Ah, the holiday season—a magical time of joy, glitter, and awkward small talk over mini quiches. But what if you could turn those festive gatherings into business networking gold without coming across like a shameless opportunist?
Ah, the holiday season—a magical time of joy, glitter, and awkward small talk over mini quiches. But what if you could turn those festive gatherings into business networking gold without coming across like a shameless opportunist? Here’s your sleigh ride to success:
First, leave the elevator pitch at the office. Nobody wants to hear about your "synergistic solutions" while they’re juggling a plate of pigs in blankets. Instead, be genuinely interested in people. Ask questions that don’t sound like you’re auditioning for a sales role. “What’s the best holiday movie you’ve watched?” beats “What keeps you up at night professionally?” every time.
Second, let the mistletoe stay in the romantic lane. Networking at a party is about subtlety, not ambush marketing. Slip in casual mentions of your work only if it fits naturally into the conversation. If someone asks, “What do you do?” resist the urge to launch into a PowerPoint presentation with cranberry sauce slides.
Third, be the holiday helper. People remember kindness, so offer to refill drinks, help clean up, or share your killer cookie recipe. You’ll be the person they want to connect with later—not the one who cornered them by the punch bowl with a sales pitch.
Finally, follow up—but not like a hungry elf chasing Santa’s cookies. Send a warm thank-you note or a friendly LinkedIn request wishing them well for the season.
Remember, the goal is to make connections, not close deals. Network like a human, not a holiday Grinch. Cheers to your eggnog-fueled success!
Joseph Willmott, CEO of the Workd Referral Network
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