It may seem a little early to start thinking about the holiday party season—but I was part of a “what are you doing for the Thanksgiving Holidays” conversation earlier this week. People are already starting to plan parties and gatherings and, depending on the nature of your home business, you will soon be in the throws of trying to balance work, networking, and family and social obligations. As far as I’m concerned, it is never too early to make a plan for how to make the most of the holiday season.
I think it can be well worth the home businesses owner’s time to sit down and sketch out a plan. If you are planning to take time off from your business, or if this is your busiest working season—all of that needs to be taken into account. Also, if you have a house full of children and family to tend to during the holiday season, that will need to be part of your planning considerations too.
That said, holiday parties can be fabulous networking opportunities for the small business entrepreneur. People are relaxed and festive, and there is a general “catching up” that goes on. Keeping your pocket full of business cards is not a bad idea, but one has to be careful not to be too obnoxious or pushy on the business side. It is probably not a good idea to try to make the hard sell at a holiday party. What does work, however, is to gather names and contacts and let people know that you will be in touch with them “after the first of the year”—this gives you the opportunity to network while you party, but to save the serious follow-up for after people are back in “work” mode at the end of the holiday season.
Also: How About a Calendar for 2008?