We’re heading into peak “So, what do you do?” and “How are you doing?” season with family gatherings, holiday parties, end-of-year events, and alumni mixers. Here’s how to handle it with strategy, story, and humor.
1️⃣ Lead with Your Story, Not Your Job
Instead of opening with “I’ve been laid off” or your title, share your story. People connect to purpose, not positions. Talk about what lights you up, what you’re working toward, or why you started speaking in the first place. You never know who might think, “They have talent and energy—I may know someone.”
2️⃣ Reach Out During the Holidays
Don’t hide! While people are busy, they’re often more generous with time for networking calls or meetings. 🎁🤝
3️⃣ Give Your Network Something to Do
Help your contacts by sharing useful resources: articles, member group recommendations, information about companies (new or existing), or in-person events.
4️⃣ Ask About Trusted Recruiters
Check if they know recruiters who have been valuable resources over the years.
5️⃣ Help Them Help You
People have short attention spans. Create a cheat sheet that brings your resume to life:
“I do **W** using my **X, Y, and Z skills**, so clients/staff/internal customers achieve **A, B, and C**.”
Include a title or two that reflects your current focus.
6️⃣ Ask for Opinions if You’re Shifting Careers
Flatter people by asking for their advice or wisdom. Share what you’ve been thinking, connect it to your professional and personal history, and explain why your unique qualities fit the opportunity.
7️⃣ Shift the Focus to Others
Ask:
– “What’s keeping you energized?”
– “What’s top of mind?”
– “What should I be listening for on your behalf?”
8️⃣ Share Your Wins
Talk about successes and lessons learned along the way. Celebrate progress. 🏆
9️⃣ Be Prepared for the “Doom and Gloom” Relatives
Assume someone might comment on your challenges. Prepare a few strategies:
– **Pivot like a pro:** I call this the *“Look, a squirrel!”* method 🐿️—distract with a fun fact, story, or human-interest topic.
– **Thank and defer:** “Thanks! I’ll circle back later.”
– **Group facilitator:** Ask them or others for advice or perspective, taking the focus off yourself.
Tip: Take inspiration from *l’esprit de l’escalier*—the witty comeback you think of too late. Prepare a few early! 😏
*Not bad for someone who used to hide in the auditory part of French class, right?
🔟 Use Humor
I call those grilling moments *“the human MRI experience”*. Laugh, have fun, and brainstorm new fields or job titles. Ridiculous ideas often spark clever solutions. 🤪💡
1️⃣1️⃣ Keep ’Em Moving
Pass food, hand people off, or get distracted in the kitchen washing dishes. Anything that keeps energy flowing works! 🍽️💨
1️⃣2️⃣ Circle Back and Share Wisdom
After events, follow up with lessons learned, insights, and tips.
1️⃣3️⃣ Baker’s Dozen
As I always say in my writings: everything here is true. Stay safe, well, and re-energize! 💖⚡