The holiday season is here, providing entrepreneurs and individual entrepreneurs with opportunities to become their own Santa Claus and put new customers under the tree. The holidays can be the perfect time to catch up with colleagues from the past, foster relationships with potential clients you’ve just met, and get an introduction to clients you’d like to add to your list in the near future. To make all of that happen, you’ll need a strategy.
Step one, go to your parts alone. Under no circumstances do you need to drag someone with you, unless that person is needed to take you to a party where you can expect to meet potential clients, or that person promises to introduce you to a good potential client while you’re there.
Even that arrangement can be risky — a few years ago, I was invited to what should have been a networking bonanza, except my friend got really drunk and, worse, refused to invite me to an after-party meeting. party with someone who could have been very useful to me.
September the secondPlease confirm the dress code. A weekend party held after 6:00 pm will mean dressier dress and might be an optional black tie. If you are the +1, ask your contact to forward the invitation to you. You don’t want to show up underdressed, even if your contact says it won’t matter.
Men should wear a sports jacket or blazer if a suit would be too formal for the occasion. Women should avoid clothing that is too short or too tight and revealing necklines. Jeans or leather pants are out of the question for any gender, unless your host is into the arts or high-tech.
Step threefind out who is on the guest list and Step four, polish your elevator speech. If you can access Avoid, you’ll see who responded. You can Google names to get professional updates on those you’d like to reconnect or meet with, and you’ll also know what topics to bring up “spontaneously.”
Keep in mind, however, that talking about business can put you off at a party unless the other person raises the subject. Instead, focus on scheduling a post-party follow-up with select people who want to know more about your products and services.
While at the party, greet and thank your host immediately, before visiting the bar or buffet. After that, kick back, mix and mix. Have some friendly icebreakers on hand that will open the door for conversation (“How do you know [the host]?”).
Eating and drinking are the highlights of the party, but take it easy with the drink. I recommend that you do not have more than one drink and then switch to a non-alcoholic drink. You must be sober to successfully execute your networking strategy.
In addition, you will also have to master the juggling between plates of drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Hold your drink in your left hand, so you can easily shake hands and not give a cold, wet greeting. Similarly, eat appetizers with your left hand so you don’t offer a sticky handshake.
Finally, pay attention to the ebb and flow of guests. Unless you’re in a serious conversation, when their number starts to fade, find your host, thank them for the invite, and say goodbye. There is an optimal time to arrive and leave a party. Arriving 15-20 minutes after the start time usually works. The next day, send a quick email to thank your host for a lovely moment. After all, a good party is a wonderful thing and you want to be invited again next year!
Thank you for reading,
Kim