You’ve probably seen negative networking occur at New Year’s parties: people put everyone around them on the spot by forcing their cards into their hands, trying to sell their business or to get a new job. It’s being insensitive to other people or the nature of the party-to celebrate!

Yet you can celebrate the New Year while making a personal connection with other people that can lead to professional opportunities. Overall, no matter where you meet people, it’s important to think beyond yourself: sincerely meet people’s needs, nurture relationships, continuously be on the lookout to be a resource, and listen to learn from everyone you meet.

I’ve created an easy way to remember useful tips from the word NEW YEAR for fruitful networking:

N- Start the New Year off with a spark by remembering people’s Names. Here are a few ways to do that:

* Form an impression of the person’s appearance and embed it into your mind. Note height, stature, color of hair and eyes, facial expression, and any distinguishing physical features.
* Repeat the person’s name after you meet and several times during the conversation. When you repeat the name, two things happen-the person is flattered, and the name goes into your memory bank.
* Make up a visual story about the person’s name. Associate the person’s name with something that will remind you of it. Use your imagination and build a mind picture. Put the person into your visual story. The sillier the story, the easier it will be to remember.

E- Show concern and interest for others by being Empathetic. Empathetic people pay attention to details: they observe and interpret body language and listen carefully to what other people say. They pay attention to what is left unsaid and have the ability to read between the lines. They also know how to respect people’s boundaries and have the ability to make others truly feel they are listening and valuing them.

W- Wear something that makes you feel comfortable. If you feel relaxed, you will not feel self-conscious when you speak with people. Try putting on an outfit the day before the party and ask yourself how you will feel wearing it when you meet people. If your clothes or shoes are too tight, or if your outfit is too casual, think honestly about whether you will feel good at the party and what kind of image you will present to others.

Y- Focus on the “You” in each person you meet and find ways to connect and agree so that you’ll be saying “yes”. An easy way to do this is to make other people the center of conversation by asking them about themselves. Develop your own set of “get to know you” and appropriate business-related questions. Also, say something complimentary about others, since everyone likes to get a sincere compliment.

E- Speak with Enthusiasm in your voice. Enthusiasm is contagious; if you are enthusiastic, you bring it out in others. It makes communication easier and puts people at ease, so they are receptive to you. Realize, though, that a person does not have to be loud and excited to be enthusiastic; it can be a quiet passion that shines, making people want to be a part of it.

A- Make sure you go to the party with the right Attitude – to have fun, meet and connect with people, and listen and learn. This is part of making networking a part of your everyday life: every time you meet someone new, it is an opportunity to learn new things that will enrich and enhance your life. There is no magic formula to networking. All it takes is a positive attitude about building relationships and a willingness to learn and practice effective techniques.

R- Do some Research before you go, so you’ll know a bit about the people there and their professions. The Internet is an excellent research tool for networking more effectively. Before you attend the party, research the company or organization of any of the guests you may know. To better manage the information, look first for the most current material. You can find lots of articles and news items about promotions, job changes, and other news events that present opportunities for you to start a conversation with someone. If you spend some time doing research, you can also easily develop “opening lines” with other people you meet based on your new knowledge.

Finally, wherever you go to ring in the New Year, it’s important to watch your reputation and maintain your credibility. When you attend a party, remember to avoid running around frantically or feeling pressured to make as many contacts as possible. We need patience and have to slowly build our networks; it takes time. Networking is an ongoing process of creating connections and nurturing relationships that benefit everyone involved. You can start this process anywhere, and celebrating the New Year is a good time to do it.