Holiday Networking

by Jennifer Gniadecki on May 26th, 2008

It’s Memorial Day here in America - where we remember the military we’ve lost and pray for the military we haven’t.

On holidays, most people will visit friends or family for barbeques or other fun get-togethers that (seemingly) have nothing to do with business. It’s a time to just sit back and relax for a little bit. Or is it?

Do you need help?

You can still relax and be on the lookout for opportunity. Maybe one of your friends or family members is looking for a little extra work you might be able to give them. Inexpensive business help can come from a friend or family member just as easily as from Elance or Guru.

Do you need clients?

Sure you know what all your friends and family members do for a living - well, I hope you know - but do you know what their friends and family do for a living? You might hear someone talking about a distant cousin or a friend from high school, ask what they do. They may be right up your demographic alley.

How does that make you feel?

Some people think that asking about friends and family is sleazy. Sure, if you do it in a sleazy way it is, but if you’re just inquiring and having a conversation, no one is going to think you’re poaching potential prospects. Many very famous business owners *cough*walmart*cough* used family in the business. Also, people love to work with people that they are close to (even if it’s one degree of separation through your friend or family member) because your job will not be sub-par. People know that when you know someone they do a better job than they would for a stranger.

So grab a burger and a beer and relax…just make sure you’re paying attention when other people are telling you stories, they could be talking about your next client.

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