LIL' BUDDY'S BLOG - THE LITTLE WHITE DOG'S GUIDE TO HOLIDAY SEASON NETWORKING!
THE CHICAGO REAL ESTATE MARKET, AND OTHER THINGS CHICAGO, FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF A LITTLE WHITE DOG!
Aahh, Chicago around the holidays! The sights, the sounds - the smells! (This year, this little dog learned what Rumaki is - whoa - heaven!)
Here I am with Dean's Team member, and my loving human Mommy, Sue. As you can see, I'm sporting my special Christmas Hat! Hey, perhaps I can help Santa this year. Then again, no - he'll probably just throw me down the chimney, since I will most likely fit better!
Last Friday was our annual Keller Williams Fox Realty Holiday Party, held at our office in the Lincoln Square Neighborhood of Chicago. Got all gussied up downstairs, at our Team's "Basement on Western Avenue" office. Wore a black tie - already had tails, you know. I was put in charge of serving the Hot Appetizers. You know, go into the kitchen, put twelve on a platter, mingle among the happy party goers, and pass out the four appetizers still left by the time I made it to the party floor. Had a great time, but, for some reason, my little belly was hurting a bit the next morning!
This is the best time of the year to do business networking for your business or Team. This month, I have been to four parties already, at least three more to come. Listen up, you dogs! When you're networking for business, try to follow these important tips, from Diane Eng, as published December 1st in the Online Edition of Realtor Magazine -
Rule # 1: In Order to Network, You've got to Show Up! During the holiday season, there is so much to do. The shopping, the cooking (you should see me cook, you dogs!), the running around. With all the stress, it is tempting to turn down holiday invitations. Don't! These are great opportunities to meet new prospective clients for next year, in a comfortable and informal setting. No matter if it's a friends Christmas party, the office gala, or the local community organization's annual gathering - get in the right mood, and join in!
Dress professionally, yet comfortably. You dogs want to make a good first impression! Also, arrive on time, to avoid getting put off by little cliques that may have already formed. Perhaps you'll want to volunteer to greet those who arrive, and take their coats at the door - great way to make an introduction.
Rule # 2: Make a Memorable, Concise Introduction! You've heard of the 20-second elevator speech. Shorten that to 7-10 seconds for networking parties. Susan RoAne, author of How to Work a Room, and a San Francisco-based Networking Coach, suggests linking yourself with the host or hostess of the party - "I've known Pebbles for many years, and we worked together right out of school." Or, share, quickly what you do - "When people can't make an important real estate decision, I look adorable to put them at ease."
If you attend the party with someone else, look approachable! Stand side-by-side, not facing each other.
Rule # 3: Keep Your Conversation Lighthearted! Read recent "Lil' Buddy's Blog" articles to keep up on current events as conversation starters. Or, ask how others you speak with know the host or hostess. Try to get others to talk about themselves. Ask questions about hobbies and interests, and relate your conversations to those topics. "Remember," says Wendy Terwelp, a Career Coach and President of Opportunity Knocks in Mequin, Wisconsin, "networking is all about building a relationship, not aiming for a one-time transaction."
Rule # 4: Have Grace in Awkward Situations! The other day, in PetSmart, looking for Holiday Presents, for the life of me, I couldn't remember then name of that Miniature Schnauzer from the neighborhood, who was out shopping for DentaBones! Rats!
One strategy for getting the other individual's name is to simply introduce yourself. The vast majority of the time, the other person will recite their name back to you! Other options here - "I'm great at remembering faces, and names - but not at the same time, at my age, unfortunately! Help!" Or, "Forgive me, it's been a crazy day at work - please, I've forgotten your name."
If the conversation is running long, or the subject matter is not appropriate for business, you might want to say, "You know, that's not the way I see it, sorry," and walk away. Or, notice something about the room, the furniture, the decorating, or what the other party goer is wearing, and gracefully compliment!
Rule # 5: Keep Individual Conversations Short! The goal of networking is to meet a lot of people, not just one or two. To excuse yourself gracefully, simply hand over your business card, and say that you would look forward to talking to them further in the future. Or, take them across the room to someone else from the group you know, then politely walk away.
Rule # 6: Find a Natural Way to Get Others to Remember You Later! If you have vendors or suppliers that might be of interest to the other party you are connecting with, make sure to offer to send them contact information. This is a natural re-connect several days after the gathering. Don't forget to ask for, and keep, their business card - and don't forget to follow up, as you promised!
Rule # 7: Want the Biggest Impact? Host Your Own Event! Have a creative theme - one Realtor in Nashville hosted a "Make Your Own Christmas Cards" Party. Others hosted paid-invitation parties, with proceeds going to local charities. Other folks have pot-luck dinners - natural conversation starters. Guests always remember the host or hostess of memorable parties.
Well, I hope you meet a lot of fine folks, and finer canines, this holiday season - and form the basis of long-lasting business relationships that last well into 2008, and beyond. As for me, I've got to adjust my little bone-tie. Another party coming up tonight!
Happy Holidays!
YOUR ACE REPORTER ON FOUR PAWS,
BUDDY HOLLY MOSS
