Networking With Boughs of Holly
The holiday season is a fabulous time to network. The events and oportunities are endless. You just have to be willing to see the possibilities. Here are just a few:
Holiday Parties
Holiday parties are great social opportunities, but you can turn them into networking opportunties as well. Just be conscious of and honor the occasion. In other words, don't try to sell your services at a party. Do a lot of listening. Keep the business cards in your pocket unless someone asks. But social occasions can lead to business in the future. If you meet someone new at a party, offer to meet them for a cup of coffee in the new year. Listen for needs. This is a great time of year to give someone a referral that answers a real need. All part of the gift-giving spirit of the season.
Holiday Cards and Letters
How often do you find yourself thinking about people you've lost contact with? This is the perfect time of year to reach out. Send a holiday card. Pick up the phone and call. It's very simple. Just say, "You know, it's been a while since we talked, and I was just wanting to say Hi and wish you a happy holiday." And just like that, you've reconnected with an old friend, colleague or client.
And do not overlook that old tradition of the holiday letter. Have you started a new business? Added something to an existing business? Or perhaps just had a great year and want to share? Include a letter with that card. Brag about yourself and all the great things you've done this year!
Holiday Travel
Many people travel this time of year. Networking doesn't have to stop when you leave town. Even if your business is local, you can still tell friends and family about your successes. You never know who people know until you start talking. Maybe Great Aunt Mary lives in Pierre, South Dakota and your business is in Springfield, Virginia. But what you didn't know until you mentioned it is that Great Aunt Mary's beloved god daughter just moved to Arlington. And is in need of someone like you. So don't be shy. Talk about yourself and the great things happening in your business!
Networking doesn't have to go down just because the decorations go up. Networking is about building and maintaining relationships. And isn't that what the holidays are about too?
Well, okay. And it's about the presents. But building the relationships now can lead to presents all next year!
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Greetings!