The Holidays seem more like Holi-daze with shopping, cooking, parties, wrapping, decorating, planning, family, ice storms and kids home from school. It's crazy town.
I know what you're thinking.
How in the world is a person supposed to get anything done? And then you want me to go to a networking event?
Take a breath.
‘Tis the season to be jolly! Don’t let holiday Scrooges convince you that business is slow. It’s a perfect time to make connections.
People at Holiday events are far more open and relaxed.
Follow these great networking tips:
· Just go. If you were invited, it means that somebody likes you. If you don’t go, you may lose that connection or worse yet, insult them.
· Bring something to the party. It doesn’t have to be much. Bring chocolate or a cookie for each attendee with a business card attached or a special Holiday coupon. People will be glad you came.
· Leave the sales pitch at home. Don’t be a salesman. Have fun or you may not be invited back next year. Your goal is to get people to know, like and trust you, not pitch your business.
· Be the Listener of the party. Take notes on business cards, get their email address and thank the person that you are listening to. Enjoy yourself. Try to relax. Make friends.
· Follow-up. Send a quick email or card to everyone you met. Let them know that you enjoyed visiting with them. Send a Thank-You to the Host. There may be a few people that you met that you would like to get together with for a 121 after the Holidays or even invite them to your Gold Star meeting.
· You may want to invite them to your next referral group meeting. Just say:
“Hi Tom, this is Dan… We met at the party two weeks ago. I’ve been thinking about what you do. I get together with some business people every Wednesday for lunch. We exchange referrals and share business. Would you like to join us for lunch on Wednesday? I’ll introduce you around.”
Relax and enjoy the Holidays!
