12 Holiday Networking Tips

The holiday season holds great potential for job-hunters to expand their contacts and accelerate their campaign efforts. Spreading holiday cheer and New Year’s greetings over the phone, via e-mail or with a card is a great excuse to reconnect with people you don’t regularly see or with whom you correspond infrequently. And all the seasonal festivities present ample opportunities to network in relaxed, friendly settings. It’s so much easier to make small-talk about those universal topics ( like family, food, shopping, etc.) help break awkward silences and warm up conversations that you can eventually direct toward your networking needs. What’s more, holiday time is an ideal chance for job-hunters, especially those who find setting up networking meetings difficult, to make a connection with someone they want to get to know by offering them a ride to a party, providing directions, or inviting them or giving a ticket to an event.

Here are some tips on making the most of the holiday season’s many networking opportunities:

1.   Be selective about which events you attend. If you have multiple invitations for the same date or just don’t want to spread yourself too thin, decide which events are worth your time based on the networking potential that each provides and/or the amount of fun you think you’ll have.

2.   Do your homework. Before the event you’re planning to attend, find out who is expected to be there. Politely ask the person organizing the event if they might tell you whom they invited. Then identify the individuals you want to meet. Learn about these people and the companies they work for so you can have an intelligent discussion with them and thus make a positive impression.

3.   Plan ahead. Consider what you might say to break the ice and keep conversations flowing. People are going to ask you what you do for work, so know how to answer that question: Come up with a succinct explanation that labels you as an expert and be ready with a few success stories that illustrates what you do and distinguishes you from the rest of the pack. Also think about what you might offer the people you meet in terms of advice, an introduction or a referral. Planning ahead will help you make the most of the event and will increase your confidence going into it.

4.   Know what you want to accomplish. When you finally get in front of your target contact, what do you want to get out of the interaction? Do you want their business card, a referral or permission to contact them afterwards to discuss your mutual interests?

5.   Make a good first impression. In the age of the Internet, a social event is an invaluable opportunity to speak with people face-to-face. So give the casual attire a break and look smart for the occasion. Also keep your business cards handy. Stay alert and coherent.

6.   Have a friend introduce you. If you’re uncomfortable introducing yourself to someone new, find someone who knows one of the individuals you want to meet and ask that person to introduce you. Show your gratitude to your introducer by finding a way to help him or her. Never forget a favor.

7.   Work the room with someone. You’ll be surprised how much easier it is to meet new people when you do so with another person by your side. Find someone with whom you’re socially compatible, who brings out the best in you and vice versa, and introduce yourselves to someone new.

8.   Stay focused. Just as a job interview over lunch is not about the food, a holiday networking occasion is never about the libations. It’s about expanding your circle of relevant contacts and learning and remembering as much as you can from your conversations. It’s a good idea to take notes—either on the back of business cards or in a small notebook or your PDA—so that you can recall your conversation when you follow-up with people. But do it discreetly, when you’re out of view, in your car or back at home.

9.   Quality is more important than quantity. It’s better to spend your time having a meaningful conversation with a few carefully chosen contacts than to have a zillion superficial interactions. Don’t break off a productive discussion to start another one, thereby leaving your first partner hanging. By the same token, don’t waste anyone’s time or prevent others from doing the networking they want to do. Be respectful and courteous. Your goal is to be remembered for the right reasons and to get someone to take action on your behalf. You need to be more than a name on a card or resume; you need be a resource they’ll keep on their radar for appropriate referrals and recommendations.

10. Know when to hold your tongue. It’s better to remain silent than to put your foot in your mouth, so if you don’t have anything to add, don’t feel obligated to talk. You can’t hurt yourself by being quiet, offering a friendly smile, or nodding to indicate that you are listening appreciatively. It’s better to leave a neutral impression than to damage your reputation by speaking out of turn or making a politically incorrect statement. Plus, you never know what others who are listening could be hearing and then later reporting.

11. Be gracious. Write timely thank you notes for invitations, assistance, introductions, referrals and advice. Not only does this show you have good manners and are courteous, it also makes someone else feel appreciated and reminds them of your interaction.

12. Follow up. To maximize the value of your networking efforts, be sure to follow up on the contacts you made in December early in the new year. Make keeping in touch regularly with your network your new year’s resolution. You don’t want to be ‘out of touch; out of mind.’ Persistence is a guaranteed advantage in the job market.

Happy holidays and happy networking!

Posted by Debra Feldman