Get well connected in the party season

Dec 7 2007 By Erikka Askeland

Don't despair if networking invites fill you with dread

December, 'tis the season to be jolly. Now is the time of year when the invitations to pop round the office of clients or suppliers for some cocktails, nibbles and networking come thick and fast.

Some will embrace the opportunity for festive hospitality with good cheer. Others will despair at the notion of entering a room full of strangers for fear of a long night of enforced jollity and mince pies. Even if it's only for an hour.

Business guru Will Kintish says a certain amount of social anxiety when faced with this situation is "normal".

"We have presented to over 25,000 people and 99 per cent tell us they have an issue walking into that room," he added.

For those who have the burden of festive networking there are ways of making the evening go more smoothly. The first is to realise the benefits of making a connection at a party. Although not all people love networking, most agree that widening contacts in the business world is beneficial, if not essential, to a successful career or at least the company you work for.

Perhaps you have made it a New Year's resolution to get a new job. Jennifer Openshaw, author of The Millionaire Zone, says Christmas parties are a great place to put the feelers out.

"You couldn't ask for a better time," says Openshaw.

"Companies are planning for the 2008 year right now. They're doing their budgeting plans, their hiring plans. Party season also means people are in the spirit of giving and connecting. Take advantage of that."

Aside from shyness, what may put some people off the notion of networking are the networkers themselves. Aggressive "working the room", handing out cards and doing a hard sell is considered by many to be passe.

Instead, what you are after is making a genuine connection and then figuring out how the people you meet may be of help.

"You're supposed to share experiences and get to know people - to find a mutual trust and respect before trying to get something from them," says networking guru and author Thom Singer.

Inevitably not everyone you meet will be the answer to your prayers - and if so it's per-fectly reasonable to move on. Politely excusing yourself to speak with someone else in another part of the room is OK.

Another big fear is running into someone you've already met but you can't remember their name. This can easily be fixed by simply saying "Hello again. Remind me of your name." Then remind them of yours.

For those who still can't face it, you can take training to help. Tricia Fox, arguably Scotland's leading networking expert and founder of networking group Bacon Eggs and Entrepreneurs, has launched a how-to workshop appropriately named 'No Waffle' (for more info www.business9am.co.uk).

"People often feel intimidated by networking. They aren't always sure of the etiquette and may lack confidence in a face-to-face situation," says Fox.

Top tips...

Tricia Fox's top tips for effective networking in the Christmas party season:

Listen!: Ask questions and really listen to the reply to understand what's behind it.

Make an impression

Networking etiquette:

Remembering names is an undervalued skill. If you don't catch the name first time, say so and repeat it back.

Stay in touch: Don't use business cards as beer mats - keep them safe.