[Fredslist] Fwd: Making the Most of Holiday Networking Events

[David Stein]

Making the Most of Holiday Networking Events
by Debra Feldman

The winter holidays are a networker's paradise! November and December
are prime season for planting yourself on decision makers' radar
screens and nurturing relationships. It's a wonderland of fresh
prospects and a harvest of contact renewals to connect with key
players in your industry. The many corporate events, social occasions,
and community celebrations offer myriad opportunities to establish
connections, strengthen ties, invigorate relationships, and share
ideas.

Maximize Your Face Time

Almost any neighborhood, family, or business gathering may produce a
conversation with someone who has information you can mine
unobtrusively for leads to new career challenges for yourself and
those you know - reasons for more networking!

With so many venues to choose from, be sure to attend the ones where
you're most likely to reach your networking goals: a high probability
for face time with individuals who should know about your potential
value proposition, unique talents, and interest in taking on new
challenges. These encounters could be your big break to chat with
current or former employees at your target companies, exchange
business cards with an industry leader, or arrange a future meeting
with someone difficult to reach.

Prepare Your Pitch

Want to enhance your networking efficiency to generate even better
results? Prepare thoroughly in advance! Before you attend an event,
prepare a mental list of questions you could be asked and have well
thought-out and concise responses ready.

Be prepared to make clear, compelling points that will attract
attention, pique curiosity, and put you top of mind. Your delivery has
to be memorable to overcome the event's interruptions and to
compensate for a lack of privacy.

Network Comfortably

To further increase your networking effectiveness, focus your efforts
on gatherings where you will feel most comfortable and will be able to
put your best foot forward. Avoid situations where you might be
stressed, rushed, or otherwise distracted from your networking
mission. You want to have meaningful conversations that leave a
positive impression while picking up insider-only knowledge. Keep in
mind networking isn't just about you and the connections you make.
Part of your goal should be to connect those you know to each other.

Remember, the most important thing is to stay focused. You'll need to
be alert and attuned to reap the full benefits of networking
purposefully. Don't overindulge in food or beverages. Conduct yourself
professionally at all times.

The ROI is simple: just one meaningful dialogue creates measurable
value from every networking event. It's the quality not the quantity
of the relationships you develop that's important.

Happy holidays and happy networking!
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  About the Author:

Debra Feldman, an executive talent agent, connects clients directly
with decision makers where they want to work, bypassing gatekeepers
and automated filters. Executives Network PurposefullyTM establishing
inside leads to unadvertised opportunities. Forbes praised her
matchmaking talents as part sleuth, part networker.