By Drew Miller

Alas, the holiday season has begun and our calendars are filling up with appointments and tasks, all color coded so we can stay organized. Well, at least mine looks like that. Some businesses get super busy during the holidays and have no time (or real need) for networking. Others find business slowing down a bit and need to keep up appearances. It really doesn’t matter how much business you get during the holiday season because you are always networking each time you leave the house. Let’s face it. we all love the “Party Season.” There is no better time of year to meet a whole new army of networkers.

In my previous column (Don’t Be a Judger), I discussed seeing everyone I come in contact with as a potential army of workers vs. judging them as a good fit for me and my business.

In this column, I would like to continue that line of thought and leave you with a few helpful hints on how to stay on top of your business while enjoying the season.

First and foremost is BE POSITIVE! Be the person with the inspirational story about your job or home life. Keep your conversations upbeat and pleasant. Nobody wants to do business or refer business to someone that comes across as complaining or negative. More people will remember you if you leave them inspired by a great story or life experience. Vulnerability always comes across as honesty and in business, honesty is golden.

Map out your holiday season. Look at the parties or events you might be attending and strategically plan out which events are more or less important. That way, if you need to cancel you will know which events can help your business and which events won’t make a difference. Knowledge and smart planning are all ways to keep your business growing.

Check out the invite list. Who will be attending the same parties or events? Who would you like to get

to know better? Who can help your business grow? These are questions you should keep in mind when you are mingling during the holiday season. Networking is based on personal relationships. People will always do business with someone they have a personal connection with even if there might be a better deal out there. Write a list of who you want to make connections with and read it just as you arrive so it’s fresh in your mind. How many times have you wished you connected with so and so when you got home. Be prepared.

Watch how you conduct yourself. Yes, I mean drinking. I am sure you can recall one person who made an ass of themselves at some function, but you can’t remember the person you went with. The important lesson here is that you are always networking, even when you think you’re off the clock.

Just last week, I was out with some colleagues thinking I was, “off the clock!” We attended a party and after got a bite to eat and ended our evening at a local bar. During our time together, we shared stories laughed and joked. Later, when I was thinking about our evening, I thought more on my contributions and the stories I told. I thought, “Is this the person I want them to get to know better?” Was I giving them my best or was I drinking and thinking “oh, this is funny and it will make them like me more!” No damage was done but it did help me realize that the person I believe I am on the inside needs to be present when I am out with the gang on the town.

The holiday season is overwhelming at times. We are shopping, working, and attending events, benefits and parties all while trying to have some down time. With a little pre-planning and organization, you will manage this season with flying colors. This is not the time to let it all go. This is the opportunity to create new business, new colleagues and strengthen relationships with the people in your life. The holiday season is a time to be thankful for what you have and the New Year brings possibilities of what’s to come. Be an inspiration so that people will remember you. When you create your business projections for next year, those people you inspire could be big contributors to your success.

Drew Miller is a business and networking consultant. He can be contacted at Drew@DrewMiller.biz.