Humbug–Holiday Networking

OK, you have to make the rounds again–the company party, the Chamber function, the lunch event—blah, blah, blah…..

So, what exactly are you doing this all for? The free food? The “exposure?” Getting out of the house? Fulfilling some obligations? Or all of the above?

Seriously, you really need to step back and think about why you go to these holly-infested parties.  And not just at holiday time–you need to be thinking about strategy and objectives year around.

I was at the annual Dallas Jingle Mingle, a joint effort by local communications organizations to benefit The Dream Fund, the other evening.  Rather than the usual schmoozing, I took it to get to the point and then share some valuable stories about networking with my fellow party goers. Several came to mind.

Recently, Cathy and I attended a networking event on a half-whim.  While I was there to see some old friends and potential business partners, she came to meet people, have a drink and watch the ballgame (the event was held at the Ballpark in Arlington during a Rangers game). Cathy had never met my old friend and colleague, Scott Cytron.  But she casually gave him a business card and happened to mention she might be in the market for a new job. Because of his connections into Cathy’s industry, Scott was able to make an introduction that resulted in a  very positive job change for Cathy within 6 weeks of that initial conversation. The positive power of networking.

Then there is the story of being in line at an event and fronting the person in front of me the cash to pay the admission fee.  While the organization was hot for their $5, little did they realize that the cash-poor woman was none other than a future chapter president of their group.

My colleague, Elena Rohweder, told me a story at the Jingle Mingle of having been inspired to return to the local IABC chapter events because someone took the time to be kind to her the first time when she was a stranger and new to the group.  She felt welcomed and has gone on to become a key board member of the organization.

But the best networking story was from Jingle Mingle itself: Steve Elkins and his “All I want for Christmas is a Job” business card.  I’ve written at length about it elsewhere, but it was a feel good story of the night when it comes to networking.

While networking is business and we need to be prepared, don’t forget it is also a time of laughter and fun and, above all, kindness. Enjoy the season, the good times and good networking to you all.

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