On the one hand, the holiday season provides more opportunities to socialize and meet new people than any other time of the year. But on the other hand, it can be tricky to leverage those new connections for your real estate business. Read on to find out how to master holiday networking!
Embrace the Season
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… to make new connections! Home sales are typically slow between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. What better time, then, to work on your network? Play up your holiday cheer with festive clothing (great for starting conversations) and an abundance of good will toward all. After all, nobody wants to party with Scrooge.
Attend Every Event
Unless you already have a commitment, don’t turn down any invitations this holiday season. That gift exchange or volunteer opportunity might be the place you meet your next client! Networking is, at least in part, a numbers game. The more people you meet, the better your chances of making valuable contacts.
Don’t Neglect Those Cards
By now, you should already have a list of people who get holiday cards. Add any new contacts you make during the season, and go ahead and send them a festive follow-up! It should go without saying, but make sure to choose a generic card with a sentiment like “Season’s Greetings” instead of a specific holiday.
You might consider designing your own holiday cards that include your branding. You can have cards printed relatively inexpensively online—just make sure to order early!
Take It Easy on the Eggnog
Holiday parties are often a little indulgent. There’s always plenty of rich food, and often free-flowing alcohol, too. Don’t overload your plate, and consider sticking to the sparkling apple juice instead of champagne. Even though you’re at a party, it’s still a good idea to stay in a “workplace” mindset.
Avoid the Hard Sale
While you should never push your business during a networking event, that’s especially true during the holidays. Nobody will be in the mood to talk business under the mistletoe! Make it clear that you’re at the party to enjoy the season and meet new people—not just to sell houses!
Be Authentic
The worst mistake you can make while holiday networking is the “bait and switch.” For example, don’t invite people to an open house disguised as a holiday drop-in. If you’re going to host a work event, it should be clear to the people you invite.
This is a busy time of year for most people. Although many businesses experience a slowdown during the holidays, family and personal time is at an absolute premium. As long as you respect that, you’ll be able to navigate holiday networking with ease.
