Rekindling Connections: The Genuine Art of Holiday Networking

Harold Robert Meyer and The ADD Resource Center  11/28/2024

The holiday season isn’t just about festive decorations and year-end celebrations—it’s an incredibly organic opportunity to rebuild and nurture professional and personal relationships. As the year winds down, people are often more reflective, more open, and more receptive to meaningful connections. 

Why Reconnect? 

In our fast-paced professional world, relationships can easily become static. Emails go unanswered, LinkedIn connections gather digital dust, and once-vibrant professional networks slowly fade. The holidays present a natural, warm context for reaching out without the pressure of an immediate transaction. 

The No-Agenda Approach 

When I say reconnect, I mean truly reconnect—without an ask, without an agenda. This isn’t about networking for future opportunities; it’s about genuine human connection. A simple message that says, “I was thinking of you this holiday season” can speak volumes. 

For professional contacts, this might look like: 

• A brief note recalling a shared project

• Acknowledging their recent achievements

• Sharing a sincere season’s greeting

For personal connections, it could be: 

• Remembering a shared memory

• Expressing gratitude for their friendship

• Wishing them well in the coming year

Practical Tips for Meaningful Reconnection 

1. Be Genuine: Authenticity is key. People can sense when a connection feels transactional.

2. Keep it Brief: A short, heartfelt message is often more impactful than a long, overthought note.

3. Personalize: Reference something specific about their life or work that shows you’re truly thinking of them.

4. No Expectations: Release any expectation of an immediate response or future gain.

The Ripple Effect 

What starts as a simple holiday message can reignite dormant relationships, create unexpected opportunities, and most importantly, remind people that they are valued beyond their professional utility. 

This season, I challenge you: Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Make it about them, not about what they can do for you. You might be surprised at the genuine connections that can bloom from such a simple, heartfelt gesture. 

Happy holidays, and happy connecting! 

© 2024 The ADD Resource Center. All rights reserved. 11/28/2024

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