Alternative Strategies for Meeting Singles and Creating New Networks

There are many ways to develop a new network of single friends, though some strategies are better than others and can yield positive results beyond simply meeting new people. The best such strategies require less time commitment and ideally fulfill secondary personal goals. From joining organizations to participating in sports, there really is something for anyone no matter what a person is interested in. More than just meeting individuals, the following suggested strategies for developing a social network can help a person to learn something new, generally broaden a person's horizons and even help a person to get into shape!

1) Volunteer for a good cause of personal interest or relevance. From a local veterinary clinic to a youth program helping kids with disabilities, there are always great places out there that need more volunteers. This can be both personally fulfilling and allow a person to connect with others of similar moral beliefs and personal interests.

2) Join a local sports team. Most urban areas have informal sports teams of all kinds, from low-impact and low-stress sports to more intensive team games. In choosing a sport it is important to keep in mind one's own experiences and skills as well as the level at which one is willing to commit to a sport.

2) Participate in martial arts or other forms of personal fitness. From pilates to yoga, formerly personal strategies for getting fit have increasingly become popular way to stay limber, toned and to meet new people.

3) Try out for a local play or performance art piece. There are community theaters most anywhere and most people can get at least a bit part even without any acting experience. By the end of a production many people are surprised at the camaraderie that develops backstage over time. In many productions, the networks that result are remarkably egalitarian - people are all valued, from technicians to lead actors.

5) Go to clubs and bars. Most people think that going to bars and clubs is primarily something to do either within a group or if looking for a significant other. However, many people go to bars simply to observe or interact with others. Even groups of people at bars may be groups of singles simply looking to enjoy themselves and meet interesting people. This method can link a person to other singles or even other networks of singles.

6) Go online. As with all other things: finding networks of singles online is also a possibility. This can be done through social networking sites or simply through searches for local organizations or events. Moreover, online searches allow a person to specifically cater their search to their own interests. So, while this can work as a strategy independently, it can also facilitate success in terms of the previous five strategies as well!