It’s the best time to be looking for a job. It’s a highly social time of the year. Everyone is hosting a party to celebrate a holiday or the end of the year. Due to the nature of the holidays, people are in a giving mood. Attend as many events as you can and meet as many people as you can.
Here are five things you should know to make this holiday season’s networking successful for you.
Networking isn’t about getting the job. It’s about establishing relationships with people. It’s about being giving and taking with you doing quite a bit of giving while establishing a relationship. Give with a sincere and generous spirit instead of “I’ll give now but you will have to give later.” That’s a one-sided relationship. While networking in this way, you need patience. Things will not happen overnight. But, you are laying foundations and planting seeds that will pay off in the long run.
Know how to start conversations. People are not going to events looking for you. You are looking for them. Before the event, take a look at the news to see what people are talking about. Some good starters are the weather, the venue and the refreshments, the event sponsor/host, or local sports teams. Avoid hot topics such as politics and religion.
Follow up. Building a relationship requires contact after the first conversation. Remember to continue the relationship after the holidays. During the conversation, note the things that interest them or some problem they want solved. When you follow-up, include where you met and a little about your conversation.
Some tips.
Dress—You don’t want to be remembered for the “outfit” you were wearing. Keep your apparel festive but conservative.
Food—Don’t over indulge at any party. It’s a long season with delicious, tempting food resulting in holiday weight gain you will regret in the New Year.
Alcohol—Avoid alcohol; stick to soft drinks or club soda. You reduce your inhibitions and run the risk of not remembering the people you spoke to and what you said you would follow-up on. And you don’t want to embarrass yourself.
Business cards and resumes—Bring plenty of business cards with you; you don’t want to run out when you meet “the” person. Wait for a request for your résumé before sending it out and don’t give it at networking events.
Final thoughts. Your mindset will go a long way in determining how successful you are during the holiday season. People like friendly, positive people. They will be more willing to help you if you are a likeable person.
The holiday season is the best time to build your network. Family, friends, companies, schools, associations and clubs celebrate at the end of the year. Be prepared to meet people and add to your network. Enjoy yourself, be positive and a new job will be waiting for you in the New Year.
How can I help you in your job search?
Hi Arleen. I enjoyed this post about networking. I especially loved the idea about conversation starters. That’s where I always fall down once I get through the weather, what’s new in business, etc. I’m great at starting conversations, but I never seem to get anything about myself out there – it never volleys back to my neck of the woods. People start chatting about themselves and soon as you know it, you’re short time has been filled out with learning about them. Any suggestions on how to counteract that?
Hi Lynn, I looked at your website and found the answer to your question. When you meet someone, introduce yourself by saying what you do that leaves them wondering exactly what you do. For example from your website, I found this statement: “It is my mission at Lynn Spiro & Company to help you optimize the productivity in your business and the functionality in your home so that you can do what you love and live in a peaceful, relaxing oasis.” You could say something like: “I help people who work from home do what they love and live in a peaceful, relaxing oasis.” Don’t give them the whole story right off the bat. Instead give them just enough to have them wanting more. Hopefully, you will get to control the first half of the conversation, then you take the initiative to turn the conversation around to them. Or you can let them control the first half and then make a comment about what they said and relate it to you and your business that stimulate their curiosity about what you do. I hope these tips help you.