The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes lots of parties, family gatherings and religious celebrations. This festive time also presents lots of opportunities to network.
Rosemarie Strawn, president of motivational speaking and training firm Positive Actions, says networking is an activity we all should do on a regular basis throughout our careers. She points out that typical activities during this festive time of the year are great places to meet new people and reunite with familiar ones.
Strawn shares these five tips for effective networking:
* Be positive. Regardless of what's going on in your life, enjoy the moment of the occasion. People want to surround themselves with other positive people.
* Smile. Do this often when you're speaking, standing or sitting, either alone or with others. A friendly appearance will make you more approachable.
* Listen intently. You'll learn more from and about others if you listen without interruptions.
* Speak energetically. A little enthusiasm makes your stories seem more interesting and entices others to join your group.
* Follow up. Maintain contact with people with whom you are interested in developing relationships for personal or professional development.
If you're a little shy and not sure how to strike up conversation at an event, consult a Management Strategies article on successful schmoozing at www.nwfusion.com/careers/2001/1029man.html .
And for more information on another great way to build your network of business contacts, check out www.nwfusion.com/newsletters/careers/2001/00904154.html . There you'll find a rundown of several IT professional associations you might consider joining.
However you'll be spending the holiday season, I wish you a happy one!
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Amy Schurr is an editor for Network World's Management Strategies and Features sections. If you have any career topics you'd like her to cover or want to comment on this newsletter, you can reach her at aschurr@nww.com.
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