From business events to social parties the holidays are full of opportunities to meet new people. A few ways to make the most of your holiday networking opportunities…
Holiday Networking Countdown
Day 10… Say YES! RSVP to those holiday event invites and mark your calendar. The holidays can be a busy time of year. It can be tempting to say no. Just remember that this plethora of holiday parties comes but once a year. Oh and when you RSVP confirm that you can bring a guest.
Day 9… If you have the green light to bring a guest, now’s the time to invite a networking buddy. This isn’t just for comfort factor but to ensure you both meet new people. Think of this person as a networking accountability buddy.
Day 8… Create and/or refill your networking toolkit.
A few of the networking essentials…
- Business Cards – Do you have enough? If not, place a rush order!
- Breath Mints – Ever talk to someone after they’ve been to the buffet? Breath mints aren’t just for you!
- Hand Sanitizer – Disclaimer: never pull hand sanitizer out of your purse and do it in front of someone you’ve just shaken hands with. Occasionally excuse yourself to the ladies room and sanitize there. Then a final time after you leave. There’s nothing worse than getting sick during the holidays or carrying germs home to your family.
- Small Notepad – Emphasis on small! A small notepad allows you to document important notes, reminders, dates, etc. and believe it or not, some of the people you meet will have forgotten to bring their business cards. Make note of any important information you learn about your new contacts as well as planned follow up ideas.
- Two Nice Pens – Yes TWO and yes NICE. Your pens should look nice because people do judge by what they see – a nice professional looking pen is an easy way to convey a professional approach to business networking. You need the second pen in case one runs out.
Day 7… Prepare the not so usual conversation starters. Everyone (and I mean everyone) resorts to “So, what do you do?” as a conversation starter – even at non-business holiday parties. Don’t be that lazy. Put some thought into questions you can ask that will lead to more interesting and memorable conversations. Example: What’s your favourite thing about this time of year? When you’re not working, what do you like to do? How do you know (insert name of event host or mutual acquaintance)? You get the idea.
Day 6… Research some hot “small talk” topics. According to Susan RoAnn, the author of “What Do I Say Next?”, small talk is a way to connect even in situations where “big talk” – murder, war, famine, religion, and politics – may not always be appropriate.
The big issues are important, but we must know the right time or place for them. Small talk is what we do to build to big talk. It is what cements relationships and success.
Example “Small Talk” topic ideas…
- Current Affairs
- Best Selling Books
- Movies
- Business News
- Stock Market
- Industry Trends
Consider your personal interests and areas of expertise to come up with additional topic ideas. Start and develop a journal of interesting topic ideas for future reference.
Day 5… Dress for success (on the outside). What can you wear to the party/event that will help you to stand out, get noticed, start conversations and be memorable? Instead of the traditional black dress, you can opt to wear red. Maybe you have a unique accessory that always gets people talking. Anything that captures attention and draws people to you is an instant ice breaker (and a lot less intimidating than having to introduce yourself to strangers).
Day 4… Dress for success (on the inside). Networking is not prospecting. You’re not a hunter looking for your next prey. Networking is about connecting, being memorable, STARTING relationships – not proposing marriage on the first date. Dress for success on the inside by reminding yourself that networking is about making meaningful connections first.
Day 3… Contact the host to find out who’s going to be there. If the guest list has familiar names, you can begin networking in advance with some pre-event connecting to say “Hello, I hear you’re going to be at the such and such event? I can’t wait to see you again.”
You can let them know you’re bringing someone you think they should meet. This adds value and increase to them before the event even happens. (And, if your networking buddy was able to attend, just think of all the connecting and value creation you can do together.)
And, since this kind of phone call rarely ends there, they will likely ask you what you’ve been up to. During that brief response, you can let them know the type of people you’re hoping to meet at the event and if they know someone like that (or a specific person on your must-meet-someday list that you know is attending) you’d appreciate an introduction.
Day 2… Buy some inexpensive note cards and prepare the envelopes with your return address and stamps. Put these in the glove box of your car (or in your purse). I’ll tell you why in a second.
Day 1… If you’ve managed to take all of my advice thus far – give yourself a pat on the back and take a deep breath. The only thing you need to do today is set a goal to make a meaningful connection with X number of people. What type of person? Who specifically? If you’ve seen the guest list, you can set specific goals to meet specific people, but ultimately it doesn’t really matter. Remember, who they know matters, too. One meaningful connection can be a ripple effect to so much more.
Day of… Introduce yourself (or say hello) to the host. If it turns out that you don’t know a single soul and your networking date cancelled on you, let the host know you’re flying solo and the type of people (or specific person) you’re looking to meet. They will be happy to introduce you to others.
All it takes is one or two initial introduction to get the spirit of networking working in your favor. And make sure you return the favor by introducing the people you meet. If you were initially introduced to Susan, you can ask the person you’re speaking with if they’ve already met Susan. If not, be a connector. Now the value of knowing YOU increases substantially.
Post Event – Follow Up
Back to the stash of note cards with prepared envelopes you’ve placed in your glove box or purse. As soon as you get in your car, jot a short personal hand written note to your new contacts and drop the cards in a mailbox BEFORE you get home. This way it’s sure to get done AND think about the impact you’ll make because almost nobody takes the time to follow up in such a personal manner.
Wondering what to write? Keep it simple…
Hi Susan!
It was great meeting you tonight at the ____________ (insert name of event). I really enjoyed our conversation about the ____________ (fill in the blank or create a sentence that acknowledges your memory of the conversation). I’m anxious to learn more about that so I’ll be in touch with you soon.
Feel free to contact me anytime at (your contact info).
My Best,
Gina Bell,
President & Founder
IAWBO.com
Post Follow Up – Keep In Touch
Think of all the reasons to re-connect with the people you meet.
- Invite them to parties and networking events
- Mail magazine articles you know they’ll enjoy or relate to their industry and past conversations
- Call or email just to see how they’re doing
- Arrange a 3-way lunch to introduce two people you think should meet
- Email an interesting web address
- Forward a photo
- Recommend a book
- Pass on a newsletter.
Each time you connect make sure you tell them why you’re reaching out so they understand the relevance. Try to reference it to a fascinating fact you discovered about them (like an interest or hobby or area of their expertise).
You get the idea. Find ways to re-connect and be the connection for others. You’ll improve your top of mind status and be more memorable.
A good keep in touch strategy can win clients long after your first meeting. Recent statistics indicate more than 50% of business professionals give up on their prospects too soon!
Here’s the thing. Who is more memorable, the person who does all the talking or the person who took the time to truly listen to you, went out of their way to introduce you to others and followed up with you? BE that person!
As Tim Sanders, author of Love is the Killer App says “Networking is a gift you give to others”. So listen with genuine attention or make an effort to introduce to others.
Happy (Holiday) Networking!
P.S. One final tip – Go easy on the rum and egg nog, okay?
9 Comments
Hi Gina,
I really loved your article. Right on the money with the conversation starters (a personal problem for an introvert) and the follow-up. I wrote down notes on what to say and will take them to my next holiday party.
@GinaBell this is probably the best article I have read on networking! You have it all covered! Thank you so much!
Great tips! love, love, love day #7!! It’s unique and unexpected. 🙂
Thanks Gina (awesome name lol). And thanks for popping by my Facebook wall. Getting feedback like that totally makes my day. We all need validation and I really appreciate when people such as you take the time to comment and pass things along. xo
Thanks Sarah! What a thrilling compliment 🙂 xo
Hi Wendy, I am a (success-driven) introvert too so it’s no wonder that you can relate to my tips 😉 Glad you found a nugget you can use. xo
Excellent advice, and I love that you quote both Susan RoAnn (I sat next to her at a Bottom Line dinner salon years ago) and Tim Sanders (long-time Internet friend). Off to Tweet the link.
Hi Shel, thanks so much and thanks for sharing the link on Twitter too 🙂
Heads up… here’s another Holiday Networking article from one of my favorite mentors – Dr. Ivan Misner http://networking.entrepreneur.com/2009/12/17/networking-at-holiday-parties/ Enjoy!