Unlock Your Career Growth: 4 Networking Secrets to Master Before the New Year

What Is The ‘Winter Arc’?

The Winter Arc begins on October 1st and ends on January 1st each year. It's a commitment to refocus your daily routines and habits before the new year starts, helping you lock in a healthy lifestyle and resist the urge to indulge during the cold months. Many people set goals like eating healthier or exercising more, only to abandon them quickly. By starting in November, you build momentum that makes it easier to stick with your resolutions.

This trend emphasizes habits such as ample sleep, regular exercise, healthy nutrition, and mindfulness. For example, you might start waking up at 6:00 AM for workouts instead of 8:00 AM or cut out fried foods. It's especially popular among younger workers who reject burnout as a normal part of hard work.

The ‘Winter Arc’ Can Build Positive Networking Habits

Beyond self-care, experts recommend using the Winter Arc to develop positive networking habits that set you up for success in the new year. This is crucial for job seekers aiming to get ahead before the January hiring rush. LinkedIn survey data shows that 64% of professionals rely on trusted input from their community to make decisions confidently, highlighting how proactive networking can give you an edge in a slowing job market.

Catherine Fisher, a LinkedIn Career Expert, shares four practical networking strategies to adopt during your Winter Arc.

1. Reconnect and celebrate your network.

Fisher notes that the end of the year is ideal for reconnecting with people in your professional circle, as many are reflecting and planning ahead. Send quick check-in messages to past managers, co-workers, or recruiters. Small gestures like congratulating someone on a promotion can strengthen relationships. Use LinkedIn's Catch Up tab to track work anniversaries, job changes, and promotions for reference in your notes.

2. Make new, meaningful connections.

The quieter end-of-year period is perfect for thoughtfully expanding your network. Fisher suggests using LinkedIn's Grow tab for personalized connection recommendations. Explore your connections' networks and ask for introductions to people in roles or companies you're interested in—a warm introduction can be very effective.

3. Find and follow industry leaders and engage thoughtfully.

Broaden your learning sources by following industry leaders. LinkedIn's AI-powered People Search lets you describe the type of person you're looking for in everyday language, such as "someone who's grown a small business" or "an expert in digital marketing." This tool helps you discover new voices and build a more intentional network, which is vital since 75% of professionals value trusted human insights over AI.

4. Request informational interviews before the January rush.

If you're considering a career move or want to learn about a role or industry, start conversations now. The holiday season often means more flexibility for connections, and early outreach puts you on their radar before the new year. If writing outreach messages feels daunting, use LinkedIn's 'Write with AI' feature to craft personalized notes, but always review and tweak them to reflect your voice. Remember, the goal is to learn and build relationships, not ask for a job directly.

There's no one-size-fits-all approach; customize your Winter Arc based on your personal circumstances, job prospects, and wellness goals. Starting your mental and physical health goals in the final months of the year can help you maintain New Year's resolutions.