With the holiday season in full swing, there’s a palpable shift in how we interact with others. People are often more giving, patient, and thoughtful.
The holiday spirit brings out the best in us, encouraging acts of kindness and fostering a sense of community. While the season often conjures up images of festive parties and thoughtful gifts, its true essence transcends these traditions.
For those of us immersed in the art and practice of networking, the holiday spirit serves as a powerful reminder of the values that make connections meaningful: gratitude, generosity, and helpfulness.
At its core, networking is about building relationships, and few things are as impactful as a well-made introduction. When someone takes the time to connect you with a potential client, collaborator, or mentor, they’re investing in your success. During the holidays, take a moment to reflect on the introductions that shaped your year.
Did someone connect you with a client that became a game-changer for your business? Was there an introduction that led to a collaboration, a speaking engagement, or a personal growth opportunity?
Reach out to those individuals and express your gratitude. A simple, heartfelt “thank you” can go a long way, strengthening the bonds of trust and goodwill. After all, appreciation is the foundation of enduring relationships.
Generous with Your Network
The holiday season is the perfect time to embody the spirit of giving, and not just material gifts but opportunities as well. As networkers, one of the greatest gifts we can offer is a meaningful introduction. Consider the people in your network who could benefit from knowing one another. Maybe a colleague has been seeking advice from an expert in their field, or a friend is looking for a new role and you know someone hiring.
Be proactive in making these connections. Write a thoughtful email or host a virtual introduction. When making intros, consider both parties’ needs and be mindful of their time. It’s not about quantity but quality. The introductions you facilitate can have a lasting impact, potentially sparking partnerships or opportunities that ripple into the new year and beyond.
Helpful in Action
Networking is more than trading business cards or exchanging LinkedIn profiles, it’s also about being a resource. Think of ways you can be helpful to your connections during the holidays.
Perhaps someone in your circle has been navigating a business challenge, and you can offer advice or share a resource that helped you in a similar situation. Maybe a peer in your network is launching a new venture, and you can amplify their efforts by sharing their posts or offering a testimonial.
Your help doesn’t always have to be business-focused. Sometimes, lending an ear or sharing a kind word can be just as impactful. The holidays can be stressful, and offering genuine support can strengthen relationships in ways that purely transactional exchanges never could.
Beyond Parties and Gifts
The holiday season often includes celebratory gatherings, exchanges of gifts, and plenty of opportunities to toast to the year’s successes. While these traditions are wonderful, the heart of the season lies in fostering human connection.
Networking events in December often have a lighter, more festive atmosphere, making them the perfect time to deepen relationships. Use this opportunity to ask people about their year, their challenges, and their goals for the year ahead. Listen actively and offer encouragement. Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give is your attention and interest.
Carrying the Spirit into the New Year
The holiday season is fleeting, but the spirit it inspires doesn’t have to be. As the calendar turns, commit to carrying the values of gratitude, generosity, and helpfulness into your networking practice for the year ahead.
Start by making a habit of thanking those who help you, whether it’s a quick email, a handwritten note, or a shout-out on social media. Continue being generous with introductions and opportunities, and don’t wait for the holidays to offer your support.
Networking is a long game, built on trust and mutual respect. By embracing the holiday spirit throughout the year, you’ll not only build stronger connections but also position yourself as someone others want to work with, recommend, and champion.
The holiday season is a time for reflection, connection, and gratitude, and a time to appreciate the relationships that enrich our lives and to invest in their growth. As networkers, we have the privilege and responsibility to foster a community of collaboration and support.
Let’s raise a glass to the power of introductions, the beauty of generosity, and the joy of being helpful. Let’s celebrate the connections we’ve made and commit to nurturing them with the same spirit of giving long after the holiday decorations are packed away, because in networking, as in life, it’s not just about what we get, it’s about what we give.