Real Estate Blog

The holidays are upon us, and chances are you will be attending, and perhaps hosting, a number of holiday-related business events. Maintaining a balance between having fun and seizing a networking opportunity at these events is critical.
 
How you approach these meetings means the difference between making a lasting and positive first impression that could drive new business, and turning off future and even past or current customers and partners.
 
Here are some simple ways in which you can convey a friendly, polite professionalism while you're networking during holiday events:

• Be punctual. This is not the time to be "fashionably late." Showing up on time to events demonstrates that you are responsible and reliable. Moreover, it communicates that you respect the person who is hosting the event and the people attending it enough to make it a priority.
  
• Don't be afraid to engage. Never be afraid to break the ice. Per standard networking rules, simply walk up, smile, extend your hand, introduce yourself and ask who the other person is. You may not want to immediately go into sales mode, so you'll need to gauge the situation, but if your fellow partygoer asks about who you are and what you do, you've got a perfect opportunity to strike up a new relationship.
  
• A concise introduction will be memorable. Prior to the event, practice a quick "elevator pitch" that lets you very quickly describe what your business is about and the services you offer. That quick description will stick with attendees much better than a drawn-out treatise.
  
• Be friendly, but not overly familiar. Remember, you might be friendly with your clients, but you shouldn't treat them as your best and closest friends. At the end of the day your relationship is still a business relationship. Keep things light and enjoyable, and never breach professionalism.
  
• Relax and enjoy yourself — but don't let your guard all the way down. Holiday parties are a great opportunity to be a bit more informal and share some anecdotes about yourself and your life. Clients and partners might enjoy learning more about who they are doing business with. Just remember you are still ultimately representing your business and you need to maintain a good business relationship.
  
• Be ready to follow up. In addition to an ample supply of business cards, have a note pad or cell phone on-hand so that you can take notes regarding follow-up calls or materials that you have promised throughout the night. This will let you continue the conversations you've started and hopefully turn them into bona fide customer relationships.

It's possible to have fun and turn on your "party persona" to a degree when you're attending holiday networking events; just be sure to rein it in a bit and remember, this a business opportunity first and foremost.