‘Tis the season for festive food, colorful lights – and holiday parties. Though some see company holiday parties as painfully awkward and unpleasant (and they certainly can be), they can also be a fun opportunity to meet potential customers and business partners. Here’s how to make the most out of networking opportunities and even have some fun with it, especially during the holiday season.
When you first walk into a party, it can be intimidating. You’re surrounded by possible clients and partners, and you want to make a good first impression.
It’s helpful to remember placing yourself on equal footing with everyone else. As Forbes says, “Don’t put people on a pedestal… Focus on learning from their experiences and building genuine connections based on mutual respect.”
Imposter syndrome can be hard to combat, but you can start by understanding that everyone moves at a different pace in their career, and what you have to offer is important to people. Also, there are likely many people in the room who feel nervous as well.
Remember also to keep reasonable expectations. You won’t always find the customer or business partner you’re looking for, and that’s okay. Feel good for putting yourself out there regardless. At the very least, being there will let others know about your business, and being friendly and genuine will give them positive engagement with you and your brand.
With your foot in the door, you could form a business relationship with a partygoer later down the line – or just have a nice conversation in the moment.
Timothy Latterner from Architectural Digest also reminds us to keep phone use to a minimum. If you are constantly looking at your phone, partygoers might avoid you because they don’t want to bother you. Putting your phone away and putting yourself near group conversations will make people more likely to approach you.
On the other hand, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a moment away from the action, bringing out your phone can give you a needed mental break. Just try not to rely on it too heavily.
Bringing a plus-one can also ease stress. That way, you have a familiar face to talk to amidst strangers and an easy way to begin a conversation (by introducing your plus-one).
Parties aren’t the only networking method, of course. Industry-specific conferences and conventions are great opportunities to form and maintain business relationships.
For professionals in the door, frame, and hardware industry, the annual DHI conNextions conference offers a great platform to learn about new industry products and software, attend education sessions, and get to know door distributors and manufacturers.
In fact, the Software for Hardware team attended DHI conNextions 2023 just last month and had the chance to meet current customers in person. Discussing business updates and opportunities face-to-face let us form a more personal connection compared to remote calls.
Something else that made this trip successful was planning. Our team scheduled when we would speak with customers, browse the Exhibit Hall booths, and make time to eat and relax. This helped us stay efficient and make the most of our three days at the convention while also leaving space for fun and exploring the Boston area.
Whenever you’re at a party or on a convention floor, dress for your best. You want to look professional, but you also want to showcase your personality. After all, you’ll feel your best and have the easiest time with conversations when wearing something you feel confident in.
Also, punctuate a good conversation with a business card. That’s another opportunity to look professional and ensure a possible lead doesn’t lose your information. You can even set up a virtual business card on your phone to exchange info easily and digitally.
If you have the chance, exchange social media handles as well. LinkedIn specifically is a great place to connect with business professionals. The more connections you make on LinkedIn, the more you’ll build a relevant feed and find relevant leads. Remember that networking happens digitally, too.
The world of networking can be stressful. But you have the power to make it more fun by planning in advance, keeping reasonable expectations, dressing for your best, and being friendly and genuine with people. Give it a shot – you never know what connections you might make to start off 2024.
Anna Litofsky, Marketing Coordinator, Software For Hardware, Atlanta, GA.
