The Three Truths About Networking During the Holiday Season

Networking is an activity that should never stop. During the holiday season especially, people tend to take a break from networking due to family and work obligations.

The truth of the matter is that you should constantly be networking and building relationships no matter the time of the year. The following truths should help you understand why its necessary to continue your networking during the holiday season.

Truth 1: Holiday Events Are a Casual Way to Interact

Throughout the year, you have probably attended several networking events that are focused more on business. These events may have had a speaker, structured networking activity or panel discussion.

Of course, you have also probably attended some events that are more social in nature such as a happy hour, charity auction or wine tasting. As you have experienced, these events are usually more laid back than the professional development events.

The same can be said for end-of-the-year holiday events. These events are not only very social but also very fun and relaxed.

In fact, these events are often a chance for organizations to celebrate the end of the year with employees, clients, partners and sponsors. Whether an event is put on by a corporation or a networking group, you will have the chance to meet some important individuals and build some of your existing relationships.

If your organization is putting on its own holiday party, this is a great opportunity for you to get to know your fellow co-workers. If a networking group is putting on its own holiday party, this is a great opportunity for you to meet other members and other individuals in the community.

Truth 2: Holiday Greetings Are a Great Way to Connect

Because its important for you to maintain your relationships, make sure you stay in front of your network as much as possible. Use the holidays as one way to reach out to people. Send a holiday greeting either by regular mail or e-mail to either your entire network or select individuals. Make sure these greetings are personalized.

Also, use this as an opportunity to update people about your job, your personal life or your contact information. By including this information, you are proactively reaching out to individuals to keep them in the loop about yourself.

Furthermore, make sure you send holiday wishes to your clients. If you have a company announcement, include this information as well.

Your clients will appreciate your holiday card because it will show that youre thinking about them. If your company is putting on a holiday event, this is the ideal time to invite your customers (assuming that your party isnt just for employees).

Truth 3: People Are More Relaxed Inside, Outside of the Office

During this time of the year, individuals should have less pressure at work because many of their co-workers and clients are on vacation. They will have fewer meetings, client interactions or other demands on their time.

Of course, exceptions do occur, such as you having to cover client communications for your out-of-town co-workers. This can cause some unwanted stress for a short time. At the same time, you will have fewer distractions from your co-workers because they will not be in the office.

Nonetheless, use this as an opportunity to reach out to other professionals because they generally should have more time to talk and meet with you. Catch up with some of your existing contacts by inviting them out to lunch or coffee.

This is also a good time for you to connect with new professionals who you would like to get to know. Invite them to lunch or coffee as well or set up an office meeting.

If youre looking for a job, use this time of the year as a great opportunity to connect with hiring managers or people you know. Some companies will want a pool of candidates to choose from at the end of the year so they can hire for January.

Also, because many people may stop looking for a job during the holidays, the competition will be reduced. This could put you ahead of other job seekers. As you never know when you will connect with the right people at the right time, you should never stop networking.

Final Thought

Dont let the holidays pass you by without continuing to network. No matter the time of the year, you should be active in networking. In reality, the holidays are a great time to network with others due to holiday parties, sending holiday greetings and more relaxed individuals.

Jason Jacobsohn is a seasoned networker who believes in relationship building as a key component to business success. He enjoys helping others succeed by making introductions, planning events, and sharing resources. In addition, Jacobsohn enthusiastically shares resources with his network through his e-mail newsletter, Network Your Way to Success, and http://www.jacobsohn.com, a comprehensive business and networking resources Web site. Further, he shares an additional perspective through his blog at http://www.networkinginsight.com

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