Did you hit your networking goals this year? If not, you are down to the wire and December may be the most challenging month of the year to create opportunities for a variety of reasons. Being aware of timing issues is the first step to taking control of the situation and ending the year on a high note.
When I realized that there are only a few weeks left to hit my marks, I also began to consider the variables that impacted my ability to accomplish my goals. Issues of other people’s timing became apparent, determining how to leverage my time became obvious and remembering to appreciate my time became important. If you want your holiday season to be a good time for networking, I suggest you consider the following aspects.
Understanding other people’s timing and priorities is even more of an issue in the last month of the year. Some opportunities can occur simply due to end of year budgets that need to be utilized; so they are ready to do business. Some people are at the peak of their busy season and can’t focus on anything new. Other people are ready to take time off, while a few people are freaking out realizing they are missing their targets. You need to be aware of what frame of mind a person is in before you try to approach them for business.
Utilizing downtime is also a key factor in leveraging your outcomes. First of all, both Christmas and New Years have Eves and Days that fall on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. That could shoot two whole weeks apart. Making good use of the balance of the week represents a major opportunity that could work to your advantage. If you can’t create new business, can you stop in and visit your top clients who may be around their offices? You can set the stage for next year or hold off to set up meetings with those “after the first” folks. Are you taking time off or making headway?
This is also the time to say “Thank You”. Reflect on the good things that have happened and let people know it. To everyone I have worked with this year, please let me say that I truly appreciate your business and friendship. The caring commitment we have shared makes my whole job worth it; I cannot have expressed my gratitude enough!
Vendors often show their appreciation with cards and gifts – remember your clients and prospects, but respect corporate limits on what is acceptable. One final note, remember charities and those less fortunate. There are always those people who need a little extra support and we each need to give from our hearts to make the world a better place. Try to focus on how you can make a positive impact for society. If we can all do this, we will all have a joyful and prosperous holiday season.
The holidays can be a wonderful time or times filled with challenges. Again, thank you to all my friends, clients and prospects – I value the time we share together.
Try working with these concepts, and please share your success stories. Networking can be very rewarding or somewhat frustrating, it is all what you make of it. Also please contact me with any suggestions or requests for networking, events or other topics.
Daniel Rubenstein is the Founder of re-Position; a web strategies firms specializing in helping businesses increase profits by leveraging the Internet without wasting time, money or opportunities. Please feel free to contact Daniel at 314.550.0950, or Daniel@re-position.com or visit www.re-position.com.