4 Unique and Unconventional Ways to Successfully NetworkBy Guest PostWeve all had chance encounters that have often changed the course of our lives or opportunities that fell in our laps just by being at the right place at the right time. Very few successful people would discount the value of networks and networking; offine or online there are more opportunities than ever to connect.!ut what about those opportunities that present themselves routinely that may re"uire a little more than the click of a mouse# $hose situations that might re"uire a little more effort and personal risk %nobody likes rejection& but may offer a reward far greater than passive routine networking. $hose potentially life altering 'right place right time( moments might be less random if we did a better job of recogni)ing and acting on the opportunities that most of us dont recogni)e or ignore on a regular basis.Weve done a lot of networking ourselves over the years and have witnessed both great outcomes and missed opportunities. We can tell you from our e*perience that the best and most successful networkers especially those engaging in entrepreneurial activities dont just network through traditional approaches but live and breathe connecting with others in their day+to+day lives. !uilding the con,dence to initiate this type of networking takes some time maturity and ,nesse; however the payoff can be more than worth it.$he following are a tried and true ideas that may inspire you to conscientiously incorporate networking into every aspect of your life. -ou may discover that great connections and good fortune do not have to be as random as you think.1. Initiate a Conversation in an Unexpected Setting.ave you ever overheard an engaging conversation relevant to you in a coffee shop or airport# /e*t time dont hesitate to join in and introduce yourself; you never know who you might be crossing paths. 0t never hurts to join or initiate a conversation if you have something applicable to say and have the opportunity to connect with an individual or a group of people in an organic way.1s an e*ample 0 once while fying to 2hicago unknowingly sat ne*t to the 234 and the vice president of a billion+dollar company based in 2anada. $he two were having a witty conversation and 0 interjected with a joking comment. 5y joke was reciprocated and as a result we spent the remainder of the fight chatting about both business and leisure topics later had lunch together at 2hicago 4.are 1irport and ,nally e*changed direct contact information for future business opportunities.$his approach isnt just applicable to business+related conversations but is a practice that you should utili)e in all facets of your life. 3ven more astonishing is engaging in conversations with random people in foreign cities. -ou wouldnt believe how often speaking to a random person results in additional connections in the future or the discovery that you have a common ac"uaintance.2. Seek Advice and Contacts from Notable Public iguresWrite down three people you admire that are public ,gures. 6ont limit yourself here. Whether you admire the 234 of a 7ortune 899 company a notable entrepreneur or !ill :ates truthfully list a few people you admire./ow think if you had the opportunity to have a conversation or an email e*change with these individuals what would you ask them# .ow would these "uestions relate to your career or startup or how would they help you advance your business or your personal goals#/e*t do some research on these individuals online starting with ;inked0n.