Networking during the holidays.

The holidays present terrific opportunities for you to network.  You have a built in excuse to contact former employers, co-workers, classmates, military buddies and extended family.  However, have you considered how religious and cultural events could help you expand your network?

      From November to February there are a plethora of cultural and religious activities that are sponsored by colleges, museums, religious and civic organizations not to mention bookstores, grocery stores and wine galleries that are designed to enlighten the public.  The costs of these events are usually free or minimal.  By attending events that are not reflective of your heritage, you increase your chances of meeting someone that you don’t know as well as demonstrating your ability to function in the global market.  The newspaper and library will have information about public events for Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Feast of the Three Kings, Ramadan and Chinese New Year.  Your goal should be to attend at least one event every day.

      So how can you take advantage of these networking opportunities?  Holiday networking is like speed dating.  Prepare for these events, by learning a little about the sponsoring organization, identify key people that should be in attendance that you want to meet and learn the purpose of the celebration.  This information will also help you determine how you should dress.  Have 5 to 10 questions designed to keep the conversation light, interesting and moving.  If possible, practice using your questions so that you will feel comfortable.  You can chat up people in the buffet line and during intermissions.  Knowing a few key phrases in the language that will be used will impress people.  Just like in speed dating, you are only making the initial contact and will follow-up with an actual date.

    Focus on your potential “date” by listening attentively.  Ask questions about them, their reason for attending and the role their company plays in these events.  Do not linger with one person; because they came to have fun and you came to meet people.  Before you end the conversation, exchange business cards and let the person know that you would like to talk with them again.

     Personal business cards should be no more than four lines.  The purpose of the card is for your contact to remember you and reach you.  If you plan to introduce yourself as Bob then list that name rather than Robert on the card.  Do not assume the person will make the connection because they might have been drinking or focused on other issues while you spoke.  Your phone number and email should be listed.  Credentials can be tactfully included i.e. Bob Smith, BSW.  Jot notes about the person/event on the back of their card.  You can also do this on the back of blank cards.  Invest in a nice card case and pen in order to make a professional impression. 

     Just like in dating, the sooner you make that follow-up call the more likely the other person will consider you a serious contender.  Remind them who you are and where you met before asking for an appointment.   You are requesting an informational interview in order to get to know their company better.  Expecting a job interview is akin to expecting a marriage proposal after the first date, so go slow.

     As a life coach, I encourage people to balance all aspects of their life.  Networking during the holidays should not take you away from your family.  Many activities are designed for families with children, so feel free to make this a family event but make sure your children are a positive reflection of you.  They should be well behaved and not ill.  Relax and have fun but getting intoxicated is a definite no-no.  For obvious reasons, avoid eating foods that are dripping sauce, could affect your breath or stick in your teeth.  Times are hard but be prepared to make a donation.  Ask for a receipt for your taxes, this will put you on their mailing list as well as give you a deduction.  One thing, that all of these religious and cultural events have in common, is  the concept of gratitude and hope for the future; I want to encourage you to embrace this positive energy.  If you want more information or would like help preparing for holiday networking call or email me.