How to subtly but effectively turn that party into networking goldmine

As we wind down for the holidays, we tend to slow down everything career related until we resume work in the New Year. However, if you’re on a job search or in setting up a business, the holidays represent a perfect time to kick your efforts into a different kind of gear.

Reach out

Make a list of all people you wanted to connect with because they were directly or indirectly related to your career or business goals for the next year. Did you get to connect in a significant way? I have some busy contacts who are only accessible during the holidays as they are busy travelling and working during the year.

This period offers a lot of flexibility and opportunity to meet under informal settings so don’t wait until the new year to start seeking meetings.

Events and parties

Just because it’s an office party, family function or a friend’s event, you should not throw all shop talk out of the window. Yes, people do want to relax and take a break from a busy year but it also gives you a perfect opportunity to slip in a short, relaxed conversation about your goals.

 The key is preparation. If you know who is going to be at the event, approach them and ask them if you can have a five minute chat at some point about something.

Be specific in relation to the kind of help you need so they have some time to mull over it. If you don’t know in advance who will be there but meet them at the start of the event say ‘I’m really glad to meet you and I know you’re busy catching up with friends right now. But I’d love to catch up about xxx as the evening progresses if that’s ok with you’. Rarely will people decline.

Give a little

Remember that it’s not enough to just ask. Give by making introductions between people who have common goals or by sharing insights that could be of use to them in their journey. Even go as far as hosting a lunch or dinner for common interest friends.