SolveYourProblem
Article Series: Networking
How To Successfully Network Yourself
Networking
At Casual Holiday Events
The holiday season brings with it tons of
office parties and other social events. People generally gather
much more frequently during the holidays and are more likely
to show benevolence. Don’t shy away from these pubic gatherings;
instead use them as networking opportunities.
Keep in mind networking at these seasonal gatherings should
be approached slightly differently than in more traditional
settings. A casual holiday event provides an informal forum
for networking. People are attending the event primarily to
enjoy themselves, so keep your networking advances light and
relaxed.
The holidays are excellent times for social networking; however,
remember things move more slowly around this time of year.
Usually people are traveling or overworked during this season,
so don’t get frustrated if phone calls aren’t returned right
away or it is difficult to get an appointment. You can avoid
this problem by planning ahead; ask to meet up with a person
you’d like to speak with before the holiday event. Or follow
up after the holidays. Sending a quick email or card after
the chaos of the season has died down will probably jog your
connection’s memory about any commitments they may have made.
Experts generally advise not to expect anything major to happen
between Thanksgiving and the New Year.
Here are four
easy tips for effective networking at casual
holiday events.
The first hint for networking during the holidays is an obvious
one. Get out there! Though the thought of attending another
yuletide inspired event might not seem like a great idea at
first, it is probably the best time of year to maximize your
networking skills.
This means you should attend as many social gatherings during
the holidays as you can fit into your schedule. Don’t be afraid
to be assertive. If there is an event that you would like to
attend but did not receive an invitation to find out who is
going and hint that you wouldn’t mind joining them. Try to
get your foot in the door wherever you can, as you never know
who you might meet and where you might meet them.
“Getting out there” does not just mean showing up to the party.
Once you are there be bold. If there is someone you’d like
to meet don’t be afraid to introduce yourself or have a mutual
friend do it for you. Try to manage your time wisely. Don’t
spend the evening schmoozing with people you already know,
and then try to catch your networking target as there attempting
to walk out the door. Remember the more socializing you do
during the peak hours of the party when the most people are
there the more luck you will have at effectively networking.
The second tip for networking at a casual holiday event is
to dress professionally. Though you are at a party, remember
you are there to build social and business contacts as well.
This means you should dress appropriately. Women should not
dress overtly sexy and men should not go so casual that it
may be perceived as sloppy. If you’re not sure how casual the
event is or what the appropriate attire might be, over dress
rather than under dress. Try to have your outfit portray your
professional intent and you’ll be more likely to make a good
impression.
The third helpful hint for holiday networking involves drinking.
At holiday events and social gatherings there is almost always
alcohol present. It is fine to have a drink socially, but limit
your alcohol intake if networking is your main objective. Drinking
to much might make you over talkative or loud or worse.
A forth tip for effective networking at holiday events is
bringing your business cards. After meeting someone interesting
it is a good way to make sure they have your name and contact
information for the future. If you do not have business cards
or are currently unemployed you should still come with your
contact information readily available to give out.
# # # # # SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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