Networking In Social Gatherings
Posted in Networking Tips
If you're looking to simply load on free food during office parties and other work-related social events, then you should think again. These times are an ideal opportunity for you to expand your professional contacts and expand your network. Let's take networking during the holidays.
One should remember that networking over the holidays can be quite different than when you make contacts during the rest of the year simply because you really cannot expect yourself to land a new position at a company by New Year's Eve. This type of networking should be done in a light, chatty manner without any major expectations of the outcome.
Your advances should not be aggressive simply because everybody isn't thinking too much about hiring work during this time of the year. You might want to just keep the conversation casual enough and finally inserting a question like, "Would it be alright with you if I gave you a call after the first of the year?"
The people you make contact with will be less threatened and moreover less pressured if you asked a question like that. It would be to your advantage because your contact will not be annoyed with you but in the same way, you've expressed your intent to find work, for another company, if not for them.
There are a couple of other suggestions that you may want to try. Read these tips on how to properly network during this festive time and take them to heart because you'll never know if you bump into the right person at the most unexpected time.
Get out and meet people
If you are unemployed as of the moment, do not be ashamed of your status right now. Go out and attend social events and gatherings. Who knows you might bump into someone who will be able to help you out.
The trick here is to not give up and not think about what people will say about you. If they end up helping you out, it will do even more good for them to know that they've been able to help out a soul who's in need. And for you? Well, you've got a brand spanking new job so it's a win-win situation.
Limit your alcohol intake
Whenever you're at a party and you do plan to network, just have one or two drinks over the course of that one evening. Alcohol really does not make you more social. There are times that it can even cost you your job.
If people see you drunk and out of control, they will automatically brand you as someone who is great at parties but not as an employee they can work with. Whether you're networking in these types of office gatherings or not, stay disciplined because you still have your boss watching.
So there you have it. All you have to do is simply practice a line here or there and you're all set. Simply exude confidence and know that you want to make a career move by the end of the year and they will definitely believe it. Take it easy, don't pressure the other person and continue building that network.
