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Although you may think the holidays are a slow time for doing business, they are an excellent time to build your relationships. With all the holiday parties, events, and family visits, the holiday season provides some of the best networking opportunities of the year. To help you make the most of your holiday season, The Networking Gurus share their Twelve Tips for Holiday Networking:
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1. Say Yes! to Holiday Parties and Events If you're looking to meet new people, you can do that at everything from your neighborhood open house to the office party, as well as holiday business networking events. Attending holiday events is also a good way to follow-up with the people you already know, such as your clients, business acquaintances, associates, referral partners, and friends and family.2. Host a Holiday Party Have an open house at your home, or host a party at a bar or restaurant. This is a great way to reach out and reconnect with people in your network.
3. Send Holiday Greetings This is a perfect time of year to send cards, letters, emails, and newsletters. It lets people in your network know you are thinking about them. And while you're at it, you can send them to the people you've just met at all those holiday parties you've been going to.
4. Be Prepared for Each Event You Attend While you don't want to be a bore and drone on about work at a social gathering, you do want to be prepared to clearly and concisely tell people what you do and who you do it for. Your uncle's new girlfriend might be able to make an excellent introduction for you if she knows what you do. And don't forget to take your business cards, even to a social gathering. Used appropriately, they are an easy way to convey your contact information.
5. Ask for Introductions Know who you want to meet and don't be afraid to ask your friends, relatives, and old and new acquaintances for introductions.
6. Prepare Some Questions to Start the Conversation "How do you know the host/hostess?" "What has been the highlight of your year?" "What plans do you have for next year?" "How was business this year?" "What kinds of clients are you looking for these days?" (Be prepared to answer these questions as well!)
7. Talk About Something Other Than Business In building relationships, which is what networking is all about, you want to get to know people on a personal level, as well as a professional level. Take advantage of the holidays to relax and socialize and get to know people a little better.
8. Focus on Other People Listen at least as much as you talk. It's better to err on the side of listening too much rather than talking too much about yourself and your business.
9. Dress Appropriately What kind of event is it? A dressy holiday party? An office party? A happy hour or open house? Whether it's dress up or casual, make sure you look professional.
10. Send a Thank You Note Send a hand-written thank you note to the host that conveys what a wonderful time you had.
11. Call People Calling someone is an effective way to deepen your relationship. The holidays provide a perfect opportunity to call. This works not just with friends and family but with your best business connections as well.
12. Have Fun, but Don't Eat or Drink Too Much It's the holidays, so relax and enjoy yourself. Having a good time doesn't mean you need to be the life of the party. Act like a professional at all times.
We think the holidays are a fantastic time of year to continue building your relationships through networking. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season from the Networking Gurus, Cindy Rold and Donna Feldman.
Donna Feldman & Cindy Rold are certified coaches who help professionals become better marketers and networkers so they can grow their businesses, be more successful and achieve their goals. If you're curious about how coaching can help you, call us to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Questions? Contact Donna at donna@thenetworkinggurus.com