by Mary Shannon of SeniorsMeet
As a senior citizen, meeting new people doesn't always come as easily as it did when you were younger. Ways people connect seem to evolve as time progresses, and as such, locating and making connections with peers and others may sometimes feel intimidating. But with a little confidence and the right tools, building a network of contacts in Youngsville, NC, or in your city can be a lot simpler than it sounds.
Using Social Media to Make New Acquaintances
Whether you're looking for people with a similar set of interests to share stories and hobbies with or local entrepreneurs to share business tips and successes with, social media is a great place to start. Consider joining sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Facebook Groups can give you the chance to meet others in your area or expand your network beyond your state’s borders, while LinkedIn can help you make business connections who share a similar work history with you. Familiarize yourself with how hashtags work to become more effective at searching specific topics.
Getting Involved in Youngsville's Nonprofit Community
If you're passionate about a particular cause, do something to further awareness and work towards making a change. Starting your own nonprofit is a great way to go about this. Of course, if you do, there are a few important steps you'll need to take:
• Research. Take time to research your cause and determine where help is needed most.
• Name your organization. Try to use a name that clearly indicates its purpose.
• Business formation. Consider forming a limited liability company or LLC in North Carolina or in another state to protect your personal assets.
• Declare your tax status. File for federal tax exemptions.
• Spread the word. Recruit volunteers and network with other organizations to further your cause.
Starting Your Own Small Business
If you've got skills or a product to share with other local residents, consider starting your own small business. Many of the steps mentioned above apply here, too. Taking time to research and carefully name your business are good ways to build a solid foundation for your company, and forming an LLC will help you ensure your personal assets are protected if your company ever faces financial challenges.
For example, as a small business owner in Youngsville, NC, you can take advantage of business networking events throughout the city to meet like-minded professionals of all ages. Check out business networking events on Eventbrite to see what's happening.
Maintaining Solid Connections after Networking
Whether you hope to maintain long-term friendships with the people you meet or want fruitful business relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, it's important to foster the connections you make. Meaningful connections with others are good for your mental health, and when they're rooted in business, they can help your company thrive. Make sure to keep regular contact with those you meet, whether that means inviting them to functions, meeting them for dinner or coffee, or simply making a phone call or sending a text message to check in.
The Benefits of Networking Are Endless
As a senior citizen, networking can provide you with an array of personal and professional benefits while strengthening your mental health. It's also important to take care of your physical health and overall well-being. For support and advocacy services that are tailored to meet your needs as a senior in Youngsville, contact Aging Collective.
"Mary Shannon created SeniorsMeet, along with her husband, Bob, to have a website that allows seniors to “meet up” and talk about topics that are relevant to their daily lives. They hope to build SeniorsMeet into a supportive community of like-minded seniors."
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