"I
am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and
as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can…I
want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work -
the more I live" - George Bernard Shaw
Again, networking
at its best is all about generosity. At holiday time, I like to
think of it as inviting everyone to the feast, and encouraging them
to share the pie! Everyone is encouraged to share their culinary
specialty (their gifts, vision and resources), and gratitude flows
freely for the sharers of their bounty…
1.) Make
a list (and check it twice) of all the clients, collaborators,
associates, and friends who have supported, referred, and/or worked
with you on your business, and make a commitment to contact them
in some way betweennow and, say, January 15th. Consider how to appreciate
and support your biggest fans and fill in those who don't know what
you do, how well you do it, or how great a response you get from
the audiences you serve. You've got news to share!
2.) Write a testimonial, and send the testimonial onto someone
who might be able to help them. Let the person know you've done
this so that they can follow up. (Help your collaborator grow
their business in the New Year - a teacher, coach, agent, consultant
- musical director, fellow performer, lawyer, financial advisor,
insurance agent etc.) i.e"This musical director was instrumental
in helping me create my award-winning cabaret. I encourage you to
check him out in 2008."
3.) Consider a small gift and a phrase that reminds them of you,
whether it's a Starbucks ("Think of me - warm and stimulating…"),
a Barnes & Noble gift card ("Think of me - well-read and
noble"), or maybe even a bonsai tree ("Think of me - petite
and exotic"). FYI, these are meant to be fun and creative,
and to get you brainstorming. A gift of beautiful stationary could
say you're charming and romantic; a best-selling thriller could
say that you're intelligent and mysterious. You get the idea.
4.) Create a holiday performance. (If you're a performer,
create your own, if not send someone in your stead) Carol the industry
or read a selection from "A Christmas Carol" or "How
the Grinch Stole Christmas". (Let them choose.) Or put it on
tape, send a video email, or put it on your website. (I've got a
great site which supports you in video email, videos, pod cast…
let me know, if you're interested.)
5.) Honor the instinct to hibernate. Plan enticements to
reach out with comfort. For example, meet for coffee or hot chocolate
before making rounds (Stopping by in person to deliver warm wishes
and/or treats). Schedule a lunch by a restaurant fire or small part
for cocktails at your house.
6.) Write
a holiday card/letter to share the blessings of the past year
and the vision you hold for next year. Keep it short and sweet -
a half-page is great. Consider getting help on the text or graphics
in order to put it across easily and attractively. Your holiday
letter is a tremendous opportunity to share the blessings of the
past year and your vision for the future. It can give people the
information and confidence they may need to work with you or refer
someone to you. It can be a gift to inspire their own reflection
and commitment. (Check out "Constant Contact" if you're
doing an email version - provides templates, and online database.
Call me if you're interested in mailed service - I recommend a mailed
card to your most important friends and colleagues, even if you
are sending an email version)
7.) Make
a holiday gift of your service (an hour session, gift certificate
for two, or a product, such as a CD, a book, or an article -to introduce
someone or their friend or associate to your gift. The gift can
be yours or a recommended service that's in line with your perspective
and practices. i.e. I might give my own book, "Seven Keys to
Success without Struggle" or two other great books on networking:
"Referral of a Lifetime" by Tim Templeton or "Power
Networking" by Sandy Vilas and Judy Fisher.
8.) Say "thank you" for the contribution they made
to your year. Send a "thank you" card for gifts given
this year in beliefs, support, time, opportunities. Holidays are
a great time to say thanks to all the people with whom you've enjoyed
doing business this year. Consider your clients and associates,
those who worked with you and those who referred you to others.
Again, in expressing your gratitude, you're also opening the door
for more work with them, or with someone in their circle who could
benefit. Don't
frget the support staff, too; all those lovely souls who took your
messages and may have gotten you through to the "big-wigs".
Everyone loves to be appreciated! And remember - today's assistant
may be tomorrow's casting director or CEO!
9.) Throw
an "end of the year" party for two or two hundred
(at your place or just meet at the café or pub) with a group
of people who have benefited you and might benefit one another in
support, resources, and service. Or again, just share a cup of cocoa
together by a restaurant's fireplace…
10.) Inspire
your network to play and plan. Email your network your top three
joys, values, or accomplishments of 2007, and your goals and dreams
for 2008. Ask them to send you back their three for 2007, and three
for 2008… Or how about a day of rounds giving the offering
of "The End-of-the-Year Review and New Year's Planning"
exercise (look for it in the newsletter!), and their choice of coffee,
tea, or hot cocoa to enjoy while they reflect?
These are just
a few of the many ways to reach out. Be creative. Play. Have an
intention to make their work and life better, to show your appreciation,
and to give them information and confidence to work with you in
the New Year!
And here's
my promise to you: With this pie, the more you share the more you
have.
