Well… Here come the holidays, and in full force.
I don’t know about you, but my schedule is BUSY… jam-packed, full to the brim. There are networking events, association and club meetings, family gatherings, friends’ parties, Meetup’s, Facebook events, Evites… Oh my head!
This can be a very interesting time of the year for many businesses (and tough for some). So much to do and so little time, lots of running around from this meeting to that event, back to work, downtown to run errands, to the mall for presents, back to that other event that I almost forgot about…
And if you’re an entrepreneur, small business owner or sales professional, your sales might slow down as people gear up for the holidays, unless you sell reindeer feed, like my uncle in Alaska.
All this can drain your energy, cause stress and send some of us straight to “Bah, Humbug!” land. (Didn’t know that was a real place, did you?)
But, is that the kind of presence you want to have when you meet someone new at one of these many parties, networking events and meetings? Are you going to let out a cry for mercy as someone new approaches you at the eggnog bowl and tries to “pitch you” their services while grabbing a mini pizza roll?
I know the feeling. I’ve woken up late in the night and cried out for help and a break from all the holiday overload. But then I discovered the “rules” of classy, stylish and easy networking . . . and how to rule all these holiday events instead of having them rule me.
(Yep.. you knew this was going somewhere!)
Well, here are “10 Holiday Networking Tips” that I want to share with you that I’ve found helpful. They are especially useful during the holiday season to make connections that count, and they will help you keep your energy, sanity and holiday cheer. (And see below for even more direct assistance with this fun topic!)
1.) Make a good first impression
It counts OH SO MUCH!
2.) Be polite, respectful & honest
This is how you want to be treated, right?
3.) Maintain a “giving” mindset
Just like the holidays, successful networking is all about giving. It should be easy to remember this time of year, but it’s an important mindset to have all year round.
4.) Ask for their contact info
So you’ll be able to get in touch with them if you are interested in talking further.
5.) Don’t “sell” without permission
If you’re turned off by someone launches into a 5-minute sales presentation about their awesome pens that write underwater, in the dark and without gravity, don’t assume others are dying to hear about your slick wheel bearings, even if you KNOW that’s exactly what they need. This is a very important step – maybe the most important of all. You do want to tell people what you do, but in a classy, stylish way that gets their attention… (See below for more about this one)
6.) Avoid opening with “So, what do you do?”
It can kill rapport building before it begins and can condemn the interaction to being nothing more than boring, robotic and mindless chatter without exchanging the truly important information. If you open your conversations this way, you can miss an important opportunity to stand out from the rest of the crowd.
7.) Don’t rely on them to contact you
Just because they said they were thrilled to have met you and learned about your slick wheel bearings, doesn’t mean they will really call you. They may have intended to at the time, but life happens and no one is perfect. So get their info so you can ensure the follow up.
8.) Always carry pen, paper & business cards
You never know when a great opportunity might present itself. Yes, even while you’re fighting for that last “Cosmic Raymond” action figure.
9.) Do not get out of a conversation by dumping them on someone else
Making another person suffer is no way to get a good reputation during the holidays. Kindly excuse yourself, tell them you need another drink, see someone you need to speak with, or even that you have to “go” really bad! And don’t get caught lying as that will kill all of your credibility really fast.
10.) Enjoy yourself!
Relax and have fun! When you’re smiling and enjoying yourself, you are more likable to others, and this can lead to a lot of business. Be kind, considerate and magnetic!
SO… I hope these “10 Holiday Networking Tips” help you as you network your way through all the parties this season.
If you would like learn EXACTLY how to use these to transform your networking and social events into a Business Boosting Bonanza - especially how to get great leads quickly without “selling” (number 5 above), being manipulative or dishonest, please sign up for next week’s
* * * FREE TELECLASS : http://NetworkingTheHolidays.eventbrite.com
“Network Your Way through the Holidays – With style, class and ease!”
This is going to be a very exciting session. This is one of my favorite topics, and I promise to show you how to use networking properly to send you business skyrocketing!
And there will be some INCREDIBLE FREE BONUSES given to attendees that you won’t want to miss. These will help you get ready for a blockbuster 2009, even in this challenging economy!
http://NetworkingTheHolidays.eventbrite.com
Lastly… If you’re in Chicago, check out the “FUN with REP” networking event on Dec 9 to put these techniques into practice. This is going to be a really fun networking and social event. A great way to gear up for the holidays!
In the meantime, I want to wish a very happy holiday season to you, your family, your business, and most of all your networking spirit!
All the best,
Jason
P.S. Speaking of networking and creating a blockbuster 2009, check out the Facebook business group that will help you do both: Achieve Your Ideal Business Community.
And don’t forget to register for “Network Your Way through the Holidays” http://NetworkingTheHolidays.eventbrite.com to get the Free audio recording of the class as well as the Special Free Bonuses!
Jason E. Rosado
Business Coach
Helping self-directed and self-managed professionals achieve your ideal business in 12 months or less.
Want to get started? Sign up for your FREE “Business Success E-Series”!
773.829.1276
Jason@DistinctiveCoaching.com
Website: http://www.AchieveYourIdealBusiness.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BizCoachJason
Facebook: http://profile.to/BizCoachJason
(Just kidding)
