The holidays are here, and that means there are plenty of opportunities to meet new and interesting people. Here are 4 simple tips you can use right away to have successful networking during holiday events/parties:
1. Plan ahead before going to the event ? think about which contacts are the most important to you and your SFI business, and make a point to speak to each of them during the party/event. Find out who will be going to the event; consider asking the host for an idea who was invited. Pick 3 people with whom you definitely want to meet while you are there, and don't avoid the big names.
2. Let others do the talking (you ask the questions and be an Active Listener ? Create a list of questions to ask fellow party guests to that are ice-breakers so as to get people to open up to you more. Ice-breaker questions may include but not be limited to where he/she will be spending the holidays, where he/she grew up, what he/she does for entertainment/recreation. Active listening will show the individual that you are talking with that you are interested in their feelings and who they are as a person. Once the conversation is flowing freely, then move on to more in-depth business questions such as but not limited to what type of work the individual is involved with, what challenges may have been encountered within the last 6 months.
3. Be prepared to present your SFI business in a statement that is no more than 2 sentences. Your SFI business statement should highlight career high points and top skills. Think about what's unique about what you have with a SFI business and what will make you stand out in a room full of people who are also talking about themselves. Be sure that whomever you speak with will still remember you at the end of the night.
4. The party may end, but your connection shouldn't. Following the event spend a few minutes remembering the new connections you made by tracking them in an address book or personal journal. Include reminders for yourself of interesting or remarkable things that people said or that you learned so that you won't forget them and can refer back to them in later conversations. Be sure to use social media such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to keep in touch.
Attending parties/events/community celebrations/staff socials is a great way to network and connect with new people. Make the self promise during this holiday season that you won't leave any event without having made a couple of great connections.
SFI is a community of connectors so why not increases your SFI business through the art of Networking!
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The holidays are here, and that means there are plenty of opportunities to meet new and interesting people. Here are 4 simple tips you can use right away to have successful networking during holiday events/parties:
1. Plan ahead before going to the event ? think about which contacts are the most important to you and your SFI business, and make a point to speak to each of them during the party/event. Find out who will be going to the event; consider asking the host for an idea who was
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