Holiday Party Networking Tips

Whether it’s a get-together or a soiree, holiday events are a perfect time to reconnect with customers and grow your business.

Professional Realtors often see the holiday season as a slow time. In the midst of the holiday chaos, buyers and sellers tend to be less active and may be out of town or entertaining guests, making it harder to get deals done. But it doesn’t mean you’re taking the month off.

Every holiday party offers a new chance to make positive first impressions with prospects and build your relationship with colleagues or former clients. Holiday events are a really good way to network because people are more relaxed and receptive to conversation. The lines between personal and professional are a bit more blurred.

We gathered some of the best tips to make the most of this holiday season.

Tip #1: If You’re Not There, You Can’t Network

Holidays from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, plus many reasons to celebrate in between — Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa, to name a few, knowing what to say and how to say it can open the door to great business relationships.

First, you must get out there and attend some events. If you normally take a pass, make it different this time. Whether it’s a work function, or a community gathering, or a friend’ party, make a point to be in a good mood and be there. Dress professionally and appropriately for the event you’re attending for first impression, arrive on time, and be participant.

Tip #2: Smart Introduction

Your goal is to make a connection with everyone you meet. Walk up to strangers and introduce yourself. Chances are good that you have something or someone in common if you’re both at the same party.

When you introduce yourself, it’s not a 15 or 30 second elevator speech, it’s a 7- to 9- second pleasantry.