There is a mis-held belief that during the holidays, noone is making hiring decisions and noone can enhance their career. However, the extended breaks are an excellent opportunity to develop and create new contacts which may help you and your career. Here are our Top 10 tips for holiday career success!

1. Relationships
Business is built on relationships, many of which are formed in social environments. During the holidays and at parties, people are naturally more generous in spirit and open minded. This means it’s an excellent time to forge new friendships and build on existing ones.

2. What’s going on in the network?
Many networking events happen in the run-up to Christmas – not just in business, but in your social life and the community. Many charities will have fundraisers in November and December, as well as fairs and exhibitions. These are great places to visit to enhance your network.

3. Learn to listen
Most parties and events on the run-up to Christmas are a slightly more informal than at other times of the year. Most people’s favourite subjects it themselves, so learn to listen! MAke sure you have a ready supply of business cards that you can exchange with appropriate people.

4. Small talk starters and stoppers
Prepare at least three neutral questions you can ask people who you are meeting for the first time. Be prepared to make a lot of small talk to establish your new contacts. Good questions could be:
- How do you know the host/company?
- Why did you decide to come to this event?
- Do you belong to any professional organisations?

It’s important to also have good conversation enders so that you can move on and talk to new people. Here are some useful conversation stoppers which will let you exit a conversation without being rude:

- I’ll let you go know so that you can circulate the room some more.
- I’ll stop monopolizing your time and give other folks a chance to talk to you!
- It was great to talk to you. I will send you an email/call you next week/month

5. Voluntary work is good
There are plenty of voluntary ideas and opportunities around. They are a fantastic way to meet other people, give you something interesting to discuss at networking events whilst also giving your CV a great boost!

6. Send cards
Send cards out to everyone who is important in your professional life – from human resource managers, to recruitment consultants and other important executives in the field. Send your cards early enough to get invited to any social events which may be happening and so you might get a card in return. Always include your personal details, but do not write too much inside the cards. Pick a nondenominational theme such as a snow scene.

7. Gifts
It is better to give than receive! This old adage works in professional circuits. If there is someone who has helped you out or someone who you’d like to curry favour with, a small professional gift at christmas or during other festivals is a good idea as it puts you in a positive slant in their minds, and they will also get reminded of your personal details.

8. Introduce People
Offer to introduce people to each other, if they are looking for someone or something specific. If you are looking for someone or something in particular, ask if anyone can help you out. Become a ‘connector’ of people and you become ‘connected’ even faster!

9. Keep up with technology
Use technology to help you stay connected. There are plenty of business networking web sites where you can connect and reconnect with other people in your industry. The internet is also a great place for connecting with other local businesses and business-people and enhancing your network.

10. Look for the opportunities
Don’t let other people’s cynicism or negativity get you down. Keep positive and think positive and more opportunities will fall your way. If you stay positive, good things will become attracted to you and you will stay more open minded, ready to spot that next, great opportunity!

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