We all know that building relationships and networking are vital to making career moves.
Taking time to plan your holiday strategy in the weeks leading up to those fun filled days, can help you to stay focused on those networking opportunities and preparing for the first quarter of the year hiring pushes.
Particularly
for job seekers looking for a way into a new field, this time of year is an
opportunity to get a “Foot in the Door” with people who you may not normally
get the chance to meet.
Here are six
tips that anyone can use to help network over the holidays.
1. Use Your Down Time
Let me ask
you..... Have you ever thought about saving some leave time so that you can go
to networking events, conferences, and workshops around the holiday times?
This is a
prime time to get some networking in with like minds, but the opportunities
will not happen if you do not make some moves.
Sign up for
those crafting, self improvement , and industry related workshops. Keep your
finger to the pulse of industry events and happenings via LinkedIn. You never
know who you will meet.
2. Send Greeting Cards (Or Greeting Emails)
I remember
watching a TV show a long time ago, I think it was Martha Stewart, where the
host had a box of neatly sorted greetings cards.
One for every
occasion.
I always thought that was a great idea and
aspired to have my own box.
Well, I have
my box now but it takes a miracle to get that stamp on it and put it in the
mail box.
Right now
email greetings get the job done for me. Baby Steps ;)
However, this is one of the easiest ways to
reconnect with your network and appeals to both introverted and extroverted of
networkers.
3. Accept Holiday Invitations
When it comes
to networking, any event is an opportunity to create and nurture new
relationships.
Whether it’s
a “wild” office party or a social elite event, consider accepting all
invitations.
4. Make It Your Job To Meet People
Get the guest
list if you are able and do some LinkedIn connecting and research before the party.
Then have fun
at the party and growing your network!
5. Be Mindful of What You Say (Or Post) on Social Media
I think it
should go without saying that watching what you say and post on social media is
vital to your networking strategy.
For example:
If you see a
coworker dressed wildly inappropriately at an event, snapping a pic or posting
a snarky remark is absolutely not acceptable.
You may not
be networking with that person directly but you risk losing the trust of your coworker,
a possible ally in your job search, and the potential of being labeled as an office
bully /gossiper.
All of which
are bad for your reputation!
6. Use Your LinkedIn Account!
Using your
LinkedIn account to help you network over the holidays is a piece of cake when
you know what features to use. Here is an awesome article on using LinkedInapps to your advantage.
In my
experience, building relationships takes time and every new person you meet is
an opportunity for a connection that you can help and vise versa. Don’t miss out on growing your network!
You never
know who you will meet!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Have some
tried and true holiday networking strategies you would like to share?
Leave a comment below for others to add to
their repertoire.
Have a
Fabulous Day!
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