Rhonda Abrams The Passionate Entrepreneur

The holiday season is busy, but it's also a great time for networking.

By networking, I don't mean installing all those computer cables around the office. I'm talking about getting out there and meeting people who might be potential customers or referral sources.

This is the season for holiday parties, end-of-year Chamber of Commerce mixers, trade and industry get-togethers. Check your email in-box and physical mailbox. Check the business section of your local newspaper. You'll find invitations to or listings of many business and social events. And don't forget the parties your own friends invite you to.

To help you get ready for all those events you can attend this season, here's a refresher course in networking:

• Attend. You can't meet people sitting in your office.
  

  I know how difficult it is to drag yourself to some of these events, and they may seem like a waste of time. But you never know which event may bring you the big customer.
  
  

• Bring business cards.

  Always bring your business card, even to a purely social function. If you're going to a business mixer or trade event, bring plenty of cards.
  
  

• Wear a name tag.

  Sure, those stick-on labels may seem silly, but people are more likely to remember your name and company if they see it as well as hear it. Your name tag should include your first and last name and the name of your company
  

• Approach people.

  A good way to meet people is in the drinks line or next to the buffet table. If it's a business event, it's perfectly appropriate to start a conversation with, "Hi, I'm ..." If it's social, make a positive comment about the food, the room, or the host. You don't have to be brilliant; other people are grateful for someone taking the initiative.
  
  

• Have your elevator pitch ready.

  In even the most social setting, you're likely to be asked what you do. Have a short, clear statement ready.
  
  

• Give people your business card.

  You don't have to wait for someone to ask, especially at a business gathering. As you introduce yourself, it's perfectly appropriate to hand someone your business card at the same time.
  
  

• Ask others for their business card.

  If someone doesn't offer you a card and you think you may want to follow up, just ask, "Do you have a card?" If they don't have one, have them write the info on the back of one of yours.
  
  

• Actively listen. Ask questions of others and then really listen.

  Use your time to establish rapport -- some common connection -- rather than trying to make a sales pitch.
  
  

• Move on. Mingling means moving around.

  Don't stay with one or two people the whole event. You can excuse yourself to go get another drink, or just end a conversation with, "It's been great talking with you."
  
  

• Follow up.

  You've gone to the event. You've made the contact. You have their business card. Now make the call.