3 Things the Most Successful Friend-Makers Do at Our Events
Making new friends isn’t always easy, but after watching thousands of people at our curated friend-making events, I’ve noticed three key things the most successful friend-makers do. Check this out so you can get the most out of coming to one of our events.
1. People who are good at making new friends bring the energy
Ever had someone approach you with a warm smile, looking genuinely happy and excited to meet you? That kind of positivity is truly contagious and puts others at ease. When you’re smiling and radiating positive energy, it becomes almost impossible for others not to feel drawn to you and want to engage in conversation.
How to bring the energy:
Find someone who is standing alone or in a small group and introduce yourself. As the bringer of energy, you want your tone and body language to radiate openess, happiness and show excitement to be there.
Keep the energy high by weaving in compliments and positive commentary (“that sounds like so much fun!” and “that’s such a cool hobby”).
Be open to sharing more about yourself. By letting others in to knowing who you are, they more likely they’ll do the same and feel comfortable around you.
The ability to make others laugh will often leave them feeling they had a good time with you and is what draws people back.
2. People who are good at making new friends show they’re more interested than interesting
A lot of people spend time worrying about what to say to sound interesting, but the secret is in the opposite: be genuinely interested in other people. When you ask questions and listen carefully, it shows you value the person in front of you. Everyone loves the feeling of being heard and appreciated, and it builds connection almost immediately.
Top tips:
have a few questions up your sleeve e.g. which area do you live in? have you lived there long? these questions can lead to recommendations in that area, where they’ve previously lived or travelled, or their background.
show that you’re interested in what they’re saying - use eye contact and body language to demonstrate you’re engaged in what they’re saying and use the last thing they say to ask a follow up question, or share your own annecdote to show how you relate to what they’ve said.
3. People who are good at making new friends don’t wait to make plans
Here’s where a lot of people slip up: they wait. If you’ve hit it off with someone, don’t wait until the next week to reach out. Successful friend-makers make plans before they even leave the event. They don’t let the connection fade. They make it happen right then and there, securing a second meetup.
Top tips:
Don’t be shy to take on the role of the organiser. If you’ve already talked about an activity and a few people are keen to do it - don’t wait to leave it up to someone else to follow up with organising a day and time. Do it straight away while everyone’s there - grab a date where most people are free and lock it in!
If you’ve left and no plans have been made - send a message to the person/ group either that night or first thing the next day. “It was so nice to meet you! Let’s grab a coffee/ drink at the pub next weekend - who’s free?”
People who are sucessful at making new friends, have built the courage to put themselves out there, and be an instigator. It comes easier to some more than others - but at the end of the day, it is a good life skill have! The ability to make new friends and connections can open up many possibilities, and all it takes is some practice!
