Office parties. Neighborhood open houses. Festive business luncheons and dinners. From Thanksgiving through Jan. 1, these events have a much more social than business air. So is it okay to network?
“The answer is a definite ‘yes’” said Chicago-based networking and communication skills authority Lillian D. Bjorseth. “In most cases, ‘differently and in moderation’ also apply.”
Bjorseth gives these hints to make the most of your holiday relationship-building opportunities.
· Be subtler. Start conversations with small talk about the holidays, the surroundings or the weather rather than with “What do you do?” This may lead to business topics.
· Look and act professional. People still decide 10 things about you within 10 seconds of seeing you and will carry that impression into the office.
. Don’t over eat or over drink. Moderation is key. Don’t overfill your “little” plate. Keep cold drinks out of your right hand. Use your left hand rather than wrapping a napkin around the glass. If seating is available, sit down to eat. Wash your hands before you start shaking again!
. Dress properly for the occasion. Find out appropriate dress ahead of time. Women, don’t show excessive cleavage if you want to be taken seriously in the office or lay groundwork for future employment.
. Remember the behavioral basics. Exhibit good posture. Shake hands firmly. Maintain eye contact at least 85 percent of the time. Keep gestures understated.
· Don’t target only the head honcho. Whether it’s the company president or the organization chair, don’t insist on spending the token two minutes with them. Have more meaningful conversations with those who lower on the totem pole who aren’t besieged by everyone else. Make a positive impression to be memorable long afterwards.
· Listen more than you talk. Use your two ears and one mouth as a guide. Ask questions and give others time to answer. Avoid long, one-on-one conversations, especially during a meal if you have people on your right and left. Keep business discussion general rather than zeroing in on your job. Networking is planting seeds, sales is harvesting. This is not the place to sell.
· Carry your business cards. Women, keep a small supply in your holiday bag. If attending with a male partner, have him keep extras in his inside suit pocket. Don’t resort to writing on cocktail napkins!
· Don’t press people on the spot. If you want more information, a referral or an appointment, get a business card and permission to e-mail or call the person. Follow up during normal business hours.
· Don’t be the last to leave. Unless you are close friends with the hosts or have volunteered for clean-up duty, leave while you’re still making a positive impression.
· Send holiday cards. Bypass the pre-printed, sterile ones. Take time to sign your name and write a short personal note. Send to clients, prospective employers and to people at any level who are vital links in your networking chain.
Author Resource:-
The Chicago Tribune calls her a networking expert and the Association Forum of Chicagoland calls her the business networking authority. Lillian is a speaker, trainer, skills coach & author who helps you build high-value relationships by honing business development, networking and communication skills. She’s author of Breakthrough Networking: Building Relationships That Last, 52 Ways To Break The Ice & Target Your Market, and the Nothing Happens Until We Communicate CD and workbook series. MYou can learn more about Lillian and her products at http://www.duoforce.com or by calling 630-983-5308.
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