by Cari Cole
Networking is an opportunity to connect and expand your professional relationships, but holiday networking is a bit different. Holidays are more about celebrating and having fun together than handing out business cards. During the holiday season there’s often a lot more going on under the surface for people and you want to stay in the spirit of the season without over or under doing it. Artists are by nature more introverted than extroverted and can struggle with networking or parties in general where there are lots of people they don’t know. Here’s some helpful tips I use to put myself (and others) at ease and actually enjoy myself.

1. Be Positive

Being a rockstar and acting like one are not synonymous. A real rockstar is comfortable in their own skin. No matter how cool someone might seem, if they’ve got a lot going on in their career, they’re positive minded. Being positive helps you and others be more comfortable. And if someone happens to rub you the wrong way (it happens), no reason to let it get under your skin, just politely excuse yourself and move on to the next person or group.

2. Ask Questions

So what if you’re heading out for a party and you’re not so much in the holiday spirit? Matter of fact you’re a little down in the dumps but to not go would be a statement you can’t live with? The biggest trick in the book to get through an evening when you’re not your happy easy self – ask questions. People love people who are interested in them. Take the focus off of you and put the spotlight on them.

3. Be Genuinely Interested

When I’m at a party, I tend to single out the people who I think I’ll like the most and start there. It’s easier for me to be genuine and I use my sixth sense all the time. Sometimes it’s a piece of jewelry they are wearing, of the way they smile, or if they look like they could use a conversation ;). The more you are interested in someone else, the more they are interested in you. Who knows, you might have more in common than you think.

4. Be Brief

Mama always taught me this, “don’t overstay your welcome.” People like to move around at parties. So should you. Make an assignment to talk to 10 people, or challenge yourself and try to talk to almost everyone if it’s appropriate. You might just have some fun.

5. Low Expectations

Holidays are a good time to lower expectations instead of raising them. Take responsibility for having a good time, and if you’re not, you can always leave early. The lower your expectations, the more fun you’ll have and the more natural your conversations will be. Plus, you’ll come across more relaxed and at ease (because you are :)).

6. Good Vibes

Be open. Smile – a lot. One of the tricks I use if I’m not feeling so great is “self-talk.” I ask myself “What would make you feel more comfortable right now?” Maybe it means heading out to the balcony for a breath of fresh air, gather myself and head back in. Besides, you might meet another like-minded person out there who had the same idea as you ;).

7. How Much Networking Is Appropriate?

Holiday parties are more for celebrating the season and enjoying each other than passing out business cards. Remember, it’s the warm connections you make with each other that sometimes go way further than a good business conversation. Festive networking is networking in disguise ;).

You might want to consider hosting your own Holiday gathering. That way everyone will feel obligated to come talk to you! Don’t have any expectations though.