How to Meet New People and Friends in 2023

In a rapidly changing social landscape, we asked 11 community managers, CEOs, founders, and other professionals for their top tips on meeting new people in 2023. From attending a gym or fitness class to joining professional organizations, discover the diverse ways these experts recommend expanding your social circle in the coming year.

Attend a Gym or Fitness Class
Connect via Online Social Networks
Go to Hybrid Networking Events
Engage in Community Volunteering
Organize Virtual Fitness Challenges
Meet Your Online Communities Offline
Participate in Local Community Events
Check Out Interest-Based Social Clubs
Host a 2-Hour Cocktail Party
Leverage Existing Connections
Take Part in Professional Organizations

Attend a Gym or Fitness Class

Joining a gym or a fitness class is my favorite way to meet new people. During physical activity, endorphins are flying high, keeping people in a good mood and their energy levels up, which creates the perfect conditions to make friends and build positive relationships.

The act of working out together is the ultimate ice-breaker and a bonding experience all at once. I recommend finding something that you actually like doing so that the physical aspect of this adventure is pleasurable as well.

With so many gyms and classes to choose from, including outdoor activities, chances are you will find something that you truly enjoy! It will also help you keep your body and mind healthy.

Maja Kowalska
Community Manager, Zety

Connect via Online Social Networks

One way to meet new people in 2023 is through online social networks. With the rise of technology, online platforms are becoming more and more popular for connecting with people all around the world.

This is a great way to make new friends from different backgrounds and cultures, as well as explore interests and hobbies in virtual settings.

Scott Orn
Chief Operating Officer, Kruze Consulting

Go to Hybrid Networking Events

One way to meet new people in 2023 is to attend hybrid networking events. These events provide a mix of online and in-person interactivity, giving you a chance to meet people from different parts of the world with no travel.

This approach is useful in a post-pandemic world, where people are still cautious about large gatherings. Hybrid events often enlist the latest virtual tools and software to enable online networking opportunities.

They’re usually organized around specific niches or industries, so you can meet people who share your interests and career goals. Attending such events is an excellent way to build new relationships, partnerships, and opportunities promising growth for your career and personal growth.

Jefferson McCall
Co-founder and HR Head, TechBullish

Engage in Community Volunteering

Active involvement in community volunteer activities effectively expands networks and builds connections. Volunteering allows individuals to contribute to meaningful causes, fostering social engagement and relationship-building.

Individuals establish connections with like-minded people who share their values by investing time and expertise in initiatives like environmental clean-up drives, food bank assistance, or local event volunteering.

These shared endeavors provide a solid foundation for relationship development and expanding social networks. Volunteerism facilitates interactions with diverse individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and ages, promoting understanding and enriching social encounters. Embracing community volunteerism empowers individuals to make a positive impact while connecting with others, broadening personal and professional horizons.

Curtis Anderson
Co-founder and CEO, Nursa

Organize Virtual Fitness Challenges

As a personal trainer, a unique and effective way I’ve found to meet new people in 2023 is by hosting and taking part in virtual fitness challenges.

For example, I recently launched a “30-day Fitness Challenge” on my online platform. People from different parts of the world joined in. The idea was to encourage participants to commit to a specific workout routine for 30 consecutive days.

We used video conferencing tools for live workout sessions, and a dedicated online community platform for participants to share their progress, encourage one another, and even form workout groups.

The experience was incredible. Not only did I meet and interact with a diverse group of fitness enthusiasts, but it also helped participants connect with new people sharing a common goal. It goes to show that even in a digital world, we can build meaningful connections through shared passions.

Evander Nelson
NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, evandernelson

Meet Your Online Communities Offline

One way to meet new people in 2023 is to take online communities offline. For example, start or join a Meetup Group, post an invitation in a Facebook group, or organize a city-based mixer for an online professional or interest group. This is a great way to test-drive, having common interests and a basic rapport with others before investing the time to hang out and get to know each other better in real life.

Kate Duske
Editor-in-Chief, Escape Room Data

Participate in Local Community Events

One way to meet new people in 2023 is by actively participating in community events and local gatherings. Attend social, cultural, or hobby-based events that align with your interests and passions.

Whether it’s a neighborhood block party, a meetup group, a workshop, or a volunteering opportunity, these events provide a platform to connect with like-minded individuals and expand your social circle.

Engage in conversations, be open to new experiences, and attempt to connect with people authentically. Building relationships through shared activities and interests can lead to meaningful connections and the opportunity to meet diverse individuals in your community.

Luke Lee
CEO, Ever Wallpaper

Check Out Interest-Based Social Clubs

Meeting new people in 2023 is easier than ever with the rise of social media and online groups, but it’s important to find people who share your interests and values. One way to do this is by joining a social club or group dedicated to your hobbies and interests.

This could be anything from a book club or hiking group to a cooking or fitness class or even a volunteering opportunity. Not only will you be able to meet new people who share your passions, but you’ll also have a built-in support system and opportunities to learn and grow.

Be sure to research groups in your local area or join online communities to connect with like-minded individuals.

Basana Saha
Founder, KidsCareIdeas

Host a 2-Hour Cocktail Party

I am a big fan of the 2-Hour cocktail party to meet people. The approach is best outlined in the 2022 book, The 2-Hour Cocktail Party by Nick Gray. The specified format is a great way to get 15-25 like-minded and adjacent people into a room that provides an opportunity for the intimacy of home, but also some flexibility to move around the room and meet others. I have sworn off large-scale networking events. For me, 15-25 in-home events are the way to go.

Trevor Ewen
COO, QBench

Leverage Existing Connections

Leverage your existing network by asking friends or acquaintances to introduce you to new people who share your interests or professional goals. Your friends can provide valuable connections and facilitate meaningful introductions, helping you expand your network and meet like-minded individuals.

This approach not only increases the chances of meeting people with common interests but also allows you to establish relationships based on shared connections, which can often lead to more fruitful and genuine connections.

Roy Lau
Co-founder, 28 Mortgage

Join Professional Organizations

One effective way to meet new people in 2023 is to join professional organizations or associations. These groups provide opportunities to connect with individuals who share similar interests and goals.

By becoming a member, you gain access to networking events, conferences, and online communities where you can engage with professionals in your field. Such organizations often organize meetups, seminars, and workshops, offering valuable platforms to build relationships, exchange knowledge, and explore collaborative opportunities.

Being part of a professional association shows your commitment to continuous learning and growth in your industry, which can enhance your credibility and expand your network. Take advantage of these collective resources to forge connections, exchange ideas, and expand your professional circle in 2023.

Ben Lau
Founder, Featured SEO Company