KEY POINTS:
Don't toss aside those invitations if you are looking to move forward next year - research shows that those looking to move up the career ladder or grow their business need to be putting in the leg-work now by indulging in some pre-Christmas schmoozing.
John Wall, managing director of business coaching group Sugar International, says he often talks about the period between the Melbourne Cup and Christmas Eve as being an important time to network.
People tend to be in a better frame of mind, and the "movers and shakers" will have been looking ahead to the next year for a few months already, he says.
"Your chance to be heard by a decision-maker is much higher at this time of year."
It may be a cliche to say that 80 per cent of jobs are not advertised, and it's "all about who you know" but Wall says that's because it is true.
"If you're not prepared to network and get out there and meet people then you're not going to tap into those opportunities."
People who are talented can offer value to others and are well-networked can do well in recessionary periods, Wall says - but he emphasises that talent alone is not enough.
He predicts those who offer outsourced contracting services will be in particularly high demand as businesses look at cutting costs by reducing what they do in-house.
Colin Kennedy, spokesperson for BNI (Business Network International) says it is important to put your head up when competitors are putting theirs down.
Networking is a relatively cheap business development strategy - all it takes is setting aside a little time to attend an event or arrange a coffee.
Research shows 50 per cent of consumers are more likely to be influenced by word-of-mouth recommendations than by commercials, and you can start the ball rolling by spreading the word among new business circles.
Several networking groups such as BNI meet regularly but Kennedy also recommends getting in touch with neighbours and those who share aspirations and ambitions similar to yours.
People are also more receptive to new business ideas, and to helping out others during tough economic times.
"Neighbours are more likely to do business with neighbours and networking can help put you in touch with immediate circles," Kennedy says.
But to get the most out of networking time, it is important to approach people who are more likely to give referrals, and therefore spread the "word of mouth" chain.
Brien Keegan, Auckland general manager for Link Recruitment says business people are invited to a lot
of functions at this time of the year and anyone looking for a career progression needs to step out of their comfort zone and make the most of the opportunity to tap into that "hidden job market".
Christmas parties - either external or internal - are a good time to "career-shmooze", but Keegan warns to approach the party from the company's cultural point of view and "balance social and work discussion".
Although the employment market is slow at present, Keegan says there is generally a surge in jobs advertised in January as new year's resolutions push people to move from their position and businesses introduce new projects. Online networks such as Facebook and Linkedin are also a good place to find out what's on offer.
And Keegan says that as with employing "appropriate behaviour" at social networking events this Christmas, also be aware of your profile on online networks.
