Holiday gatherings are opportunities to meet new people and strengthen your network if you follow a few common sense tips.
Philadelphia, PA, December 22, 2010 — It’s the holiday season, and your calendar is filled with professional gatherings and parties. These are all opportunities to extend your network, and strengthen your existing relationships. Marc Kramer of the Bulletin, Philadelphia’s Family Newspaper, interviewed Steven Smolinsky, President of Benari, Ltd, and co-founder of Conversation on Networking, about his tips for networking at Holiday parties.
Steve offered a few ideas about how to network effectively, especially during these holiday celebrations. An important thing to keep in mind is that these are not just parties, but opportunities to make new connections, and to deepen existing ones. Going to the party with the knowledge of what you need so you can work it into casual conversations is one key, but don’t walk up to people and ask for something. That is a guaranteed turn off. Circulating the room and speaking with many people is a great idea, but it is better to meet a few people and connect well, than meet everyone and not make an impression on anyone. Common sense also dictates that you dress appropriately and limit the alcohol consumption if you choose to drink at all.
Marc continued the interview by asking about opening lines, breaking into groups where you don’t know anyone, and conversation starters. He then asked about the etiquette of bringing business cards to a party. Steve answered, “You should always have business cards with you. Even in the era of Blackberries and i-Phones people hand out business cards as a simple way of both sharing contact information and reminding people they met you.” He continued with some ideas about what to include on your card if you are working, or if you are currently between jobs, and even commented on what kind of stock the card should be printed on so that someone can jot notes on the back.
For the complete transcript of the interview, check Networking Advice for the Holiday Season. For more information on networking all year round, you can check out http://www.conversationonnetworking.com/
About Steve Smolinsky
Steven Smolinsky is Founder and President of Benari LTD, a consultancy guiding CEOs and senior teams to success through alignment and discipline of story, focus, accountability, and execution. He is Professional Faculty and Region Manager Africa for the Wharton Global Consulting Practicum of the Wharton School, Consulting Professor National University of Singapore, and Co-Founder Conversation on Networking. He is a popular speaker on story, international business culture, business development, and entrepreneurship and has co-authored the book Conversation on Networking.
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Contact:
Steven Smolinsky
Benari LTD
Box 197
Birchrunville PA 19421
610-827-7932
[email protected]
