NETWORKING: Capitalizing On Good Cheer
I'm not widely known as a “Christmas person.”
By that, I mean I find crass commercialism to be…well, crass. And I can’t stand Christmas music.
But I do enjoy the season by spending time with family and friends. I enjoy going to holiday parties and learning more about the other Holidays not native to me – like Chanukah and Kwanzaa.
I also capitalize on the good cheer of my peers (partially in attempt to get me in the seasonal spirit). I’ve made it an annual tradition to invite a few key people in my business and personal life to attend a Christmas Eve Midnight Mass with me. (I make it clear that it doesn’t matter what religion they practice – I just want to spend some Holiday time with them.) We gather at my home for eggnog and cookies, to swap stories and have a nice time. Then, we get to the church by 11(ish) so we can get good seats and all sit together.
This goes over well. We socialize and renew bonds and, in general, enjoy part of the season with one another.
You can capitalize the good cheer of others, too. It doesn’t have to be based on any particular religious service, but starting a tradition of your own can help you renew old bonds and forge new ones. These traditions can help strengthen your network and allow your contacts to a chance to network as well.
What kind of traditions could you start? Here are a few ideas:
Athletic events. If you’re a runner, invite people to join you for a road race. During the Holidays, most cities hold Thanksgiving Turkey Trots, Jingle Bell Runs and even New Years Eve races starting at the stroke of midnight. (Check the race calendar on the Runner’s World website for a race near you.) If running isn’t your thing, organize an annual touch (or flag) football game. Take a small group golfing if the weather allows it.
Holiday activities. Not the athletic type? Do you enjoy the Holidays? Hop in the minivan with a few of your contacts and look at Christmas lights. Or go caroling. Even during the last week of the year.
Non-Holiday activities. If, like me, you don’t get into the whole Holiday hubbub, get a few of your likeminded contacts together for a non-Holiday celebration. Organize a scavenger hunt and place items and/or clues throughout your town or city (this goes over very well). Or, organize a Monopoly party.
IN THE CARAVAN: Capitalize on the good cheer of others. Organize activities or invite your contacts to participate in one. It can help build and strengthen personal and professional relationships.
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