Like Santa Claus, snowmen, and mistletoe, parties are a mainstay of the holiday season. With all the great food, drinks, and music that these events provide, it’s often easy to lose track of time and forget that you could be forging valuable contacts with other attendees.
In order to stay on point this holiday season, follow these social-event networking tips from marketing expert, Bruce Allen:
Arrive early. When possible, I might be the first person there. This allows me time to talk with organizers, association principals, and so on. These are all good connections to have and explore. These people can key me in on expected attendees as well as future activities and opportunities.
Do a little reconnaissance. When you're checking in, read the names on the badges at the registration table. I like knowing whom I might meet: prospects, clients, competitors, referral resources, and so on.
Position yourself strategically. Once people start flowing in, I stay near the entrance to the main networking area. People are more easily engaged in conversation earlier than later. Plus, I will have a better chance of meeting everyone I want to meet. Even more important, I am seen by a maximum of attendees. Being seen is almost as important as being known.
Don't eat or drink alone. If I must visit the bar or food tables, I greet someone and invite them to join me. From the front door, almost everyone is headed to one of those two places as the next stop after registration.
Play the host. I offer to bring drinks to a gaggle of people. They will definitely include me in their conversation when I return, and people feel good about people who pamper them.
Walk the walk. After about 30 minutes, when the crowd has really grown and a good buzz is happening, I walk from the entrance to the farthest point away in the networking space. Along the way I greet people I know but haven't spoken with yet, I wave and nod at people I've already talked to, and I smile at as many people as look me in the eye.
Go for the power connection. Once at the back of the room, I survey the place for a cluster of VIPs, hoping I know someone in the gathering. If so—that's where I'm headed. If not, I look for a fellow service provider to discuss who is attending. What we can do together is make mutual introductions and share information and insights about people in the room.
Good luck to you, and don't forget to have fun!
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