Making friends won't solve all your problems, but it can make life in Los Angeles more enjoyable. As one of the most diverse cities in the world, LA offers endless opportunities to meet people, both socially and professionally. The truth is, many of the same skills that help you form friendships, such as being approachable, following up, and putting yourself out there, are just as useful when expanding your career network. While it can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you're new to the city, investing in both your social and professional circles can make a big difference in your sense of belonging and long-term success. Below, we explore some ways to make friends in LA, followed by practical tips for building your professional network—including some basic etiquette pointers.
Expanding your social circle in Los Angeles
Making friends in Los Angeles depends on your interests, lifestyle, and willingness to take initiative and be a little bold. Be active, both online and offline, and open to new experiences. It may take time, but the connections you build can be lasting and meaningful.
Here are several ways to make friends in Los Angeles.
Put yourself out there
It's important to make an effort when you move to a new place and follow up on interactions and connections where you feel some rapport or a spark of friendship. Whether it's asking a work colleague out for a coffee or sparking up a conversation with someone you've seen in your building, it's important to be brave, smile, and introduce yourself. Americans are very friendly on the whole and you're likely to be well-received.
Putting yourself out there doesn't just have to be in person. Make use of all the online tools at your disposal and join local Facebook groups, Discord servers, WhatsApp chats, Reddit threads, Bumble BFF, Instagram pages, and neighborhood platforms like Nextdoor. Again, putting yourself out there is key. Don't be shy and try to post openly about your desire to meet new friends for meals, hikes, or shared activities. Platforms like Meetup.com and Eventbrite also host various events where you can meet people, but exercise caution when meeting strangers from the internet.
Pursue your existing interests and passions
Enrol in classes or workshops that align with your interests or career goals. Whether it's a cooking class, photography workshop, exercise, or professional development seminar, you'll have the opportunity to interact with fellow participants who share your enthusiasm. Making friends based on your interests is easy because you already know you have something in common. Whether it's sports, hiking, music, film, history, or hobbies, pursue your passions and you'll meet like-minded individuals. A good tip is to explore neighborhood-based classes, events and workshops because that will expose you to people who you live close to. Unfortunately, the harsh truth is that LA's traffic can be the death of a tentatively established friendship.
Volunteering is another great way to meet people who care about the same things. Having a shared set of ideals can be a strong foundation for friendship, and it can be very grounding to give back to your community, especially if you are still finding your feet. Whether it's volunteering around your local church, sports teams, or helping out LA's unhoused population, there are lots of platforms that detail local opportunities to help, like VolunteerMatch.org, LAWorks.com, and the City of Los Angeles Volunteer Corps.
Connect over culture and language
Look for expat groups where you can connect with people who share your background, language, and culture – and potentially even share the experience of recently moving to LA. While expat friends may not always be long-term, these groups can help you build connections. Shared heritage can be a great foundation for friendship, and friends who have been in the city longer than you can provide comfort and practical advice if you are feeling somewhat homesick or struggling to adapt to aspects of your new city. Los Angeles also hosts numerous culture-specific festivals and community events throughout the year.. From the Nisei Week Japanese Festival in Little Tokyo and the Golden Dragon Parade for Lunar New Year in Chinatown to the Día de los Muertos celebration at Hollywood Forever Cemetery and the LA Greek Fest in Hollywood, these events are perfect for meeting new people and experiencing LA's multicultural spirit.
Developing a professional network in Los Angeles
Just like making friends, making business or professional connections requires many similar skills. You need to be proactive and put yourself out there, make use of existing groups and organisations, and explore which digital platforms can help you. Here are a few ways you can set about building a strong professional network in LA.
Explore professional organizations
Professional organizations are excellent places to find people with similar aspirations. LA is home to several such organizations, including:
- Digital LA: Known for hosting tech and media-focused events.
- LA Chamber of Commerce: LACC regularly sets up networking events that showcase projects by local entrepreneurs.
- Young Presidents' Organization: A prestigious society with a rigorous selection process, members get to network with industry leaders.
- Vistage: Hosts events in small groups, more suited to introverted types.
- Los Angeles County Bar Association: For legal professionals, it offers networking opportunities and support for career development.
Hybrid and semi-professional gatherings
Semi-professional meetings offer a more relaxed environment compared to formal professional bodies. These casual gatherings make it easier to get to know people and build relationships within a more social framework. Consider attending local entrepreneur meetups, team lunches, and team-building events to expand your network. The industry you are in will dictate what is available to you, with tech having a stronger focus on networking than other fields.
Today, many gatherings include both in-person and virtual options, and co-working spaces like WeWork, Second Home, and Cross Campus often host networking events and industry talks.
Here are some well-known semi-professional options in LA:
- NetParty: Hosts large gatherings where professionals can grow their networks. Membership isn't required; you choose which events to attend.
- LA Tech Happy Hour: If you're in the tech industry, LA Tech Happy Hour provides a fun setting for tech enthusiasts to meet, share ideas, and network in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Los Angeles also offers lots of opportunities in terms of online networking options, and you could even be extra proactive and post in these groups before making the move to LA itself. Platforms like LinkedIn are invaluable for connecting with professionals in your field and allow you to expand your network virtually. Join industry-specific LinkedIn groups, engage in discussions, and reach out to potential connections you find.
Apps such as Bumble Bizz and Shapr can also connect you with professionals who match your interests and personality but function a little like dating apps. Twitter and Instagram can also host local events and hashtag-driven discussions that can help you stay updated on industry trends. Newer platforms like Polywork, Lunchclub, Discord, GridClub, and AI-powered networking apps are getting more and more popular. Meetup.com and Eventbrite have been around for a while but remain useful tools for finding local events and mixers, often in hybrid format.
Networking etiquette in Los Angeles
Networking and business culture can vary from place to place. Here are some basic rules to follow when trying to network in LA. As with much of US culture, the focus is on an informal, laid-back approach that may be less direct than what some of us are used to.
- Keep things friendly and light and try to exude casual confidence, especially at the outset. Networking can lead to important connections, but it's never good to appear desperate or transactional.
- Introduce yourself clearly, emphasizing your name and profession. Make sure to smile, make eye contact, and be prepared for small talk.
- Be genuine and supportive. Offer help before expecting it. Make sure you focus on mutual respect and connection rather than trying to connect for personal gain.
- Follow up promptly. Send a personalized email or message soon after meeting, and suggest a coffee or lunch to continue the connection. Don't email people out of the blue when they might suddenly be useful to you.
- Be a good listener. Ask open-ended questions, show interest in others, and avoid dominating the conversation.
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