Why Waste Perfectly Good Eggnog?

Holiday time......and that means parties, drop-ins, and business networking events! Why not network for business-setting you up for sales success in

2008 with new contacts? Read on and...Happy Holidays!

In a recent NYU Management Institute survey, 44% of business people complained that at networking events, people only seemed interested in

selling them something. 26% indicated that contacts left, once they heard

that the respondent wasn't a prospect.

Well, let's focus on how you can effectively network at a function, start a new

relationship or two, AND still have some fun during these events.

Here are my top 5 hints and tips for successful business networking this

holiday season (and beyond!) Good luck...

*Survey the room and approach someone who seems like you in terms of

personality, age, attire, etc. Find the person you'll have something in common with to immediately put you at ease. If this takes a few minutes after arriving-

so be it. You'll find this a valuable networking tool in all situations because people do business with people who are like them.

*Open the conversation with a question such as: what brought them to the

event, how long have they been in business, and other connection topics that break the ice, and get your new contacts talking!

*Avoid mundane or controversial topics such as the news, politics, and, if

you live in Atlanta, drought! Think of creative topics to ask about before attending the event, so that when you meet someone new, there's interesting and stimulating conversation.

*Practice active listening skills in the conversation. Make good eye contact, avoid distractions, and listen to the deeper meanings while your new contact talks. You will learn more than expected if you just pay closer attention and

focus on the individual-not on who else is walking into the room.

*Send a hand-written follow up note telling the person how much you enjoyed meeting them, and if possible, include something slightly personal in the note to differentiate that this new contact made a positive impression on you. If this

is a good networking prospect for you, invite him/her to lunch, coffee or breakfast either the week between Christmas and New Year's (believe it or