For most people, networking during the holidays is more like a series of parties where you are meeting new friends and getting together with old friends and business acquaintances. This is one of the best times of the year to enhance your business relationships, boost your brand and bottom line and reach out to those people that you have not touched over the year.
Here are Rhonda’s Twelve Days of Networking to help you grow your network through the holidays.
1) On the first day of networking, go to the holiday party you were invited to and wear something that people will comment on. For men, a holiday tie is always a great conversation starter. For the ladies, a pin, sweater or something festive usually is a great way to open a conversation. Remember, with the right “prop”, your networking will go right to the top.
2) On the second day of networking, remember to send out your holiday cards. Use send out cards (try it for free at www.sendoutcards.com/7207) or use snail mail and send your cards. You will get noticed if you don’t send an E-card and use old fashioned U.S. postage.
3) On the third day of networking, send small gifts to those people that helped you grow your business during the year. Write a short note of appreciation. People don’t always remember what you say or do but they remember how you make they feel. Take time to find something special for the person you are sending the gift to.
4) On the fourth day of networking, invite your business partners, customers, clients, referral partners and friends to join you for a client appreciation party. Make it intimate and have everyone wear name tags. Turn it into an informal networking event where people can meet others and enjoy some festive food and fun.
5) On the fifth day of networking, help a stranger. If you see someone in line who looks impatient and is in back of you, offer to let them go first. Perhaps you can spend time in a Starbucks and overhear a conversation with someone where you can help out. Do a random act of kindness.
6) On the sixth day of networking, send a letter to all of your clients and customers telling them how much you appreciate them and ask what you can do for them over the next year.
7) On the seventh day of networking, take on the role of host or hostess at your next party and introduce people to one another. Tell them why you are making the introduction and how you believe they can help one another.
8) On the eighth day of networking, donate a gift for the raffle prizes at an organizational networking event. Make sure it is consistent with your branding and find out who won it so you can follow-up with them.
9) On the ninth day of networking, take the day to decide what associations, networking organizations or chambers you will become active in next year, put it on your calendar and create a plan to make your goals a reality.
10) On the tenth day of networking, look at your calendar for this year and see which prospects or clients you did not follow-up with and use this time of year to reach out to these people. Send a note, make a call, send a gift or visit them. Touch the people that may have fallen through the cracks.
11) On the eleventh day of networking, volunteer at an activity with other business people in a service organization such as Rotary or the Lions Club and consider joining for the following year. It is amazing how much you get when you give.
12) On the twelfth day of networking, update your social media sites, and put a festive holiday message on your Facebook and LinkedIn pages. Finally, tell all your friends about the National Networker and give them the gift of all the great resources this publication has.
There are the twelve days of networking. It reality it is 365 days because all it truly takes is being open, smiling and giving more than you get. Talk to people wherever you go, have a rolodex of referrals that you can use to help others, stay on top of current events and be involved and you will grow your network. Remember that the best time to network is when you don’t need to. Go do what your mother taught you not to do, talk to strangers and master the “f” word, follow-up and have a happy holiday season.
Rhonda L Sher: The Sloganator Rhonda L Sher was born talking. She fell in love with words as a child and has never stopped communicating since. Her father once commented that she was vaccinated with a phonograph needle. Not only has Rhonda inherited her father's humor, but it's that quick wit that has become the signature that has helped propel her clients to stardom.Acclaimed Keynote and workshop leader, Rhonda has authored two books, "The 2 Minute Networker" and "The ABC's of LinkedIn," "Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out" as well as numerous action guides, articles, workbooks, jingles and corporate slogans.
In addition to writing, Rhonda uses her gift of gab as a featured keynote speaker, consultant and corporate trainer throughout North America. She has successfully taught hundreds of business men and women on the art of business networking and written hundreds of elevator pitches and slogans.Rhonda's greatest talent lies in her ability to create fabulously catchy slogans that are memorable, upbeat, easy to repeat and create instant brand identification. In addition to the books, audio and video, Rhonda creates slogans and taglines for her clients which are memorable, bring them business and make them, money. She works with you to create a corporate slogan for your business that sets you apart from your competition. Her creativity and energy will tap into your customer's mind and have your phone ringing off the hook with new business.
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