Heading to a New Year’s party this weekend? Don’t forget to network!
This time of year is the perfect chance to meet new people, socialize, and make contacts that could help you in 2017.
We’ve put together a list of 8 networking tips to help you navigate and effectively network at your New Year’s Eve party this year.
8 New Year’s Party Networking Tips
Say Hello
You may attend your party with friends but it will be a waste if you don’t mingle with the other guests. Most guests at a party don’t know everyone that is invited so the easiest way to start a conversation with someone is to walk up and say hello!
Introduce Yourself
Make sure the other guests at the party know who you are. If you want to broaden your connections it is important that people know who you are and what you’re about. People will remember you if you make an impression so make sure to introduce yourself to everyone and let them know your story.
Ask Easy Questions
A simple way to start a conversation is to lead with a simple question. These questions help get the conversation started and allow you to learn more about the person you are speaking with. ‘May I join you?’, ‘How do you know the host?’, and other similar opening questions help to ease the tension and get the other person talking.
Smile
Everyone is at the party to have a good time. Don’t be the person that sits in the corner by themselves. Smiling and being happy at the party will attract other people to you. Being personable is a great way to let other guests know you are open to a conversation.
Talk Less, Listen More
While it’s important to help move the conversation along and have a back and forth with the person you’re talking to, it is also important not to hog the conversation. Actually listening to the answers someone else gives you is crucial to networking.
Share Your Passion
While it is very important to let others speak and to listen to them talk it is equally as important to share your interests and passions with the other guests. When you’re passionate about something and share that with others it shows.
People respond to how others speak so when you speak with joy and enthusiasm others will respond positively to that energy and will have positive interactions with you.
Watch Your Body Language
Non-verbal cues are just as important as what you say when you are networking. Make sure to portray confidence in your body language and to keep your arms uncrossed.
Maintain strong eye contact and keep your physical appearance clean to portray a strong, kept, and confident demeanor.
Follow Up
It is important to follow up with any good contacts you make at this New Year’s party. If you have a good connection with someone and are given a business card or any indication they would like to hear from you be sure to follow up in the new year. This will open the lines of communication and show that you were listening and are sincere in your intentions to connect with these individuals.
Sources:
- http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/223468
- http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/10-tips-to-network-with-confidence/article10979390/
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/09/networking-holiday-parties_n_4398987.html