TIN - #123 - Overcoming Anxiety at Office Holiday Parties: Networking Hacks To Help Your Career
Make the Most of Holiday Parties as an Introvert
The holiday season is here, and that means it’s time for office holiday parties.
For many introverts, these gatherings can be anxiety-inducing, but they also present a unique opportunity to connect and build relationships in a more relaxed setting.
Let’s talk about some practical strategies to help you make the most of these events without overwhelming yourself.
This issue takes about 4 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started:
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Why Holiday Parties Are Perfect for Networking
Holiday parties create an environment where people are more open and social than usual.
It’s a time when:
People are in a festive mood: They’re more likely to engage in casual, friendly conversations.
Things slow down: The end-of-year atmosphere often leaves room for meaningful interactions.
Openness to connection increases: Many people reflect on the year and are open to reconnecting with others.
If you’re looking to expand your professional network, this is the ideal setting to break the ice with colleagues you don’t often interact with.
Simple Tips to Navigate the Party
How do you approach the holiday party?
Here are some of my thoughts, with more great suggestions below:
I came across a post this past week from Stephen Lu about how to navigate holiday parties as an introvert:
As a way to network on your own terms, here’s some additional suggestions:
Set Small Goals:
Aim to meet one or two new people instead of trying to mingle with everyone.
Identify key people you’d like to connect with, such as leaders or teammates from other departments.
Start with Familiar Faces:
If possible, attend the party with a coworker or friend. Having a “wingperson” can ease social pressure.
Use mutual connections to introduce yourself to others.
Recharge When Needed:
As Stephen said, take breaks as necessary—grab a snack, find a quiet corner, or step outside for fresh air.
Remind yourself that it’s okay to step away to maintain your energy.
Focus on Meaningful Conversations:
Go beyond work topics. Ask questions about hobbies, holiday plans, or where they grew up.
Show genuine interest by listening more than you talk.
If you’re looking for some conversation starters, check out this list of better questions from Dominic Imwalle. They get beyond the traditional “How’s the weather?” small talk.
Don’t Skip the Follow-Up
The real power of networking lies in what happens after the event.
Here’s how to make the most of the conversations you have at the party:
Schedule a Meeting: If you had a great conversation, send a quick email or message to set up a time to chat further. For example, “I enjoyed our conversation at the holiday party. Can we grab 15 minutes to talk more about [topic]?”
Be Specific: Reference something you discussed to make your follow-up feel more personal and intentional.
Keep It Short: Even a brief coffee chat or virtual meeting can strengthen the connection.
By following up, you stand out and build relationships that can lead to future opportunities.
Networking with Intent
Remember, networking is about building authentic relationships.
Use the holiday party as a launching pad:
Ask Great Questions: Learn about people’s roles, career paths, or challenges they’re facing.
Be Ready to Share: Have your own story prepared in case someone asks about your background.
Show Appreciation: A simple “thank you” for their time and insights can go a long way.
Your Next Steps
Reflect on your last holiday party. Who did you meet? Follow up with at least one person.
If your party is coming up, plan your approach. Decide who you’d like to connect with and set a small, achievable goal.
Share your experience! I’d love to hear what worked for you and what challenges you faced. You can reply to this newsletter or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Holiday parties might not be your favorite activity, but with a bit of planning and a focus on meaningful conversations, they can become a valuable part of your networking toolkit.
Give it a shot, and let me know how it goes!