All About Networking for Christmas Parties

The holiday season is a great time to meet potential clients. Many organizations would like to launch projects early in the new year. More decision makers than you might imagine are looking for the kind of focused expertise that Solopreneur consultants provide. Do what you can to attend meetings that seem to have good networking potential.

You may be invited to a party where you only know the host. Do not panic. Accept and devise a winning game plan to successfully help you through what might otherwise be an awkward evening.

Call the host (also complete Avoid, if sent) to personally RSVP and thank them for the invitation. Tell him you look forward to meeting the party guests and tactfully ask who was invited, so you can ask for introductions from those you’d like to meet. Immediately, you will make the host happy because you have identified yourself as a good guest.

Advice: Since meeting your next client will be a major reason to attend, go alone. The last thing you’ll need is a friend to stray from your schedule or take over a conversation that’s going well for you.

While you’re at the party, enable the networking process. Do your best to be (appropriately) friendly and authentic. Have the courage to reach out and greet people, especially those who are alone. They will be grateful that you rescued them. When you’re in a conversation, let the other person talk about themselves. After introducing yourself and offering a few jokes about the nice party you’re both at, “How do you know (the host)?” it’s a great icebreaker.

Practice the art of mixing. When the conversation seems to hit a dead end with someone, excuse yourself to refill your plate or drink (limit two drinks please!) and find someone else to talk to. Don’t butt into conversations that appear to be private. Remind the host to make the requested introductions.

When you meet with your VIPs, resist the urge to promote yourself. If you know anything about the guest list ahead of time, look to LinkedIn or Twitter for a career update, so you can “happen” to ask questions that allow your wish list guest to talk about themselves ( and look good). for asking).

Use the 80/20 Rule and give 80% of the conversation to the other person and spend 20% talking about your own life and business (unless the VIP really wants to know more about you). If you feel like it, suggest a post-party contact and exchange cards. Ask for a good time to call or email: December or January?

Leave social media out of the party. Don’t even think about posting a photo on Facebook or Instagram. Don’t invite a VIP or someone you just met to join your LinkedIn network.

Finally, knowing when to arrive and leave a party are important social skills. Especially when you don’t know anyone on the guest list other than the host, arrive at 6:30 pm for a 6-9 pm meeting so you have multiple people to talk to. Unless you’re in a good conversation with follow-through potential, exit (thanking the host on your way out) when 25%-35% of the crowd has left. You want to be present when the party is in full swing. Now go and check your email and look for invitations!

Thank you for reading,

kim