Things slow down for the holidays. People simply have less time to work because they are busy socializing with friends, colleagues, and family. So, it goes to follow that job seeking should slow down as well, right? Wrong! What is networking if not socializing with friends, colleagues, and family? And, what better time to network than with people who are joyous in the holiday season? Follow the logic here? Good. Now, let’s make that holiday networking work.

1. Making the Most of
Holiday Networking
Laura Gassner Otting, Founder and President
Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group LLC
Use Twitter Hashtag #npweb
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3. Today’s Speaker
Laura Gassner Otting, President
Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group
LGO@NonprofitProfessionals.com
617-527-9661
Hosting: Sam Frank, Synthesis Partnership

4. Understand the Purpose
Overview
Get a Job
Make New
Connections
Catch Up
Create a
with Old
Buzz
Friends

5. Why Use the Holidays?
Overview
People are happy.
People are less guarded.
People are looking to connect.
People are feeling generous.

6. But I Hate Networking!
Overview
When was the last time someone asked you for help?
How did you feel when you helped them?
Why would you want to withhold that feeling from someone?

7. Strategy #1: Be Selective
Choose
Your
Events
Do your homework to determine who will be attending specific
events, and then choose where you spend your time based on
where you expect to derive the most benefit.
Have you sent holiday greetings in advance?
Will the music be too loud?
Will you be able to get a private audience?
Will there be others who can make introductions?
Will your agenda be welcome?
Will you be able to find specific take-aways to use later?
Is there a ticket price, and is it worth your investment?

8. Strategy #2: Be Prepared
Plan
Ahead
Know what you want to accomplish before saying hello.
Look the part. First impressions count!
Bring your existing business cards, or have new
ones made.
Have quips, icebreakers, or other conversation
starters at the ready.
Have a compelling, (but short!) description of
what you do, or want to do.
Get a business card, referral, or permission to
follow up with them after the holidays.
Be prepared to try more than once, but respect their time.

9. Strategy #3: Get a Buddy
Don’t Go
It Alone
It is always easier to work a room with someone else. It you are
feeling awkward, you can talk to each other. And, they also might
know people you don’t.
Be explicit with your networking buddy.
Ask people to introduce you around.
Be each other’s wing (wo)man.
Thank the host. They will remember you later.

10. Strategy #4: Get a System
Take
Notes
Just as important as making it to the right events and speaking to
the right people is remember where you were and who you met. The
key to keeping everyone straight is having a system.
Take notes, out of sight, in your blackberry,
on the backs of business cards, on the event
invitation, or in a small notebook.
Stay focused by setting goals about how many or
whom you are planning on meeting, and use it to
keep yourself honest.
Know that not all connections will yield immediate fruit,
and don’t discount the slower growing seeds.

11. Strategy #5: Be Memorable
Stand
Out
Your targeted contacts will meet a lot of people at each event. Make
sure that you are someone they remember.
Dress well. Look the part that you want to play.
Wear a pin, carry a pen, anything that is both
appropriate and memorable.
Focus on eating when you are eating, but not when
you are networking. And, watch your drinking!
Write notes about follow up on the back of any
business card you distribute.
Have a positive attitude and a warm smile.

12. Strategy #6: Give!
Consider
Your
Value
Most people are shy about networking because they feel that it is a
one way streak. All ask, and no give. Don’t be needy. Flip this on
it’s head by considering what you can give, and then giving it
magnanimously.
A token gift to the hostess to thank them for
inviting you.
A compliment, given with a genuine heart and an
authentic voice.
A note of appreciation for the effort one makes.
A referral, an article, a book, or a webpage.
A warm smile, an open ear, and a happy disposition.

13. Fixing the Flubs
Oops!
Fear of failure hinders even the best networkers. Here’s the bad
news: you will fall flat on your face. But then you will get up, and all
will be fine.
Don’t point out your mistakes. You’ve either said or done enough
already. Pointing it out will only magnify the issue and expand the
circle of discomfort. A simply apology is often sufficient.
Change the subject. Be prepared with more than one go-to topic.
Poke fun at yourself, and then quickly move on.
Set boundaries, and stick to them.
Learn how to end a conversation.
Fake a reason to leave: a phone call, a person across the room, a bio
break. And, then swiftly walk away.
Choose, act, apologize later.

14. Rating Your Success
How
did you
do?
Did you have a lot of brief and shallow interactions, or
a depth of quality?
How likely are you to follow up with the connections
you made during the holidays?
How welcome do you feel taking the next step?
Were you gracious, thankful, and courteous?
Do you have a clear strategy for follow up?

15. Resources
Please see our Article Library at:
http://www.NonprofitProfessionals.com

16. Find the listings for our current season of webinars
and register at
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Chris Dumas
Chris@NonprofitWebinars.com
707-812-1234
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