Raise a glass this season and make a toast to a crazy year! We saw real estate records set, wacky elections, and just manic weather between the droughts and the storms. What a year it has been!
It's not over yet. So, while celebrating the season with friends and colleagues at the multitude of parties and events in the coming weeks, take this time to grow your friendships and partnerships with some year-end party networking tips.
• Start with having some fun - At this time of the year don't be a buzzkill by being solely focused on business at holiday events. You want them to know that you are genuinely interested in them, and not just what they can do for you. This is where the 'art of conversation' really applies.
• Be prepared - If there are folks you want to re-connect with, make a memo on your phone with their name and contact info in case they don't have business cards or you forget to get one.
• Use Facebook - This is a great way to check up on the lives of the folks you want to see the most; you can start meaningful conversations when you know what your connections are engaged in.
• Research on LinkedIn - everyone is impressed to have someone take the time and interest to check them out, it's flattering. Do it.
• Who do you want to connect with? Holiday events can be a great time to really connect with one or two people who you've wanted to meet. If you come away with one new potential friend or partner, you've had a successful evening. Now go have more fun!
• Don't attend big parties if you don't like them - You'll be unhappy and others will feel that vibe. Find other ways to connect in smaller groups. Perhaps host a small event or ask a few new connections to lunch.
No other time of the year offers such rich opportunities to connect like the holidays do. Making new connections or strengthening existing relationships is a great way to head into the New Year.
Amy Tierce of Newton is Regional Vice President, NMLS #15695 for Wintrust Mortgage, a mortgage company with branches in MetroWest. She can be reached by phone: 617-308-4870, by email: atierce@wintrustmortgage.com , and online: www.amyrates.com.
