Celebrate with your fellow BNIers and do business this festive season with these top tips

The time is here …summer holidays are just around the corner.

For many members that means end of year parties and events perhaps still to attend. Business events can be great opportunities to make new connections and network. However, if you want these relationships to stick we have a few important tips to keep in mind while you are celebrating.

Our top tips for networking during the festive season

• Do your research: Get familiar with the party you’re attending before you even walk through the door. If you prepare in advance, you’ll be a lot more confident when you walk in the room because you’ll know what to expect. Try to learn more about the company (or person) hosting the party and who might be in attendance. Try to know the tone of the event before attending; is it formal or casual?
• Pay attention to your body language: Avoid poses that make you look uncomfortable like:

• Standing with your hands clasped in front of you, below your waist.
• Standing with your hands on your hips.
• Standing with your hands in your pockets.
• Standing with your arms crossed.
• The best way to appear confident is to stand with your hands by your side and maintain eye contact with the person (or people) you’re talking to.

• Try not to socialize with the same people all night long: Take a divide and conquer approach. Depart from the person you walked in with, even if it’s just for a little while, and approach somebody you don’t know.
• Learn how to listen: There’s no quicker way to kill a networking opportunity than by failing to pay attention to the person you’re speaking with. One way to prove you’re a good listener is by asking open-ended questions. Try using the phrase “tell me about,” which gives the speaker plenty of room to elaborate.
• Follow up after the event: A simple thank-you note, email or text is a good way to let the party host (or the person who invited you to attend) know that you enjoyed yourself.This time of year is a great opportunity to practise Givers Gain® by acknowledging your fellow members. If you want to thank someone in the chapter that has helped you this year or given you great business, now is the time to do it.

  Celebrate and appreciate.