s nitrogen content). The more we talked, the more I could relate to the issues they were facing in differing degrees. Overall, it was a great, eye opening, experience that made me even more proud of the people of the party I affiliate with. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your fellow conservatives anywhere you go!
For more business related networking information, checkout my post on Meetup.com as a networking tool.
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Snoqualmie falls is pretty cool. I think I have that same shot. I can’t say there are a lot of Republicans out there in King County however. But lots to see. Try the Red Hook Brewery in Woodinville, WA. You can also hit up the two wineries that are right next door.