#PositiveVibes - The Networking Gift

By John R. Nocero and Alice Raad

 The VIBE: Give the gift of connecting to others

John: This time of year is when you get to have fun with the networking process. There is an endless amount of networking opportunities available thanks to the holidays, with an abundance of leads to pursue. December is a great time to talk to people about their work, because many get into the Christmas spirit early, and go to events a little bit more relaxed. The key here is to understand who will be at the event and pick the right one to go to. There are a lot of parties you will be invited to, so do the research beforehand and make sure that the event you are going to is one that benefits your goal. And guess what? Having fun is a quality goal so define it. When you get there, stay awake from the Grinches and move toward the positive folks. I am a big believe in staying positive, and if you want to help someone who is a little down, that’s fine, but staying with someone too long, and you start to get a bit down yourself. That should not be your intention. Maybe most importantly, take time to make one or two meaningful connections. This is not a glad-handing where you throw your cards out to everyone you see. Take time to really get to know one or two people. Be curious. Ask questions, and learn about problems and opportunities within your contact’s industry. Make mental notes of items to research and explore after the event. You never know, if you follow up properly and develop a relationship... simply being curious at that one event could be the thing that moves you first. Not everything has to be work. Especially during the alcohol-filled, last month of the year. Here’s when investing in relationships becomes the priority.

Alice: Tis the season for networking! With holiday parties, work or personal, these gatherings can be incredibly advantageous to networking. John, you bring up a good point about researching prior to attending holiday gatherings. I always enjoy making one or two connections at any event. The work gatherings, especially, connecting with others in different departments, some you may not have known existed! You can never network too much at these events, and of course, connecting can be easier with a few holiday spirits in hand! But I do find myself making these connections and leaving with a better insight, be it professionally or personally (I .e. finding the newest Chicago restaurant). It’s the season of giving! So go out and share some of your talents with others and make new friends in the end!

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