Networking During the Holidays: Hit or Miss?
Photo by HIVAN ARVIZU @soyhivan on Unsplash
As the year winds down, many organisations focus on year-end reviews, goal setting, and personal downtime. However, the holiday season also presents a unique opportunity to strengthen professional networks. While it may seem tempting to put professional obligations on hold, using this time to make meaningful connections can set you on the path to greater success in the new year.
So, before you clock out for the holidays, here’s why you should consider making networking a priority for your organisation and yourself:
Less Competition and a Stronger Presence
Many businesses and professionals hit pause on networking during the holiday season, creating an opportunity for those who remain engaged. With less competition for attention, you can stand out more easily, whether you're aiming to attract top talent, new clients, or professional connections. As fewer competitors are actively networking, your outreach becomes more noticeable.
Strengthening Business Relationships
Holiday events often promote a relaxed environment, making it an ideal time to deepen relationships with clients, partners, and key stakeholders. You can use this period to reconnect with long-time business partners, while employees can strengthen bonds with colleagues or mentors. These conversations often take on a more personal tone, creating stronger, lasting professional relationships.
Engaging in Reflective Conversations
The end of the year is a time when many people reflect on both their personal and professional journeys. Organisations alike tend to be more receptive to conversations that explore future plans, personal growth, and business goals. These open dialogues can lead to new ideas, collaborations, and career prospects that wouldn’t typically surface during busier months.
Visibility with Senior Leaders
For organisations, the holidays can be a golden opportunity to engage with high-level decision-makers who may have more time than usual. Whether it’s CEOs of partner companies or senior leaders within your business, the absence of "gatekeepers" during this period makes it easier to reach influential figures who can help drive business success or open new professional doors.
Strategic Goal Alignment for the New Year
As you wrap up the year, many are setting goals for the upcoming year. This is the perfect time to network with industry peers, benchmark against competitors, and seek advice that can guide strategic decisions. For employees, this is an excellent time to position yourself for new roles or responsibilities, ensuring that your career trajectory is aligned with organisational needs.
How to Effectively Network During the Holidays
Host or Attend Holiday Gatherings
For organisations, hosting or attending holiday events can be a great way to build rapport with employees, clients, and industry peers. These gatherings provide a more informal setting where people are likely to be more relaxed, making it easier to encourage genuine relationships. Employers can use these moments to share company milestones and vision for the upcoming year while employees can network across departments or with external stakeholders.
Leverage Online Platforms
Digital networking is equally important, especially in a time when remote work is more common. Employers and employees should ensure their LinkedIn profiles are up-to-date and actively participate in industry conversations. Employers can connect with peers in industry-specific groups, while employees can join discussions relevant to their career paths. Sharing insights and participating in virtual events can keep your professional presence strong even when physical events are fewer.
Reconnect with Existing Contacts
Use the holiday season as an opportunity to nurture your existing network. Whether you’re an employer reaching out to long-term clients or an employee touching base with former colleagues, sending a personalised holiday message can rekindle valuable relationships. It’s also a good opportunity to inquire how you can collaborate or assist them moving forward, laying the groundwork for future opportunities.
Encourage Team Volunteering
Volunteering can be a powerful way for organisations to give back while providing networking opportunities. Employers can organise or participate in corporate social responsibility initiatives, which not only build your brand’s goodwill but also connect your business with like-minded professionals. Employees who volunteer together can strengthen internal bonds, while external volunteering events offer the chance to meet professionals from other industries or organisations.
Bottom-line
The holiday season should be seen as more than just a time for personal relaxation. It is a strategic opportunity to expand professional networks, deepen relationships, and gain valuable insights that can propel growth in the year ahead!