Whatever your plans are this holiday season, chances are they include travel. Most likely, you’ll be visiting one of two places: a city where your family lives or a vacation destination you love.
These two locations are often places you might consider relocating. It’s very common to either move to be closer to family — or to be in a region you really enjoy spending time in.
If you have spare time between the visiting, the gifts, and the food, you may want to consider doing research while you’re in another city.
This kind of information gathering is incredibly simple and fairly rare. So not only is it not too hard to do, but your efforts will stand out.
During the holidays, it can be a little more tricky in terms of scheduling, but it’s still worth a shot.
Here’s are a few simple steps to get you started:
- Network with friends & family – Be sure you reconnect with existing people in your circle. If you want to move back to your hometown, reconnect with those people you went to high school or college with. Look for relatives who work in the area. Take the time to drop by and catch up.
- Look for events online – You’d be surprised at how many professional organizations hold regular meetings, and invite the public via the web. Check out sites like Meetup.com and EventBrite.com to see what’s happening in the city you’re visiting.
- Connect via social media – This sounds crazy, but many of the best new connections I’ve made lately have been through Twitter and LinkedIn. Before traveling, seek out people you’d like to meet and communicate via social media. Often, you’ll find the person is open to having a coffee.
- Look off the beaten path – If you’re thinking of moving to a place, it’s good to try things you would normally do if you weren’t a tourist. Look for social activities like dance classes, art shows, wine tastings, or cooking lessons. Seek out activities that will create social interactions. These are a great chance to network, and to get a local perspective on where to live, eat, etc.
- Reach out to leaders – Look for leaders in your professional space and reach out to them personally. If you’re an entrepreneur, seek out the president of a local incubator. Consider contacting the local Chamber of Commerce. Reach out to the Presidents of local non-profit organizations that interest you.
- Contact recruiters – In addition to the suggestions above, consider setting up meetings with one to three local head hunters. Bring your resume and be prepared to explain why you want to relocate, and when you’ll be available.
Keep in mind that not every tactic you try will work out. You will want to reach out to more people than you’ll have time to talk to. Not everyone will have time to meet you. You will also want to come up with a list of activities that’s longer than you can realistically attend. Some activities may be canceled or you may have a conflict, so having extras gives you a buffer.
At the end of the day, even just a few new contacts can help to fast track your plans to move. Meeting with someone in person is significantly more impactful than sending an e-mail or speaking over the phone.
So, if you’re serious about moving, take a little time to do some homework while you’re visiting. Often, when you let people know you’re only in town for a few days, they will make time to meet with you.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday this week with your friends and loved ones!
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Also, be sure to subscribe to my Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher where I discuss career advice every Tuesday! If you’ve already heard the podcast and enjoy it, please consider leaving a review in Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Thanks.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
