The holiday season is generally considered a time to catch up on sleep, take pleasure in being with loved ones, and celebrate. What if I told you it’s also one of the best times to reach out to others in your professional network? It’s not about pitching business every time you have a cheerful conversation with someone but instead using your natural opportunities to connect personally with people. Now, let’s jump into how you can navigate festive gatherings to build those long lasting relationships.
Why the Holidays Are Ideal for Networking
There’s a different atmosphere this time of year. People are usually more relaxed, open for conversations and they rejoice the idea of sharing their past experiences. This stages the foundation for true relationships free from the obligation of formal meetings or events.
A Relaxed Atmosphere
Holiday gatherings are frequently without formality, unlike business conferences or corporate events. Whether its a Christmas party, a New Years’ or a simple hangout, it fosters open communication.
Shared Festive Spirit
There’s a camaraderie and goodwill that people do feel during the holidays. The festive spirit shared can help you to open up and bond with someone, even if it’s your first time meeting them.
A Break from Routine
With most people stepping away from their usual grind, they are more receptive to conversations that don’t revolve around work. Connecting on a personal level is an opportunity, which often strengthens our professional relationships in the future.
Preparing for Holiday Networking
Spontaneity is part of the charm of holiday networking, but a little preparation can make your connections super meaningful.
Define Your Goals
Contemplate what you would like your result to be before going to that event. Perhaps you’re seeking to reconnect with past colleagues, to meet new potential collaborators, or are looking to increase your network. Setting a goal will drive your conversations.
Research the Guest List
If you have an idea who will be attending, do some research into who they are. Of course, this doesn’t involve incessantly staring at their LinkedIn profile, but it’s enough information to open a very interesting conversation.
Have Your Elevator Pitch Ready
You don’t want your introduction to feel like you’ve rehearsed it, but it can be really useful to have a quick introduction about yourself as a go to. I’m Alex, I’m in marketing. Instead, take for instance, “I’ve spent time in the past few years working on digital strategies for small businesses.”
Mastering the Art of Conversation
Effective networking at the holidays is not running around handing out business cards or hitting up people with work talk every chance you get. It’s about creating real ones through honest chats.
Start with Festive Topics
Start with light, holiday related topics. Then ask them about their favorite holiday traditions, or travel plans, or a favorite gift they’ve ever got. These questions are both non intimidating and set the tone for things friendly.
Listen More Than You Talk
People love to feel heard. Be seriously interested in what the other person has to talk about. Ask follow up questions and don’t take over the conversation.
Find Common Ground
Search for common grounds: such as common interests and past experiences. Maybe you both love to ski or you both have been to the same holiday market. These points of connection can make your conversation more engaging, more memorable.
Transition to Professional Topics Naturally
Once there’s been a conversation started, it’s easier to flow into work related subjects. So, for example, if somebody tells you they’re going to be traveling for work, you can ask what industry they’re in, or share a story from your own experience in that field.
Making a Lasting Impression
Holiday networking isn’t about meeting people; it’s about how they remember you. Here are the steps you can take so that you don’t leave a bad impression.
Be Genuine
You can see when someone isn’t being sincere. Don’t try to impress and be yourself, really connecting with people.
Express Gratitude
A simple thank you for sharing that, or I really enjoyed our conversation can make an impact. People ought to be made to feel valued. And gratitude does that.
Follow Up
After the event, just send a quick message to the people you got to meet. Maybe, “It was great to meet you at the holiday party,” was as simple as. I’d love to stay in touch.”
Overcoming Networking Challenges
The reality is that networking, especially during social events, can be pretty intimidating for many. Some common challenges have been overcome and here are some tips to do the same.
Feeling Out of Place
If you are an introvert, or are new to a group, begin with joining the smaller conversations, or perhaps looking for someone who is similar to you — squished into loneliness. Less intimidating is for the person to have one-on-one interactions, rather than in groups.
Avoiding Awkward Silence
Have a few go to questions in mind in case there are some gaps. “What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?” and “Have you tried any good recipes this season?” are either sure to get the conversation going or at least reignite it.
Balancing Networking and Socializing
In the back of your mind, it’s okay to remember that you can just enjoy the event. It doesn’t have to be yet another networking opportunity. But some of the best couplings are made when you’re just having fun.
Creative Ways to Network During the Holidays
Networks aren’t just places you go to traditional gatherings. Use these creative opportunities to expand your circle of people you think and connect with.
Volunteer Together
A great way to participate in a charity event or community service is to meet other people with similar minds. Also, when working for a common goal, you build a natural bond.
Host Your Own Gathering
If you feel comfortable, consider planning a small get together for the holidays. And, ask a mixture of friends, friends of friends, and co workers to attend. This makes for a relaxed environment of people connecting organically.
Attend Workshops or Classes
There can be no better way to enjoy the spirit of the holiday than holiday themed workshops—cooking classes, craft sessions are fun and great chances to meet people who share similar interests.
The Role of Social Media
You don’t want to underestimate the power of social media in the holiday season. You can keep and build your network by using a platform such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and even Twitter.
Share Holiday Updates
Share your stories of how you spent your holiday time by posting about events you attended, or about volunteering. It’s a nice and subtle reminder to your network of your presence.
Engage with Others’ Content
Share posts from people in your network. This keeps you visible and allows conversation to progress.
Send Personalized Holiday Greetings
A thoughtful message on holiday can ignite old connections. Bring it a little personal, by talking about something specific about your relationship, or something that has happened recently.
Wrapping It Up
Networking doesn’t have to be scary during the holidays. Embracing the festive spirit and choosing to celebrate connections – old and new – is a great chance to strengthen relationships you already have and create new ones. The trick is to be authentic, active listening, and having fun. Sadly, I know this. The holidays are about connection—at the personal and professional level. So – grab a cup of eggnog, step in to the holiday cheer, and let’s start connecting!
LekFex 