Holiday networking tips

As the holidays approach, what comes to mind? Presents, time off, or, perhaps, parties? How about networking? Networking?!

During the holiday season, our priorities tend to shift to taking time off, shopping or making travel plans. Others, looking for a job, consider postponing their search efforts until the beginning of the year when everyone is back in business mode.  Not so. Savvy networkers know that holiday gatherings provide a suitable environment to identify and engage in potential relationships. The plain fact that many professionals put their networking efforts on hold until after the holidays creates a prime opportunity to network. Simply put, there is less competition and more chances to get to know key people one on one.

Planes, Trains, Parties and the Food Pantry
A great number of people commute during the holidays. Planes, airports and other means of transportation are excellent places to engage in conversation and ‘practice' networking. Given the current wait time between check-in and boarding, travelers have a greater opportunity to make small talk that could lead to more meaningful conversation.

A second opportunity for holiday networking is the holiday party hosted by student or professional organizations.  For those looking for work, holiday events hosted by professional organizations provide an optimal environment to connect with those interested in your field. An added bonus: the holiday season is the one time when companies sponsoring professional organizations make a point to be visible.

A third --often overlooked place to network-- is through volunteer work. An overwhelming sense of generosity kicks in during the holidays. While delivering meals on Thanksgiving Day several years ago, my husband and I met a woman who lived in our town and worked for a company that I had targeted as a potential employer. She gave me some pointers regarding the organization, and I helped her connect with a town official whom I knew well and she was trying to reach. It was a win-win that resulted from casual conversation and common interest.

Holiday networking may seem an unorthodox way to connect with people and build relationships. However, if you follow the premise that networking is a lifelong skill and not a tactic to a short-term goal, you will uncover the secret that savvy networkers share: Networking does not take a holiday!

Writer's note:  Parts of this post we previously published in Color Magazine.

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