Top Ten Rules of Holiday Networking

You should know and follow these rules of holiday networking. Yes, the Holiday season is upon us. It’s a time when humanity is a little friendlier, the food and drinks are forthcoming, and people greet each other with love and hope in their hearts. And whether you consciously consider it or not, it’s a time when people network.  At any gathering of friends, acquaintances, and business associates, some level of networking involves grinding the gears. The question is, do you want to be prepared or leave it to chance?

Top Ten Rules of Holiday NetworkingGo caroling or at least get out of the House 

Don’t be a social pariah, attend events, go to parties, and enjoy yourself (not too much). Stand up to be counted when it counts.

Decorate the place…with guests 

Host a gathering. Invite friends to your home. Send out invitations to a holiday social at your place of business or entertain offsite. Salute the holidays with a celebration.

Send greetings 

Mail Holiday cards, send a festive email, or deliver a holiday gift to a cherished customer or vendor.

Don’t eat too many Christmas cookies

Overdoing food and especially drink is the anti-networking demon. Be careful. What to do when Networking moves to the bar.

Honor the season of giving

The holidays are a season of giving not taking so, in the spirit of the season, ask others how you might help them. Give, don’t take, and you may be paid back in kind.

Remember it’s a time of sharing

One of the best ways to share is to connect people. Introduce friends and associates who may be able to help each other.

Don’t be a department store Santa

After the age of five or six, most children suspect the man whose lap they’re sitting on isn’t Santa. Your customers can tell the difference too. Don’t send out greetings or make overtures as vaguely disguised marketing pieces.

Make it Christmas every day of the year

Follow up after the holidays. Networking Doesn’t End at the Event.

Give Thanks

Give thanks for blessings and show gratitude to those who shared the holiday with you. Don’t be lazy. Send a thank you card. You can buy a pack of twenty or so at a dollar store! 

And the number one answer is…drum roll, please…

Ring the Bell

Don’t be overly pushy but know what you want and need before attending an event. You never know who you may meet or when someone may ask how they could help you. Be prepared.

In the Spirit

You may not think of the holidays as a networking opportunity, but they are. And they will be as long as folks gather together. It doesn’t mean anyone should coldly market themselves or their product at a holiday party. The holidays don’t give you a license to be pushy and obnoxious. It means you should be prepared. Now go drink some punch—but not too much.

Are You a Good Networker?

I’d always considered myself an effective networker. I’m friendly, easy to talk to, and I’ve never met a stranger. However, none of that makes me a good networker – it makes me outgoing. I needed a plan to be an effective networker. That’s how my networking workbook, Help Networking started.

My plan probably won’t be your plan. That’s why throughout the book there are worksheets, checklists, and simple CTA’s. Use these to create a networking plan that fits your needs.

If you liked this post you might also enjoy, Should You Network at a Christmas Party?

Photo by Antenna on Unsplash

 

The post Top Ten Rules of Holiday Networking appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.