It’s the most wonderful time… to do some networking

(The title of this is supposed to be sung the kind-of-holiday song, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Pat yourself on the back if you read it that way!)

One of the most important parts of the networking process is keeping in touch. As we often point out, what’s the point of doing all that work to get someone’s attention, ask questions, and develop a rapport, if you’re just going to let it all go down the drain because you didn’t keep in touch? That’s pointless!

However, though it’s important, keeping in touch can sometimes be a challenge. You can’t reach out without a reason for doing so. Some networkers get stuck on this. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be anything huge. For example, it could be a quick update, a new question, or a sincere “congrats” for winning an award for a project or for work that you admire.

With this in mind, recognize that the holiday season presents you with the easiest touch-base of the year: wishing someone well for the holidays or new year. In the networking world, think of the holidays as that free space in the middle of your Bingo card. It’s a practically effortless way to be a “ping” on a contact’s radar.

Writing a quick email with your well wishes and maybe one sentence with an update about what’s going on with you or reference a talking point from an earlier conversation is enough to personalize the note and be that “ping.”

Take a half hour today and shoot off some quick notes to your contacts. Not only will this keep top of mind for the new year and the opportunities it brings, it will also show that you sincerely value your connection with each person.