You hustled and bustled all season long and are left with an important New Year’s resolution—to make the connections you made count!

Make all that’s Merry and Bright continue into the New Year

The holidays will have passed before we know it.  We hope you’ll be reflecting on the greeting cards you sent and the stack of business cards you networked so hard to collect, with anticipation.  You hustled and bustled all season long and are left with an important New Year’s resolution—to make the connections you made count!  While the season’s events are still fresh in your mind, compile a list of to-dos:

-Those who received a holiday card:  Follow up with a phone call, or even by reaching out via social media, if that’s your contact’s preferred method of communication.

-Those from whom you received a card or gift:  A personal phone call or hand-written thank you note goes a long way.  You will likely be one of few that took the time to say show your appreciation.

-Go through those business cards, and make a note about each one.  Send your business collateral, touch base about a future project, arrange a lunch meeting or make a quick call as appropriate.  Even if it’s simply a tweet in their direction, keep in contact!

-Temporary Holiday Job? :  If you were able to snag a temporary holiday position, be sure to reach out to your employer with a hand-written thank you note.  If appropriate, mention what you most enjoyed about the job—they just might think of you if a more permanent position becomes available.

Happy New Year from TeamZella—Here’s wishing you a 2012 full of success, meaningful connections, and productive business relationships!

Merry Christmas to all.

The holidays are a great time to give back to the community.  While your volunteer work is often its own reward, there are also significant business benefits to consider.  Community giving can be organized on any scale, so even the smallest businesses (or a single individual) can participate.  For a business with a central office, holiday food drives are a great way to network with neighbors in your building or city.  Deliver a subtly branded flier to nearby businesses, or even challenge them to a charitable food/toy collecting competition.  The more your employees, neighbors and community rally together in the spirit of giving, the more company awareness you will generate.  Post your efforts and progress on your social media channels as well, and ask your coworkers to spread the word.

If you’re in search of work during the Holidays, consider volunteering.  Not only will you be making a difference with your time, but you will be filling an otherwise empty space on your resume. Depending on your volunteer position, you could gain insight into a variety of industries including healthcare, event planning, or the non-profit sector.