The holidays are a very busy time of year with events around every corner, whether they be a holiday party with friends and family or a potluck at school. Guess what? These are all opportunities for you to network, make new connections, and tell people about your new career plans.

You want to spread the word about your intentions. You never know where the next opportunity will come from.

Before you meet people, it is worth putting some thought into how to present yourself and your new career goals. For each one of these encounters you probably want to create a slightly different version of your elevator pitch.

Another Elevator Pitch – Pitches

Your family

They know you, but they may not know what you are interested in doing next; they may not see all the great transferable skills you can bring into that career. Some may need a reminder that you had a career at all.

Parents at your children’s school

They probably know you as someone’s mom or even have no idea that you are interested in returning to work.  They may have seen your great volunteer work and you need to help them see the professional you.

Your partner’s work events

These people may not know you at all, or know you as the stay-at-home-mom in the picture frame’s on your partner’s desk. Introduce them to the professional you. Use the opportunity to learn about what they do and spread the word about what you want to do next.

Practice your elevator pitch, learn from other people’s experience, make new connections, but most importantly have fun, enjoy the holiday spirit and time with friends and family.

Miki Feldman Simon, Founder & CEO IamBackatWork