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Don’t you love living in an area with four distinct seasons? I do. People tend to be housebound during the winter, but in the summer, there are plenty of outdoor activities and social events to attend. If you put yourself in the right place at the right time, you should be able to rub shoulders with people having future client potential.
1. The garden party for charity
This might be a big, tented event. It all starts with a “save the date” card you get in the mail as a supporter of the organization. Tickets are usually cheaper than a gala, but might still run $150 a head. After all, it is a fundraiser. There is plenty of mingling over gin and tonics, possibly a silent auction and a buffet meal. Unlike a gala, these usually take place in the afternoon and are open seating.
The big local donors are often sponsors. There is plenty of time to “work the room” during the cocktail hour.
2. The house or garden tour
Historical societies, garden clubs and other organizations put on these events. They are hugely popular in our area. People really like seeing the inside of other people’s homes. People do not put their house “on a tour” unless it is spectacular. Ditto the gardens. It is very easy to talk with people as you move from one house to another.
In my experience, everyone I meet at one of these events is someone I would be comfortable inviting over for dinner.
3. The golf tournament
Organizations like the Chamber of Commerce often organize these events. Local business owners take the day off to play golf and enjoy a celebratory dinner afterwards. There are sponsorship opportunities, if you are interested.
This is an opportunity to get paired up with local business owners, spending time walking the course and sitting together at dinner.
4. The designer showhouse
Our local hospital has been doing this for years. A large property is secured. Different rooms are assigned to various interior designers. Landscape designers get sections of the outdoor spaces. Tickets are sold.
People attend to support the organization (donors) or to be inspired for their own future renovation projects.
5. Parades and fun runs
Parades and fun runs are quintessential summer events that draw crowds from all walks of life. Whether it’s a Labor Day parade or a community-organized fun run for charity, these events offer an excellent opportunity to mingle with a diverse group of people. You can easily strike up conversations while cheering for the parade or participating in the run. These events often attract local business owners, community leaders, and families, providing a relaxed environment to network and build relationships. Hand out water bottles or sponsor a team to increase your visibility and engagement.
These events are family-friendly, making it easy to invite clients and their families to join in the fun, fostering a sense of community and connection.
6. The antique appraisal event
You know Antiques Roadshow is very popular. An organization might work with a local auction house to assemble a group of experts in different fields. They get the word out and people show up to have their collectibles and heirlooms valued.
A local financial planning firm organized this type of event for clients and presumably, guests.
7. The outdoor beer festival
Yes, I am a wine fan. I appreciate that not everyone else is big on wine. Craft beer is incredibly popular. If a town near you is organizing a festival, it’s a safe bet tickets will sell out quickly and it will draw a crowd.
You walk around, drink good beer and see familiar faces. What could be better?
8. Tailgating at baseball games
The baseball season starts in the Spring and runs into September. If you have a major league stadium in town (and the stadium allows tailgating) the chances are good the parking lot will be filled with people having a good time before the game.
This is an opportunity for you to tailgate with friends. It’s also a chance to walk around and say hello to familiar faces.
9. The concert in the park
We attended one on the last weekend in June. Tickets were $25. You bring your own picnic. Thousands attend. You see everything from people with a blanket and sandwiches to catered operations complete with candelabras. In our area the gates open at 6 p.m. and the symphony orchestra starts playing at 8 p.m.
This means there was a full two hours to walk around and see who you know. You can also let people know ahead of time they can seek out your table and enjoy a drink.
10. Friday night fireworks
You might think this is over and done after July 4th. Some communities might do fireworks every Friday. The big question is “What is the best place to see them?” If there is a park nearby, you bring your folding chairs, mingle for 30 minutes or so and enjoy the show. In our area the local historical society lets members use the lawn for viewing.
You might start to see the same faces if you attend week after week.
11. The street party in town
In big cities, these are block parties. In smaller towns, they close off a few streets and vendors set up tables selling food and crafts. It’s usually a once-a-year event.
If it is organized by locals for locals, you should see familiar faces.
12. The great outdoor restaurant
If the weather is perfect, you don’t want to be stuck indoors. Many restaurants have outdoor seating. This should include some of the “see and be seen” restaurants in your area. Ideally you are already a regular. Try to pick a set day and time when you know the place will be busy. Visit every week.
You will likely recognize several diners each time, so dress well.
13. The BBQ for charity
Earlier we mentioned the charity garden party event. That’s dressy. Other nonprofit organizations choose to hold a casual event. One of ours is the Barn Bash. This is done at a party barn rented out for events. It takes place indoors and outside. The food is almost everything BBQ you can imagine.
The big donors still show up, only they are now dressed in casual clothing.
14. The party you organize
If you have a decent-sized outdoor space, you might choose to hold your own outdoor party. This is not an official firm event. You are inviting people you know over for a good time. If some happen to have future client potential, even better.
If you call it a picnic or a BBQ, people dress a certain way. Add a rented tent, call it a garden party and people dress entirely differently, even if you serve the same food.
There are plenty of places you can show up and make easy social connections during the summer. It can be a lot of fun. The people you meet and the circumstances of coming together are often serendipity.
