As the end of 2013 wraps up, so does your networking calendar. There are still plenty of events to attend, people to meet, and networks to build. The end of the year is a great time to keep your network engaged, and here are Vegas Networking Pros we want to share a few ways we suggest engage your network.
Speak Directly to Your Network
Writing a letter or blog with an annual wrap up. The “What we accomplished in 2013” approach is always well received. Even individuals in your network that otherwise overlook your updates will generally read your annual summary. Don’t have a strong story for the past year? Include your plans for 2014. They can be general statements of your direction or goals. And encourage response with their updates as well.
Start a Conversation
For social networks such as Google+, Twitter, and Facebook, starting a conversation is as easy as finding a fun image and posting with a question. Have a low engagement through social networks? Tag the people that have a descent response rate and reengage. Use Pinterest? A 2014 vision board is a great way to get your message our and a conversation will naturally start. Use the social aspect of social networks to your advantage.
Take an Interest in Others Interests
Happy New Year sentiments allows you to be more personable with colleagues without being overly friendly. Here in Las Vegas you can ask if colleagues will be attending the hyped winter conventions such as CES, SHOTS, PPAI, Las Vegas Market, MAGIC, or WPPI, depending on their interests. Make sure to give the “I hope to see you there” with any convention that you plan to attend. Remember that with the larger conventions and tens of thousands of attendees, bumping into each other may be a challenge, so leave it open-ended or have a more detailed conversation about meeting up.
Get Creative
The rule here is to engage your network. While adding to your network is always a great accomplishment, engaging your current network will continue to build long term and meaningful relationships, and those are the most beneficial of all.
Have a great New Year from all of us at Vegas Networking Pros, we look forward to seeing more of you in 2014.
