--- title: "Just In Time For All Those Office Holiday Parties: How to Network Like a Natural" description: "Just In Time For All Those Office Holiday Parties: How to Network Like a Natural" --- - [Contact JSA](https://www.jsa.net/contact/) - [Tech & Telecom News Now](https://www.jsa.net/blog/) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/telecompr) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/JaymieScottoTV) [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/jaymie-scotto-%26-associates) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JaymieScottoandAssociates) [![JSA – Jaymie Scotto & Associates Logo](https://blog.jsa.net/hubfs/JSA_March2019%20Theme/images/jsa-logo-120h.png) ![JSA – Jaymie Scotto & Associates Logo](https://blog.jsa.net/hubfs/JSA_March2019%20Theme/images/jsa-logo-60h.png) ![JSA – Jaymie Scotto & Associates Logo](https://blog.jsa.net/hubfs/JSA_March2019%20Theme/images/jsa-logo-60h.png)](https://www.jsa.net/) - [Company](https://www.jsa.net/#) - [Our Core Values](https://www.jsa.net/core-values/) - [Our Team](https://www.jsa.net/team/) - [Our Clients](https://www.jsa.net/clients/) - [Our Story](https://www.jsa.net/our-story/) - [Giving Back](https://www.jsa.net/giving-back/) - [Our News](https://www.jsa.net/jsa-news/) - [Our Partners](https://www.jsa.net/partners/) - [Services](https://www.jsa.net/#) - [Public Relations & Content](https://www.jsa.net/public-relations/) - [Digital Marketing](https://www.jsa.net/digital-marketing/) - [Consultation](https://www.jsa.net/pr-marketing-consultation/) - [Website & Design](https://www.jsa.net/website-design-development/) - [Video & WebCasts](https://www.jsa.net/video-marketing-webcasts/) - [Event Planning](https://www.jsa.net/event-planning/) - [Portfolio](https://www.jsa.net/portfolio/) - [Pricing](https://www.jsa.net/pricing/) - [Regions](https://www.jsa.net/#) - [United States](https://www.jsa.net/united-states/) - [Canada](https://www.jsa.net/canada/) - [Europe](https://www.jsa.net/europe/) - [Flexibility](https://www.jsa.net/#) - [Small Company Offerings](https://www.jsa.net/small-company/) - [Medium Company Packages](https://www.jsa.net/medium-company/) - [Large Company Partnerships](https://www.jsa.net/large-company/) - [Channels](https://www.jsa.net/#) - [Telecom Exchange (TEX)](https://www.jsa.net/tex/) - [CEO Exchange](https://www.jsa.net/ceo-exchange/) - [JSA TV](https://www.jsa.net/jsa-tv/) - [JSA Radio](https://www.jsa.net/jsa-radio/) - [Virtual CEO Roundtables](https://www.jsa.net/virtual-roundtables/) - [Women’s Speaking Initiative](https://www.jsa.net/womens-speaking-initiative/) - [Industry Events](https://www.jsa.net/industry-events) - [Blog](https://www.jsa.net/blog/) - [Company](https://www.jsa.net/#) - [Our Core Values](https://www.jsa.net/core-values/) - [Our Team](https://www.jsa.net/team/) - [Our Clients](https://www.jsa.net/clients/) - [Our Story](https://www.jsa.net/our-story/) - [Giving Back](https://www.jsa.net/giving-back/) - [Our News](https://www.jsa.net/jsa-news/) - [Our Partners](https://www.jsa.net/partners/) - [Services](https://www.jsa.net/#) - [Public Relations & Content](https://www.jsa.net/public-relations/) - [Digital Marketing](https://www.jsa.net/digital-marketing/) - [Consultation](https://www.jsa.net/pr-marketing-consultation/) - [Website & Design](https://www.jsa.net/website-design-development/) - [Video & WebCasts](https://www.jsa.net/video-marketing-webcasts/) - [Event Planning](https://www.jsa.net/event-planning/) - [Portfolio](https://www.jsa.net/portfolio/) - [Pricing](https://www.jsa.net/pricing/) - [Regions](https://www.jsa.net/#) - [United States](https://www.jsa.net/united-states/) - [Canada](https://www.jsa.net/canada/) - [Europe](https://www.jsa.net/europe/) - [Flexibility](https://www.jsa.net/#) - [Small Company Offerings](https://www.jsa.net/small-company/) - [Medium Company Packages](https://www.jsa.net/medium-company/) - [Large Company Partnerships](https://www.jsa.net/large-company/) - [Channels](https://www.jsa.net/#) - [Telecom Exchange (TEX)](https://www.jsa.net/tex/) - [CEO Exchange](https://www.jsa.net/ceo-exchange/) - [JSA TV](https://www.jsa.net/jsa-tv/) - [JSA Radio](https://www.jsa.net/jsa-radio/) - [Virtual CEO Roundtables](https://www.jsa.net/virtual-roundtables/) - [Women’s Speaking Initiative](https://www.jsa.net/womens-speaking-initiative/) - [Industry Events](https://www.jsa.net/industry-events) - [Blog](https://www.jsa.net/blog/) # Just In Time For All Those Office Holiday Parties: How to Network Like a Natural As we have been saying, 'your network is your net worth.' It's true. Why? Because you never know where starting a conversation can lead you. It can be the key to unlocking new opportunities, showcasing your knowledge and getting ahead professionally. As such, building your social connections is an investment that will continue to pay off long after the event is over. And it all begins with two words: relationship building. ## **5 Tips to Network Like a Natural:** #### ![](https://blog.jsa.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/1-Handshake-Smile.jpg?width=347&height=231&name=1-Handshake-Smile.jpg) **#1: Start with a Smile & Confident Handshake** Show you are open to networking and engaging in a conversation by starting with a smile. Then, while making eye contact, extend your hand for a handshake, which is known as an act of confidence and respect when meeting another professional. We suggest keeping it firm and authoritative, yet warm and inviting.   #### **![](https://blog.jsa.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2-Intersting-Conversation-Starters.jpg?width=353&height=235&name=2-Intersting-Conversation-Starters.jpg)**   #### **#2: Interesting Conversation Starters** Instead of asking the typical question, "What do you do?," try asking something more memorable that will help you stand out from the others. Here are a couple of suggestions for you: "What is your favorite blog or podcast?" or  "Where are you from?" or "What brings you to this event?"   #### ![](https://blog.jsa.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/3-Eleavtor-Pitch.jpg?width=340&height=249&name=3-Eleavtor-Pitch.jpg) #### **#3: A Well-Developed Elevator Pitch** An elevator pitch is the easiest way to share who you are and what you do in a quick, efficient manner. It is best to stick to 1 to 3 sentences describing what you’re all about. Try to make it interesting by injecting a few personal tidbits that can lead to a more in-depth discussion. Be sure to prepare your elevator pitch before the event, tailoring it to the audience that will be at the event.   #### ![](https://blog.jsa.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/4-Ask-Questions.jpg?width=345&height=230&name=4-Ask-Questions.jpg)   #### **#4: Ask Questions & Don't Monopolize the Conversation** Don't be afraid to ask questions; this shows you are interested and engaged in the conversation. You might tend to want to talk more about your company's products and services, however, let them share with you, too. This helps to keep the conversation more interactive.   #### ![](https://blog.jsa.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/5-Follow-up-is-Key.jpg?width=331&height=220&name=5-Follow-up-is-Key.jpg) #### **#5: Follow Up is Key** It has often been said that networking is where the conversation begins, not ends. If you've had a great exchange, ask your conversation partner the best way to stay in touch. It's ideal to follow up with him or her within 48 hours, showing your interest. Keep it personal by referencing any key points or friendly words exchanged. Plus, this will also help him or her remember your conversation.   **And Practice, Practice, Practice!** Join us and other decision makers at Telecom Exchange (TEX) NYC, an invitation-only event that guarantees an executive-level only attendee pool where the focus is on how we can effectively work together to make a difference. With our easy-to-use meeting management platform, you can book 30+ meetings in advance with other C-levels to be held on-site at TEX. Network naturally with us.   [![](https://blog.jsa.net/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Apply-for-TEX.png?width=1504&height=186&name=Apply-for-TEX.png)](https://thetelecomexchange.com/nyc/register/)   **Coming Soon:** stay tuned for our analysis on the top must-attend 2018 events for our industry. Our highly-anticipated annual list will be released soon. [Conferences](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/conferences), [Events](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/events), [Networking Event](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/networking-event), [JSA Events](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/jsa-events), [best practices](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/best-practices), [business questions](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/business-questions), [c-level](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/c-level), [CEO Exchange](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/ceo-exchange), [community news](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/community-news), [Holiday Parties](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/holiday-parties), [Network](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/network-2), [networking tips](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/networking-tips), [partnerships](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/partnerships), [questions to ask](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/questions-to-ask), [tech event](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/tech-event), [telecom conference](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/telecom-conference), [Telecom Exchange](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/telecom-exchange), [telecom industry blog](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/telecom-industry-blog-2), [telecom networking event](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/telecom-networking-event), [telecom news](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/telecom-news-2), [TEX](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/tex), [Telecom](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/telecom), [telecom event](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/telecom-event), [telecom news blog](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/telecom-news-blog), [Telecommunications](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/telecommunications), [TEX 2018](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/tex-2018), [TEX NYC](https://blog.jsa.net/blog/tag/tex-nyc) #### Share This Article [mailto:?body=https://blog.jsa.net/blog/just-time-office-holiday-parties-network-like-natural/29692](mailto:?body=https://blog.jsa.net/blog/just-time-office-holiday-parties-network-like-natural/29692) TEX Dallas 2019 is taking place on March 13, 2019 at the Aloft Dallas Downtown. [Register Now](https://thetelecomexchange.com/register/dallas/) TEX NYC 2019 is taking place on May 14-15, 2019 at the W Hoboken Hotel. [Register Here](https://thetelecomexchange.com/register/nyc/) TEX Toronto 2019 is taking place on October 3, 2019 at Second Floor Events. [Register Now](https://thetelecomexchange.com/register/toronto/) TEX LA 2019 is taking place on November 11-12, 2019 at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar Los Angeles. [Register Here](https://thetelecomexchange.com/register/la/) Branding opportunities are available for any size marketing budget. Become a Sponsor Online Portal for Decision Makers to Smartly Network with Other Network Infrastructure Executives. [TEX Portal](https://thetelecomexchange.com/tex-portal/) ![jaymie scotto associates](https://blog.jsa.net/hubfs/JSA_March2019%20Theme/images/jsa-logo-2015.png) Jaymie Scotto & Associates (JSA) is the preeminent agency for Tech and Telecom PR, Marketing and Event Planning. P.O Box 20 Middlebrook, VA 24459 Email: sales@jsa.net Phone: +1.866.695.3629 ### LATEST TELECOM NEWS ### Recent Tweets - As the [#telecom](https://twitter.com/hashtag/telecom?src=hash) industry's expert in all things [#PR](https://twitter.com/hashtag/PR?src=hash) and [#marketing](https://twitter.com/hashtag/marketing?src=hash), earlier this year we created an eBook with our… [twitter.com/i/web/status/1…](https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1173694994097561600) [1 day ago](https://twitter.com/telecompr/statuses/1173694994097561600) - We are just under 2 months out from [#TEX2019](https://twitter.com/hashtag/TEX2019?src=hash) LA! Mark your calendars for November 11-12 and secure your seat now:… [twitter.com/i/web/status/1…](https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1172555329130942464) [4 days ago](https://twitter.com/telecompr/statuses/1172555329130942464) - JSA would like to take a moment to remember the bravery of the first responders in NYC, and mourn the lives lost 18… [twitter.com/i/web/status/1…](https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1171859944955666434) [6 days ago](https://twitter.com/telecompr/statuses/1171859944955666434) © Copyright 2019 Jaymie Scotto & Associates. | [Data Protection Policy](https://www.jsa.net/data-protection-policy/) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/telecompr) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/JaymieScottoTV) [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/jaymie-scotto-%26-associates) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JaymieScottoandAssociates)