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!