December is a nostalgic and retrospective time of year—a time when people send and receive holiday wishes and updates. A great time to network.
I know. I know. The word that strikes fear into people's hearts. But it doesn't need to.
Networking is just communicating.
Talking, texting, messaging. Connecting or reconnecting. Sharing experiences and supporting each other. Who doesn't want that?
Here's an easy way to get started.
Think about people you used to work with. You shared challenging projects, commiserated over ridiculous corporate policies, and complained about unrealistic managers. Or maybe you just sat near each other or exchanged random conversation in the break room.
Spend some time today going through your contacts and pick out a few people you'd like to reconnect with.
Reach out. Don't overcomplicate it:
"I was thinking about you today and was wondering how you're doing," or "Hope you're having a great holiday season."
That's it! That is networking, or the start of it anyway.
When they respond, and most will, continue the conversation, and see where it goes. Limit complaining and focus on building (or rebuilding) the relationship and exploring how you can help each other. That's right, help goes in both directions.
If they offer to help you, be prepared to tell them what you're looking for. Do you need an intro? Feedback on your portfolio? Advice? Be specific and make it easy for them to help.
And, if they give you the name of another person to connect with, don't procrastinate. Do it right away. Then circle back with an update. That's how you grow your network.
Just this week, two people I haven't spoken to in a while sent me unexpected messages. Messages that brightened my day. We exchanged updates, and now they're back in my "circle."
I've also reached out to a few people, including one I hadn't spoken with in over 20 years. She was so excited to hear from me, and we're going to catch up tonight. I plan to keep it going and continue reconnecting with people from my past.
You can do it too. Start today, and you'll have lots of new<>old networking contacts in the new year.
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