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How to network this Christmas

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21st Dec 2015
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Christmas parties and events are often an excuse to neck back mulled wine and to dangle mistletoe. However, don’t dismiss Christmas parties and gatherings as just frivolity. These functions can present more opportunities than just donning your Christmas jumper.

Bryce Sanders over on AccountingWEB.com advises that you should use social gatherings as an opportunity to ‘tactfully’ raise your visibility. Sanders’ tips coincide with FreeAgent publishing their networking Christmas wish list on their supplier page.

We wrap-up their best advice:                                     

Introduction: Everyone is at these functions to have fun, says Sanders. With this in mind, ditch the clever ice breaker lines. People remember meaningful conversations. Aim for conversational depth, especially if find yourself in a room full of strangers. “If you find yourself at a loose end, look around the room for a friendly face, take a deep breath and strike up a conversation,” says FreeAgent.

What you do: Once you've successfully coaxed someone out of their shell, it’s your turn to shine. But be careful not to be too rehearsed, advises FreeAgent. Sanders agreed, plotting a conversational dialogue where you casually drop in your profession. But avoid the jargon and identify a need. Sanders uses a USA tinged example:  “I’m a CPA. Have you ever gotten one of those registered letters from the IRS?” You pause while fear runs through their body. “We help people with problems like that.”

Work the room: Your first conversation may have gone well. The prospective client could have asked plenty of questions. However, don’t linger with the first person you speak with. Sanders advises you adopt Hollywood’s basic rule: “Always leave ‘em wanting more". There’s more than likely plenty of people gathered at the party, so excuse yourself and circulate.

But don’t fall for the networking snafu of butting into an existing conversation. “There’s nothing worse than someone jumping in with a big 'hi!' when you’re mid-conversation in a useful discussion,” warns FreeAgent.

Instead, be polite and tactful. Step away when the moment is right, exchange business cards and arrange to follow up at a later

Review your results: Make notes on who you talked with and what you learned. Don’t let the Christmas distract you from following up with the new connections you made at your networking. “You could send an email the next day to say 'nice to meet you' or - even better - you could include a personalised note with a LinkedIn invite and build your network of online contacts at the same time,” says FreeAgent.

If you leave connecting until after your Christmas break you may fade in your new connections memories after the New Year hangover.

Good health: All this networking handshaking does present another problem; being exposed to the flu. The last networking tip then comes from CABA who have suggested some tips to avoid colds and flu this winter.

Nothing makes a bad impression while networking than someone sniffing back the symptoms of the flu. Along with wrapping up warm and a booking up for the flu jab, CABA recommends protecting others.

If you’re going to sneeze, make sure you shield your mouth with a tissue. There’s spreading Christmas cheer, and then there’s that. Not only will your virus infect others but you prevent an embarrassing networking snafu.

If you follow these steps this Christmas you should avoid the naughty list and find yourself on the networking nice list.

Head over to AccountingWEB.com to read more of Bryce Sanders steps for a successful holiday prospecting.  

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Replies (5)

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By johnjenkins
21st Dec 2015 15:20

I wonder

how many parties Bryce gets invited to?

Thanks (2)
Glenn Martin
By Glenn Martin
21st Dec 2015 22:37

Bryce Life and Soul.

I must admit my Christmas networking tends to involve several functions starting maybe late November where you attend, tuck into some food and drink heavily.

I was at functions on Thursday, Friday & Saturday. I recall bumping into an electrical contractor I look after at half 3 on Saturday night in an Indian restaurant, who assured me he would pay my bill first week after the holidays.

At no point at a function do I introduce myself as "hi Glennzy CPA" take a card.

Working the room would be limited to "Smart Birds" in Santa Claus outfits.

 

Not shaking hands for fear of catching flu!!!! surely you are not serious.

Thanks (1)
By ireallyshouldknowthisbut
22nd Dec 2015 13:43

.

This reminds me somewhat of an old US boss when I worked in industry who simply didnt understand why a 8.00am meeting the night after the Christmas works do might be quite thinly attended.

Slight cultural misunderstanding me thinks.

 

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By chatman
22nd Dec 2015 14:28

Sneeze into the crook of your elbow. Much quicker than scrabbling around for a tissue. The normal rules about looking at it afterwards still apply.

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Man of Kent
By Kent accountant
23rd Dec 2015 14:49

Only one 'event' this year

Involved copious amounts of alcohol including numerous jager bombs and as a finale saw me struggling to climb over my 6ft garden fence as the gate was locked. An exercise that when sober is straight forward, when 'well [***]' is almost impossible.

Work conversations? Perhaps a 'what do you do' when fully sober but that was long forgotten as we debated football, cricket, rugby and whose round it was next. 

Networking - don't be silly.

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