Strengthen Your Professional Network This Holiday Season
Click to Enlarge
The holiday season is more than a time for celebration; it’s a prime opportunity to reflect on and nurture your professional relationships. As people become more open and positive, it’s the perfect time to reestablish ties that can have a lasting impact on your career and personal well-being. Here’s how to make the most of this time to create meaningful, mutually beneficial connections.
- Review Your Relationships: Assess your current network and categorize your contacts into three groups: Active, Infrequent, and Lost/No Relationship. Focus your energy on connections that bring value and fulfillment and consider letting go of ones that don’t. Remember, a meaningful network requires mutual investment.
- Reconnect With Lost Connections: Reaching out after losing touch might feel awkward, but a simple, heartfelt message can reignite a bond. Personalize your outreach by acknowledging time has passed, expressing genuine interest, and referencing shared experiences. For example, mention a memorable event or congratulate them on recent achievements to break the ice and open the door for reconnection.
- Nurture Connections Consistently: Relationships thrive on regular engagement, not sporadic check-ins. Make a concerted effort to maintain bonds through thoughtful follow-ups, whether it’s a quarterly lunch or a simple check-in message. These efforts can lead to opportunities that intertwine personal and professional growth.
Take advantage of the holiday spirit to solidify your network and set a foundation for the new year. Your future career opportunities and personal fulfillment may be just one conversation away.
’Tis the Season to Reflect on Your Professional Relationships (Lyons, HBR, 11/15).
