The world is opening up again and, with that, comes holiday parties. What does this have to do with work-life balance? Yes, we all need a bit more fun in our lives and probably a bit more human connection (assuming it’s done safely and where you feel comfortable). Holiday parties and networking also go hand in hand. Remember, it’s about networking where you already are as a working mom. Holiday parties help you reconnect with your existing network and make new connections.
I often talk about being more intentional with your time. Networking is no different. So, whether it’s your annual holiday party for your employer, an event for an organization you’re passionate about, or you’re heading over to a friend’s home for a gathering, make the most of your time. Remember that holiday parties and networking enable you to build your network and make meaningful connections.
Reconnect with your network
Holiday parties are a great opportunity to re-engage your network and find out what people are up to. It might be someone who you worked with on a project ages ago or a contact you only see once a year at a friend’s holiday party.
Take the time to re-engage in a meaningful way. See what they’re up to and what new projects they have going on. That way you can engage throughout the year in a more meaningful way instead of only once a year. Plus, these fringe relationships are often where great opportunities come from.
Intentional networking with new contacts
I know that it’s easy to think about holidays parties and networking with people you already know. If you’re only catching up with people you know, you’re missing the opportunity to meet new people at holiday events. Every holiday gathering is a chance to network. I don’t mean that you need to try to sell your products or services to everyone who moves. I mean that holiday parties can be part of an intentional networking strategy. You’re getting to know new people in a more relaxed setting. That is incredibly beneficial, whether you work for a large company or are a solopreneur.
And, since you’re already there, it doesn’t hurt to be intentional with how you spend your time. Spend some time catching up with people you know and then shift your focus to meet one to two new people. If it’s a work event, it might help you learn more about other departments or new projects that might be starting.
If it’s a private party, check out who’s going to the party (so many holiday events have e-invitations and you can see the list of attendees). Be specific with who you might like to meet by doing some homework. You’re both at the event and have the host/hostess or an organization’s mission in common. This is a great starting point for the organization. “How do you know __________?” or “How are you involved with this organization?” or “What made you interested in this organization?”
Connecting with potential mentors and sponsors
Holiday parties are a great place to meet people who you might like to engage as a mentor. If you’ve been eyeing someone as a potential sponsor, it’s a low-key way to re-engage with that person. More on the importance of these roles in my blog on mentors and sponsors. This too might be a great way to engage someone you’ve had your eye on as a sponsor who can help you open doors. It’s an opportunity to spend time with a potential sponsor or mentor in a personal setting, which can be really helpful to both of you. You can start to see if you’re a good fit.
Have your elevator pitch ready
Practice what you want to say about what you do. Whether you work at a company or have your own business, it’s helpful to have a 30-60 second pitch about what you do and who you help. You want to know this pitch before you head to a holiday party too. If you’re at the same company, share what you do on your team or within your department.
Read the situation
At any kind of personal event, holidays or otherwise, there is a time to talk shop and there is a time to have casual conversation. If it’s a more casual setting, don’t talk shop. Introduce yourself and lay the foundation for setting up a networking meeting later. You can read the situation to know which is the right approach.
And, if someone is in the middle of what appears to be a private conversation, don’t interrupt. While you’re at it, don’t take up a person’s time for too much of the party time, especially if it’s someone you know others would like to speak with. And this is a perfect segue to setting up a meeting as a follow-up to the conversation. More on that below.
Listen more than you talk
This is the time to use your active listening skills. Look people in the eye. Ask follow-up questions. For that matter, it’s helpful to think through some questions ahead of time on how to start and keep the conversation moving. Yes, this is another point of light homework to prep for holiday parties. It’s worth it, though. I promise. Make sure you’re not only talking business, though. And make sure you’re not doing all the talking.
Keep your phone within reach
If you’re planning business conversations later or following up to a great conversation, one thing will really help. Keep your phone handy so you can literally take a moment to schedule follow-up meetings then and there. Just do it in person instead of doing the email thing back and forth later. It saves time and it’s one less to do on your long list. And, you’re more likely to actually do it and find a time that works for both of you.
Limit the alcohol
If you’re driving, it goes without saying that you should limit the number of drinks you have to one or two. Even if you’re not driving, if you’re trying to network and find new connections at a holiday party, you definitely need to limit your alcohol intake.
Follow up
You’ve met the “right” people and you had great conversations. Now what? Make sure you get a card and follow up. It’s the thing the vast majority of people forget to do. Send an email or write a physical note if you got an address on a business card. Talk about what you learned from the conversation.
And, if you said you would meet later instead of chatting about business at the holiday party, then actually set up a meeting later on. Take the time to take the action to set up the meeting.
Have fun
While we’re talking about holiday parties and networking, don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to network. See where conversations naturally go and do what feels right for you. When you’re relaxed and enjoying yourself instead of thinking of this as a requirement, it shows on your face. And it’s really important after the almost two years that we’ve all had to spend time simply connecting with people.
I’m a big fan of networking where you are and have an entire chapter on this in both of my books. If you’d like to get some more ideas on engaging people where you are each day, download my guide to Network Where You Are. And don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter while you’re at it to get even more tips.
