Use Holiday Parties To Network

Use Holiday Parties To Network
By Cecile Peterkin

Many people view the holidays as a "slow" time for any
business, except retail. A time when businesses prepare for year
end, putting new projects on hold and instituting hiring freezes
until after the holidays. But viewing this as a time to put away
your business cards and shelve your resume could be a big
mistake.

The holidays are a great excuse to network and because of the
often relaxed and jovial atmosphere of a party, you can be
poised to make a lasting impression in a much more personal way.

Even though businesses may not be buying or hiring at this time
of year, the people that populate those businesses are primed
and ready to make new connections - connections that could end
up generating leads for you in the New Year.

Dress for the Part

Whether you’re going to friend’s house or a business gathering,
make sure you’re dressed appropriately in clean, dressy and
circumspect attire. Though this is after-hours, it’s still a
first impression, so make it a great one. You don’t have to wear
what you would to the office but you should definitely leave the
club clothes in the closet. Most important of all - wear a
smile, it’s everyone’s best accessory.

No Hard-Sell

Networking doesn‘t mean marketing, selling or advertising.
Networking is a friendly and informal way to let people get to
know you and what you have to offer. If the boom of social media
has shown us anything, it’s that people like to deal with
someone they know and trust. So enjoy yourself, meet new people
and when the topic invariably veers towards work - share what
you do, whether you’re starting a new business or looking to
branch out. If you make a connection or they’re interested
enough to ask more about your venture, leave them with a
business card. Just don’t palm your card to every person in the
room - it’s tacky and won’t win you any new contacts.

Limit the Libations

It’s a party, invariably there will be drinks, but remember
this is not happy hour with your best friends. Keeping your
wits about you while maintaining a fun but professional demeanor
will serve you well when that next potential client or future
supervisor asks why you’re a better fit for their job
opportunities than the competition.

Listen

People enjoy sharing about themselves. You endear yourself to
others by being a good and interested listener. Nervous about
how to approach someone new? Ask questions about them. Excellent
icebreakers are those that get people sharing stories like, "How
do you know (the host)?'" Avoid questions that only leave room
for yes or no answers.

Relax

This is not a job interview, go ahead and have fun. Laugh,
dance and chat people up. Be yourself - just at your best. Go,
not with the intention of landing a new job or client, but
rather a new friend or connection. Be genuine and of course,
helpful. If the host needs an extra hand carrying out a tray of
snacks or if you have a tip for your new acquaintance - share
it. Give generously, by helping them solve a problem or just
sharing your experience with a similar situation. There is no
better way to make a great first impression than by being kind
and generous of spirit (while networking) - especially during
the holidays.

You never know what gifts those holiday parties could yield in
the New Year.

Copyright, Cecile Peterkin. All rights reserved.

About the Author: Cecile Peterkin is a Certified Career, Life
Coach and Speaker. Feeling stuck in middle management or mid
career? Claim your FR-EE Assessment and complimentary career
guidance coaching session at:
http://www.CosmicCoachingCentre.com/careercoach.html

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