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! 

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!