I'm Louise Fletcher. As President of 
I'm Chandlee Bryan. As a career coach and resume writer with experience from Manhattan to Main Street, I help job seekers connect with opportunity by sharing news, trends and best practices. I'm the Managing Editor of Career Hub and run 
The winter holiday season is networking paradise, the timing perfect for arranging introductions to those you want to know you. November and December are prime season for planting yourself on decision makers’ radar screens and nurturing relationships. It’s a wonderland of fresh prospects and a harvest of contact renewals. The many corporate events, social occasions, and community 
celebrations offer a myriad of opportunities to establish connections, strengthen ties, invigorate relationships and share ideas.
Almost any neighborhood, family or business gathering may produce a conversation with someone who has information you can mine unobtrusively for leads to new career challenges for yourself and those you know (i.e., reasons for more networking!) With so many venues to choose from, select ones where you are most likely to reach your networking goals: a high probability for face time with individuals you want to know about your potential value proposition, unique talents and interest in taking on new challenges. These encounters could be your big break to chat with current or former employees at your target companies, exchange business cards with an industry leader or arrange a future meeting with someone difficult to reach.
Want to also enhance your networking efficiency to generate even better results? Prepare thoroughly in advance, anticipate questions and have well thought out and concise responses ready. Be ready to make clear, compelling points to attract attention, pique curiosity and put you top of mind. Your delivery has to be remarkably memorable to overcome interruptions and compensate for a lack of privacy.
To further increase your networking effectiveness, especially attend gatherings where you will feel comfortable and put your best foot forward. Avoid situations where you might be stressed, rushed or distracted from your networking mission: meaningful conversations that leave a strongly positive impression, picking up insider-only knowledge, connecting those you know to each other and optimizing purposeful networking contacts.
In conclusion, remember to stay focused. To reap the full benefits of networking purposefully, you must be alert and stay sharp. Don’t overindulge in food or beverages. Conduct yourself professionally at all times. The ROI is simple. Just one meaningful dialogue creates measurable value from every networking event. It’s the quality not the quantity of relationships developed, pursued or renewed. Including holiday networking in your career management plan enhances networking benefits throughout the New Year.
Happy holidays and happy networking!
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