One of my favorite things about the holiday season is the joy of sharing warm and festive greetings with friends and family. This time of year also offers a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with people we may have drifted apart from, including those in our professional networks.
You might be wondering, “Why would I want to think about networking right now?” After all, the holidays are meant for relaxation, and the last thing many of us want is to think about networking during this joyful time. In fact, why think about it at all?
Let me share the story of one of my clients, let’s call him Tom. After spending years at his company, he found himself feeling stuck, as though he had hit a ceiling in his career. Looking for new responsibilities and challenges, Tom approached me for guidance. We talked about various ways for him to start exploring the market for opportunities, and I asked him about his network. Tom sighed heavily and said, “I don’t really have a good network. I don’t know who I can even call.” This sentiment is all too common among professionals who focus all their time and energy on their current job and don’t think about people in their professional networks until they need them.
We all heard about the “hidden job market”. Many job openings are never advertised; they are filled through personal connections. A vibrant network can help you uncover these hidden opportunities. But networking is not merely a job search tool; it’s an essential element of career growth and professional fulfillment. It allows individuals to tap into a wealth of knowledge and experiences from others in their field. Moreover, a strong network can provide emotional and professional support during challenging times, ensuring that you’re not navigating your career journey alone, but rather with a community that believes in your potential and wants to see you succeed.
Despite the obvious benefits, many professionals hesitate to engage in networking due to various barriers. Time constraints, the fear of rejection, and a lack of knowledge about how to approach networking can all contribute to this avoidance. However, it’s essential to reframe the way we think about networking, especially during the holiday season, when there’s a natural inclination to connect and reflect.
A brief, thoughtful message can go a long way in rekindling relationships. When reconnecting, being clear about your intention to catch up and see how you can support them is crucial. Platforms like LinkedIn are perfect for this; a quick comment on someone’s post can pave the way for further conversation. Setting networking goals, such as connecting with a specific number of people each month, can also help alleviate the pressure.
One effective strategy is to schedule short networking calls, allowing for meaningful interactions without overwhelming time commitments. Before the call, define what you’d like to discuss, prepare thoughtful questions, and remember to listen actively, making the conversation about the other person. After the call, follow up with a thank-you message and consider sharing any relevant resources to keep the connection warm.
For those looking to enhance their networking skills, I highly recommend “Never Eat Alone” by Keith Ferrazzi. This insightful book is brimming with practical advice on how to build and nurture a powerful network. Another excellent resource is “The 20-Minute Networking Meeting” by Marcia Ballinger and Nathan A. Perez. As seasoned executive recruiters, they wrote this book after witnessing too many professionals miss out on valuable networking opportunities, offering straightforward strategies to make your networking efforts more effective and impactful.
As we embrace the warmth and goodwill of the holiday season, let’s take this opportunity to reconnect with our professional networks. Just as we exchange greetings and gratitude with loved ones, we can extend that spirit to our colleagues and contacts. By reaching out, you not only reinforce existing relationships but also open the door to new possibilities for growth and collaboration in the upcoming year.
Make it a goal this season to send out those warm wishes and remember: networking is not just a career tool; it’s a way to enrich your professional journey and the journeys of those around you.
Let the spirit of the holidays inspire you to invest in your network today!
