The last few days I’ve posted a number of ideas for effective holiday networking. But what if you aren’t in town? Does networking stop while you are visiting family in another state (or country)?
Why should it? We have been a global economy for some time now. With social media, we can extend our reach well beyond our own city, state or even country. So absolutely network while you are visiting family elsewhere.
Use the suggestions I’ve posted over the last few days to start conversations while honoring the occasion. Do bring your business cards. Your family might have your personal email, but why not give them your business contact information as well.
Brag about what you’ve done. If you can’t brag to family, who can you brag to? Ask for help. Ask for contacts. Your family should be the people who are most supportive of you, but we hesitate to ask them. No, don’t try to make them your customers (unless they ask) but find out who they know. Search for needs. Don’t assume you can’t meet needs if they don’t live nearby Many years ago, I needed a good attorney. My uncle lived in Utah, and I lived in Virginia, but he found exactly the person I needed. How did he do it? He networked on my behalf. He knew an attorney near him who knew an attorney near me. You probably have people in your network who know people living near your family. So put your network to work on their behalf.
Remember. Networking isn’t something you turn on and off. You may not get business while visiting your family at Christmas, but I guarantee there is some way you can network on their behalf. And your family knows people. Let them know you are a master networker, and it will come back to you the next year.
Tags: Networking, Relationship building