Article Title: The Miracle of Holiday Networking


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Please accept the following article submission:

Author Name: Rhonda Sher
Article Title: The Miracle of Holiday Networking
Contact Email Address: info@...
Word Count: 651 including Author Resource Box

Category: Business, Networking, Referral Systems

Copyright Date: 2004

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Complete Article with Resource Box at end:
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The Miracle of Holiday Networking
Copyright © 2004 Rhonda Sher
Santa*s Secret to Holiday Cheer
http://www.SantasSecretSuccess.com



Do thoughts of going to all those parties during the Holidays
leave you feeling a bit short on the joy that this season is
supposed to evoke? If so, Santa has the perfect solution to
get you in the mood.

He knows that the Holidays are in fact a "most wonderful time of
the year" to network and meet new people. That's why he trains
Santas all over the world to adopt his jolly demeanor and make
sure he doesn't forget anyone on his list. By the time his
Santas-in-training graduate, networking becomes as natural as
breathing... just like it is for the real Santa!

Yet for many of us, taking on such a demeanor to succeed seems
like too much "hard work". So what if, you stepped outside your
preconceived notions for a moment and looked through Santa's
eyes? Would you not then see a wonderful atmosphere of
merriment that makes it even easier to meet new people and
reconnect with others you've not seen in a while? With everyone
infected with the feeling of the Season, what could be a more
perfect time to begin "trying on" your new way of growing
your business.

Every smart Santa knows that networking, when done like a
"seasoned pro", can exponentially grow your business and
widen your circle of influence. After all, who can resist a warm
Santa-like smile and a twinkle of the eye? And what about those
other endearing qualities of his like always having a gift on
hand, promptly responding to all fan email, delegating with
finesse and faith, and paying full attention to everything you
say. No wonder everyone falls under his magic spell.

For those of you who've already graduated from Santa's finishing
school, you know first-hand the many benefits of networking.
Have you ever stopped to add up the lifetime value of an ideal
referral? That's what happens when you know how to convey the
merits of your services to others. And how about the resulting
referrals from serving that perfect referral well? Likewise, the
same holds true when you do onto others the same professional
favor.

So why not begin now... while the Season provides you the perfect
playing field to fine-tune your style to become a year-round
Santa. Then you'll grow to understand that networking is more
than just being in the right place, at the right time, with the
right people. Rather, it's the art of having your heart in the
right place and your mind set on being a resource to others.

Alas, what if for all these wonderful miracles of networking,
you still feel that talking to strangers is more difficult than
going to the dentist? Know that Santa has been listening to make
it feel less like pulling teeth.

He's even jotting down a few "insider" tips" he's gathered over
the centuries to help you feel more at ease with mingling:

* Greet people as if they're old friends and you've not
seen them in a while.
* Be both interesting and interested in people. Use the
person's name, ask open-ended questions and be
genuinely interested in what they say.
* Be conscious of your body language so you appear
receptive and always respect the personal space of others.
* Practice (until you sound natural) an effective 30-second
response to the question, "What do you do?" Leave your
listener intrigued and wanting to know more.
* Continue that memory of warmth with random acts
of kindness.

Above all, seek to understand others. For it is not your
credentials that sell you, it's becoming a trusted resource
and friend. Then your Rolodex will runneth over... all year
through!



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Rhonda Sher is author of the best selling book, The 2 Minute
Networker, and the just released ebook SANTA'S SECRET TO
HOLIDAY CHEER: How to Network All Through the Year,
endorsed by such networking masters as corporate mogul,
Gordon Becker. Visit http://www.SantasSecretSuccess.com NOW!




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