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Holiday Time is Great for Networking

December 3, 2009 No kidding – it’s true! Not only do parties and networking events abound in December, but holiday happenings are typically more well-attended and have a more festive (and therefore, more open, easier-to-mingle) atmosphere. Plus, at the company Christmas party, you never know if your significant other works with someone’s spouse that heads up the design department at that great company that’s on your target list! Mingle, share recipes, make holiday tradition small-talk, and tell stories of funny in-law antics to uncover valuable nuggets of industry and job search information.
 
Some tips for making the most of holiday networking activities – the five “Be’s”:
 
1. Be positive – at holiday parties people want to be around others who are positive, fun, welcoming, and make them laugh. Positive people attract others, as their enthusiasm is contagious, and “negative Nellie’s” repel people. So lighten up, listen to some good music, get in a festive mood before the event, and have an arsenal of funny stories to get people laughing and opening up. Likewise, since a common question is “What do you do for work?” – you’ll want to have your “elevator pitch” ready. Practice this concise, unique, and enthusiastic way to introduce yourself and your line of work (e.g., “I really enjoy helping people develop just the right branding to represent their business” or “I love helping people get their important message across to others through their website, video tutorials, and blogs.”) You’ll find that they will want to become your “salesperson” and share your name with others.
 
2. Be interested – it’s important to be a good listener. Conversations should consist of both give and take – listen to their introductions, stories, comments, and add your own. An equal back-and-forth is ideal. And, take your own advice -- if someone you’re talking to is negative and killing your mood, politely excuse yourself.
 
3. Be prepared – research a bit about the topic, presenters, host/company sponsor and/or attendees ahead of time so you have intelligent comments to share. [Hint:  check out the company website, especially the News or About sections, or search the individuals or companies on LinkedIn.] Also, have a couple interesting, funny or successful stories at the ready to share during conversations – ideally about a company in attendance or work experience with an individual at that company.
 
4. Be professional – from handing out business cards to following up with people afterward, you’ll want to jot down a couple notes on the business cards you receive -- to jog your memory as to what you discussed. If someone introduces you to a connection, recommends you contact someone or offers helpful advice and you have positive results, definitely write that person a thank-you email or a hand-written note -- it’s not only common courtesy, but it means the world to people to hear they’ve done something that yielded positive results. Too often, people skip this step, and therefore, you are really noticed/recognized when you actually do it. Also, offer to return the favor by sharing information or introducing your new contact to one of your own.

5. Be selective – since December is an extra-busy month for most, make sure the events you’re planning to attend will be worth your while, time-wise and financially. Check out the topic, speaker/organizer and audience that the event is expected to attract. Often when you reserve your spot for an event online, you’ll be able to view the list of participants. Or, for example, if it’s a meeting put on by the Ad Club of Boston, then you know that a number of different-sized advertising agencies will be participating. Many events are free to attend, just remember look into the parking situation first – do they have free on-street parking or offer validated parking at a nearby garage? If the event has an entry fee, see if there’s a student rate or if they offer first-time participants a discount.
 
On another note, it’s also a good time to re-connect with former business colleagues or new contacts that you are currently developing by sending a holiday-themed email or hand-written card to wish them a joyous season or a fruitful new year. You can let them know what you’re up to as well (e.g., “I’m excited to announce the launch of my new website . . . “ or “I’m just about to graduate, and I can’t wait to start using my skills out there . . .”) [Hint:  I have contacts that I’ve kept in touch with for over 15 years because I send this holiday/change of season/goofy costumed dog photo/what’s up with me email to reach out and say hello now and then.]

Here’s to joyous holidays and happy networking!

Maureen
 

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