New England: a December networking sampler

December is a great time for networking in New England. Every organization has a holiday event, and everyone seems to be “of good cheer.” Maybe it’s from drinking the cheer, but even those who are reluctant networkers at other times of the year are more at ease during the holidays, and most attendees are open to the idea of meeting new people. It’s a good time to visit a new group to see if it fits into your plan for 2007. Here are a few of our favorite events:

Holiday Stroll

The Nashua, N.H. holiday season starts with the Holiday Stroll on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Sponsored by stores along Main Street, this activity features Santa’s arrival on a fire truck, entertainment by local singing groups, acting troupes, and the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree. The public turns out by the thousands and strolls to the top of Library Hill carrying lit candles and singing carols. In bygone days, New Hampshire’s famous Concord coaches and horse-drawn sleighs traveled up this hill to the inn at the top. If the snow falls, it’s more like a Currier and Ives scene than the 21st century.

Why do this? Networking happens anywhere and everywhere. All the shops are open, and all the owners are present. It’s a great time to meet and greet them and add them to your network while you have fun with your family. Get more event details at www.greatamericandowntown.org/events.htm.

Air Force Association event

Our favorite Massachusetts event is held at Hanscom Air Force Base in Lexington by the Paul Revere Chapter of the Air Force Association (AFA). Louis is retired from the Air Force and president of the NH Chapter of the AFA, so we’re always invited to this event. It’s a great time to catch up with our Air Force connections.

Why do this? If you have served in the military, support our troops, or do business with the Department of Defense, you should belong to at least one military association. Go to www.themilitarycoalition.org/members.htm for a complete list and find one that best suits your needs. If you become active in one group, other chapters of the same association will be open to you, and you can attend their meetings, instantaneously increasing your network.

ABWA auction: unexpected dividends for men

Kathy is vice president of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Charter Chapter of New Hampshire (find your local chapter at www.abwa.org). Their next event is the annual auction to raise money for their scholarship fund. An entertaining professional auctioneer keeps things moving. You can shop, network, and become a memorable visitor (depending on how much you spend) all in the course of a few hours.

Why do this? Men and women are welcome to attend these meetings. Because so few men show up, they are usually given special treatment and all the women want to meet them. Admit it, gentlemen, you enjoy being "courted" by a bunch of women.

Chamber of Commerce Holiday Business After Hours

You need not be a member to attend, and your city probably has an event similar to ours; check out your local Chamber’s December calendar.

Why do this? When you are new to a group, you usually stand out. Take advantage of that status to meet as many people as you can. Whenever we attend Chamber events in Massachusetts, people are impressed that we would travel "so far." Truth be told, we are driving no more than 20 miles, but why not take advantage of being noticed, for whatever reason?

No matter where you go this December, remember that every event is an opportunity to network. You should always be working on your business, even if you are not working in your business. And after all that networking, you’ll be ready to settle down for a long winter’s nap with a smile on your face and your rolodex a bit fuller.

Contact Kathy at KathyE@TheNationalNetWorker.com and Louis at LouisE@TheNationalNetWorker.com or TNNW Blog.