In previous blogs, we’ve discussed how, while the holiday season is the easiest time to put networking on the back burner, it’s also one of the easiest times to reach a whole new audience. So how do you take BNI networking through the holiday season in Virginia and beyond?
Like so many other things in BNI and business, it just takes intention and planning.
Why is BNI Networking Vital in the Holiday Season?
While attendance and participation always matter in BNI, why is it extra important during the holiday season? There are a few reasons.
You Have a Good Idea of What Everyone Is Doing
A BNI member needs to come up with a new pitch every week - that’s about 50 pitches a year! So how do you keep it fresh and specific (since we know pitches need to be specific?)
Well, one way to do it is keep them seasonal and relevant. During the holidays, you know what everyone is doing - visiting friends and family, going to office parties, probably eating a lot of good-but-not-so-good-for-them food. Use that information to tailor your pitch!
Say something like, “when you’re visiting and family and they comment on how much they love your ____, ” or “when your friend talks about how they need to lose the Christmas pounds.”
Obviously, it’s easier to lean into the holidays in some professions than others, but we bet you can come up with something creative!
Your Members Will Be Around a Lot of People - Some New
Often during the months of November through January, we’re seeing people we only see once a year. That’s a chance for your name to be on the lips of twenty-something group members while they run into people who are catching them up on everything that’s changed in their lives. Don’t miss out on that opportunity!
Holiday Spending
Finally, in the lead-up to the holidays, people are spending money on gifts. And they may be looking for a creative, thoughtful place to put those funds. Why not your product or service?
Similarly, after the holidays, people have returned their unwanted gifts for cash, or they have holiday money they were given, and they may have something extra to spend. Be at the front of mind!
We Know You’re Busy
That last time we wrote about BNI networking through the holiday season in Virginia, we were primarily addressing why you shouldn’t skip your BNI meetings. Obviously, we still believe that, and today’s blog delves into why. However, we know that that can be easier said than done.
Everyone gets busy this time of year. But let this be a reminder that busyness can be a feature instead of a bug. Take advantage of your members’ hectic schedules. And be careful to schedule all your networking duties into this crazy season.
An Additional Note
The holiday season is also often a time of complex feelings – people are missing people who used to be part of their holiday memories or feeling loneliness harder than before.
While it puts a positive attitude as one of its values, that doesn’t mean pretending bad feelings don’t exist.
Remember, your network is a lifeline, and you might be a lifeline for someone else in it, so take the time to check on your fellow members and see if they have everything they need right now.
