Networking to Make Every Second Count From Now Until New Year’s Day

No matter which combination of holidays you and yours celebrate: Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah, Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day; November 1 ushers in a season of holiday party misery for many. Like them or not, invitations, cards, and events offer far more than greetings in passing and free food and drink. The holiday season marks a season of opportunity to expand your network in a fun and relaxed manner. Don’t miss out.

R.S.V.P. – YES!
You want to expand your network of business and professional contacts and all those holiday parties are excellent opportunities to meet new people in a low-key environment. Before you toss that invitation to Dr. Sharp’s holiday party for his patients, say “Yes!” Think about it. You will not have the opportunity to meet Dr. Sharp’s other friends and clients for another year, so despite your urge to ignore the invite, you really shouldn’t pass up the chance to meet your next big client.

Holiday gatherings and events also are a great way to reacquaint yourself with people you might have met during the year but with whom you did not follow up as planned. The more relaxed atmosphere and good cheer of holiday parties compels people to want to help each other as well, who might lead to more introductions and people wanting to connect you to someone with whom you have been trying to arrange a meeting.

Know Some Conversation Starters
We know. Conversation can feel awkward or stilted at events where you know few people. By memorizing and using a few simple conversation starters, you can feel more comfortable and confident making small talk.

“How was your business this year?”

“How is your family?”

“How do you know Dr. Sharp? (Host/hostess)

“Have you seen any movies lately?”

“Have you read any good books lately?”

“What was the best thing that happened to you this year?”

“Who do you know at the party?”

More than Business Banter
Don’t make the mistake of confining your conversations to business banter. Your goal is to build relationships with people by finding commonalities. You can follow questions such as, “Who do you know at this event?” with questions about how they know each other or how long they have known each other. You might uncover that all of you once worked at the same company in college or that you share similar hobbies. You aren’t going to sell your latest product offering at the Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party, but you might meet a new golf buddy and arrange an opportunity to play after the holiday hoopla is over.

Host a Holiday Gathering
Seize the Season! Rather than lament all the connections you didn’t make or build during the previous 10 months, use November and December to catch up with the people already in your network whom you might have neglected. Host a holiday party or open house wherever you will be most comfortable: the local restaurant or bar, at your home or at the office. Invite your network and let the holidays work their magic. Relax and enjoy the company of people you already know but wish to know better. Come January, you will be fresh in their minds when you call them to arrange a coffee or lunch.

Send Season’s Greetings
Let your network know that you are thinking of them and that you are thankful to know them or appreciate their business. Whether you choose handwritten holiday cards, emails, newsletters or telephone calls to the closest of your clients, each of them will appreciate your recognition of your relationship with them. Reach out to friends, family and business associates.

Everything in Moderation
Most holiday gatherings will have plenty of food and drink to hand, but don’t over-do it. You do not want to botch your introduction to a potential employer when the aroma of too many martinis makes your first impression for you. On similar note, even the holiday scene requires that you dress professionally. Let the type of event determine your holiday attire. Cocktail party? Casual open house? You aren’t there to seduce Jerry from Accounting, so maintain decorum and avoid potential wardrobe malfunctions.

It is Better to Give
Especially at holiday time, it really is better to give than to receive. Gifts you can give to others during holiday time:

Your Ear. When speaking to people at holiday gatherings, listen intently. Sincerely take an interest in learning about them. Ask questions, and then listen and respond in such a way that they know you were listening. Everyone feels rushed and overwhelmed at holiday time. It makes us all feel good to take a breather and have a nice conversation.

Your Talents. As you chat with your new network, you will naturally uncover ways in which you can assist them. Give them the gift of your contacts or talents. Nothing brings loyalty as much as rescuing someone else from a jam. If she needs a seamstress to alter a dress for her cousin’s Christmas wedding, email her the contact information for yours. If he has been trying to find that certain game for his nephew, and you just saw it at the toy store, call and tell him that they just got them in stock so that he can be the favorite uncle this year.

Your Attention. Respond to each business card or email address you exchange with a short, personal connection. Jot a note or send a quick email to let them know you enjoyed meeting them or becoming re-acquainted and that you will be following up after the holidays are over.

Don’t panic as the voluminous mail, or email, arrives with invitations to what feels like a thousand holiday parties; each represents an opportunity to expand your network for business building or future employment. Focus on spreading the holiday cheer, and you will start the New Year with a long list of warm contacts instead of the usual cold calls.