Why the Holiday Season is the Perfect Time to Network

The holiday season is an ideal time to grow your network and connect meaningfully with others, whether you're actively job-seeking, considering career growth, or simply looking to expand your circle of connections. Here’s why this time of year is especially effective for networking and a few best practices to make your holiday connections count.

Why the Holiday Season is a Networking Goldmine

1. People Are in a Festive Mood
   The holidays put people in a more relaxed, open state of mind. This time of year is known for generosity, friendliness, and reconnecting, making it easier to reach out and make genuine connections without coming across as overly transactional.

2. Natural Opportunities to Meet People
   From holiday parties to end-of-year gatherings, there are plenty of events where you can meet new people or reconnect with existing contacts. Many people also attend year-end conferences, trade shows, and company parties, giving you a great opportunity to network with people you may not normally have access to.

3. Reflecting on the Year and Setting New Goals
   Many professionals use the holiday season as a time to reflect on the past year and think about future goals. This creates a window to discuss career aspirations and share advice. People are often more receptive to helping others as they also look for ways to enrich their own lives.

4. Less Competition
   Since some people wind down their networking efforts during the holidays, there’s often less competition for the attention of industry leaders and decision-makers. This makes your outreach more likely to stand out and get a response.

5. Perfect Time to Follow Up
   If you’ve been meaning to follow up with someone you met earlier in the year or rekindle an old connection, the holidays provide an organic reason to reach out. You can wish them happy holidays, share a holiday greeting, or send a quick update, which keeps you fresh in their minds going into the new year.

Holiday Networking Best Practices

1. Be Authentic and Warm
   During the holidays, focus on building genuine relationships. Reach out with a warm holiday greeting and express a sincere interest in the other person’s well-being and year-end reflections. Avoid going straight into business discussions; instead, allow the conversation to flow naturally.

2. Use Holiday Events to Connect
   Make the most of any in-person or virtual holiday events. Introduce yourself with confidence, engage in conversations, and follow up promptly afterward. Bringing a small gift, holiday card, or even a personalized email as a follow-up is a thoughtful gesture that reinforces your connection.

3. Send a Personalized Holiday Greeting
   Rather than sending a generic holiday message, personalize your greetings based on past interactions or mutual interests. Whether it’s a handwritten note or a thoughtful email, let them know you’re thinking of them specifically and reference something you discussed previously to show you value their connection.

4. Follow Up Early in the New Year
   After making those initial holiday season connections, follow up in early January when people return to work. Mention a key takeaway from your holiday chat or something they shared with you. This continuation helps cement the connection as you both dive into the new year.

5. Offer Help and Look for Ways to Collaborate
   Instead of focusing solely on what you want to gain from a relationship, think about how you can add value. Offer your assistance, whether that’s by introducing them to a colleague, sharing a resource, or suggesting a potential collaboration. This approach is especially effective during the holidays, when goodwill is at an all-time high.

6. Leverage LinkedIn
   Holiday posts are popular on LinkedIn, making it the perfect time to share a reflective post, express gratitude for your network, or share career goals for the coming year. Engaging with others’ posts by commenting, sharing, or congratulating them on achievements helps strengthen your online presence and keeps you visible.

Final Thoughts

Networking during the holidays is about finding moments to connect on a human level. By reaching out with genuine warmth and taking advantage of the holiday spirit, you can strengthen your professional network and make meaningful connections that extend far beyond the season.