How I Used the Holiday Season to Grow My Professional Network
Last December, amidst the festive chaos of gift shopping and planning holiday dinners, I stumbled upon a thought: What if I used this season to reconnect and grow my professional network? Initially, I wasn’t sure how to approach it—networking during the holidays seemed...awkward. But as it turns out, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my career.
Here’s how I turned the holidays into a golden opportunity to strengthen my connections and prepare for a strong start in January.
1. Warm Greetings, Strong Foundations
I started small by sending personalized holiday messages to my LinkedIn connections. Instead of generic “Happy Holidays!” texts, I referenced specific memories or achievements from the past year. For example:
“Hi Alex, hope you’re doing well! I still remember how insightful your talk on AI ethics was earlier this year. Wishing you a fantastic holiday season!”
Not only did people respond warmly, but some even mentioned future collaborations.
2. Attending Holiday Mixers
I forced myself out of my comfort zone and attended two holiday networking events. It felt intimidating at first, but the festive vibe made it easier to strike up conversations. At one event, I met someone who later referred me for a freelance project—talk about holiday magic!
3. Reconnecting With Old Contacts
I used the holidays as an excuse to reconnect with mentors and old colleagues. One message stood out:
“Hi Sarah, I was just reminiscing about our time on the Brooklyn project and wanted to wish you a happy holiday season. Let’s catch up in the New Year!”
We ended up scheduling a coffee chat, and it turned into a valuable career discussion.
4. Sharing Reflective Content on LinkedIn
I posted a short, reflective piece on LinkedIn about my professional growth over the year. It wasn’t flashy, just honest. Surprisingly, it garnered a lot of engagement, and a former coworker reached out, saying, “We should collaborate again soon.”
Looking back, I’m so glad I took those small steps during the holidays. It showed me that networking doesn’t have to feel like work; sometimes, it’s just about being genuine and kind. If you’re thinking of doing the same, my advice is simple: start with one action—send that message, attend that event, or share that post. Who knows? You might just open a door to your next big opportunity.