The Holiday Season offers great Networking Opportunities

Some freelance writers make the mistake of putting their marketing plan on the backburner during the holiday season. While there is no denying that you want to spend time with your family and friends, this is one time of the year when networking should come naturally. Do you really want to pass up this opportunity?

Here are three ways to connect with your network, as well as others, during the holiday season:

  1. Send a card or gift. This does not have to be something that costs an arm and a leg. After sending the item, wait a couple of days for the recipient to get in touch to say “thank you.” At this point, tell them how important the relationship is and that you are looking forward to working together into and beyond the new year.
  2. Ask a client or potential client to have coffee or lunch. Again, use the holiday angle to your advantage. Express the fact that you want to meet up to express your gratitude for the work they have given you or the advice they have offered. I have found that most people are more than willing to meet up for a free cup of coffee or a bite to eat. All you have to do is ask.
  3. Just say hi! Forget about sending a gift or paying for lunch. Send an email to everybody you have worked with in the past year, as well as those that you have simply been in touch with. The following is a great example:

Greetings –

I just wanted to send you a quick note wishing you and your family a happy holiday season. I am looking forward to working with you again in 2011. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you in the meantime.

Thanks again, and happy holidays!

It would only take an hour or so at the most to send this email to your client and/or prospect list.

The holidays give you a reason to get in touch with your network. What are you waiting for?

Profile image for Chris Bibey
Chris is a full-time freelance writer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He specializes in web content, sales copy, and many other forms of writing. Chris has two books in print, as well as hundreds of articles in local and nationwide publications.

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2 thoughts on “The Holiday Season offers great Networking Opportunities”

  1. I do it a little differently, because when it’s reversed, I get cranky if a “give me work” missive is disguised as best wishes for the holidays.

    I’m a big believer in holiday cards, handwritten, via snail mail. In addition to friends and family, I also send it to past (well-liked) and present clients, editors, sources, etc. And all it is is a holiday greeting.

    Early in January, I do the “let’s hope this is a great New Year, keep me in mind for projects” mailing, which is sometimes a post card, sometimes an email.

    I usually do check-in postcards about every three months anyway, and that garners about a 25% response.

    Reply

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