Two Tips for Taking the Guesswork Out of Holiday Networking
With holiday season in full swing, our calendars are filling up with soirees, long lunches, after work drinks, and a host of other merrymaking events. This is a wonderful time of year to reconnect with colleagues and touch base with the folks who are further out in our circles, because paths tend to cross as the year winds down. That’s part of what makes this season so special.
It can also make this time of year anxiety-inducing if you feel like you should be capitalizing on chances to network and enhance your connections, but you aren’t sure how. Read on for my two tips on how to get the most out of holiday networking, using the almost-too-simple principles of thoughtful, genuine communication.
1. ASK QUESTIONS
At its core, networking is about curiosity and the genuine desire to learn about the person you’re conversing with. So, stress less about what you “should” say, and instead ask the other person about themselves. The holidays are all about catching up, so take the opportunity to learn more about that acquaintance you just ran into. It’s not being nosy — everyone appreciates talking with someone who is truly interested and engaged with what they have to say. If the conversation ends here, you will have cemented a solid touch-point with someone in your network.
2. ASK BETTER QUESTIONS
As the conversation unfolds and expands, use your active listening skills to delve deeper and ask better questions. Instead of “how’s work?” try “how’s business been this year?” Instead of “what have you been up to?” try “what’s something you’re looking forward to in 2023?” The first type of question can elicit typical responses like “good/busy” or “not much,” but the latter might allow them to respond with more content that can keep the conversation flowing naturally.
By switching up the questions you ask, the conversation may get more intense (in a good way!) with opportunities to share meaningful perspectives. If there is a natural opening, you may want to exchange emails or plan for a follow-up lunch. This is an excellent way to bring someone you might not know that well further into your circle, with potential for the relationship to grow in a way that benefits you both.
I told you it was simple! Take the stress out of networking by focusing on what you genuinely want to know about the other person. Holiday parties are an excellent time to spread your networking wings, as moods can be lighter, and people are open to spreading good cheer. Happy Holiday Networking!
Success Labs is a leadership development and management consulting firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. For more than 25 years, our expert team of consultants has worked with hundreds of companies to grow leaders, build teams and drive results through great people strategy. Contact us to get proactive about expanding your company’s potential, and stay up-to-date with our latest news and leadership development updates here.