December is here.
December could be the busiest month. Between the end-of-year deadlines and family gatherings, the last thing you want to be doing is professional networking.
It feels a little awkward, right? Like, why do I have to go to a family or friends gathering with a CV when I could be holding something like bottles of champagne or a cooler jollof rice.
But what if I told you that the last month of the year is actually the best time to build connections?
A lot of people are doing a lot of nothing, so you have the perfect time to build connections that could have a significant impact on your 2026.
Now, I want to be clear. This isn’t about simply collecting business cards. This is more about authentic connections, and I’ll show you how to do that in a way that works in our Nigerian context.
Let’s revise the way you think about networking.
Also see: Industries That Boomed in 2025: Who’s Hiring in 2026?
Why December Networking Works (The Psychology of the Season)
December has different energy to it than other months of the year. Rigid corporate diplomacy is less severe during this month, as people take the time to reflect on the year behind and yearn to share their aspirations for the year to come.
This is the perfect backdrop for humanistic discussion instead of merely approaching conversations as a transaction.
You’re not just a contact; you become a person sharing a seasonal greeting, a genuine compliment, or a relatable year-end reflection. That’s powerful.
Strategy 1: The “Year-End Appreciation” Message (Your Secret Weapon)
Certainly, this is the best way to strengthen relationships, as well as get ahead of the holidays.
Consider reaching out to 5 to 10 people, preferably to some of the following options:
- Clients you have enjoyed working with.
- Former co-workers.
- A colleague with whom you have a great professional relationship.
- A mentor.
- Former managers.
- People you learn a lot from on LinkedIn.
The message must be tailored and specific to the recipient in order to have maximum impact.
Make sure to choose the best communication method for each recipient:
* Private message on LinkedIn.
* A warm, brief email.
* Whatsapp for people you know well.
Here’s a message that you might save for edit, although you should customize to make it personal for you:
Hi \[First Name\],
I hope that you are doing well and that you are able to get through the rush of December.
I have been reflecting on this past year and wanted to take this time to express my gratitude toward you for \[specific reason related to that person such as “the advice you shared with me in March about how to effectively manage a project and the teamwork involved, it was very helpful” or, “I admired how you spearheaded the XYZ campaign and it was such a pleasure to learn from the campaign that you directed”\].
This has been very helpful for me this year and for that, thank you once again.
I hope you have a successful and prosperous 2026 as well as a great rest of the year.
Best,
\[Your Name\]
This is a thoughtful and very unexpected message that has the reader thinking of you as a professional.
They will appreciate the message, as it is very kind and shows appreciation without you asking for anything. It is overall a message that builds goodwill.
Also see: Remote Work in Nigeria: 2025 Trends and 2026 Predictions
Strategy 2: Engaging with “Reflective Post” Strategy
You don’t have to write an entire essay. Make meaningful comments on the articles and posts of the people you admire.
Action Steps:
- Find a year-end reflection post from a Nigerian industry leader you respect.
- Don’t just say “Great post!” Add a sentence or two about what it made you think about or how it relates to your own experiences in Nigeria.
- This thoughtful engagement puts you on their radar in a positive, intelligent way.
Strategy 3: The “Low-Pressure Virtual Coffee” Ask
Looking to meet someone new? Casual and short virtual meet-ups work well in December.
How about an invite like this? (LinkedIn Message Example)
“Hi [Name], your work in [their field, e.g., ‘Nigeria’s renewable energy space’] has been one of my favorites this year, and I am particularly impressed with your [mention one of their posts, keynote speeches, or articles].
*At this year’s wrap-up, I am reaching out for a brief virtual coffee (20 min meeting) to share my curiosity about your experience and lessons learned from 2025, if you’re able to squeeze me in before the busy winter holidays? I come with no agenda and I’m just looking to learn from a professional before the new year!*
All the best in 2026!”
Specific, concise, and to the point. Wishing low commitment. 20 minutes, virtual coffee, no agenda are key phrases to low commitment.
Strategy 4: Attend ONE Meaningful Event (Online or In-Person)
You do not have to do everything. Just make sure you are strategic.
Try to spot one of the ‘Year-in-review’ of ‘2026 Outlook’ panels from professional organizations such as CIBN (banking), NIM (marketing), or tech communities like ForLoop.
Head out with the intention of meeting two more people and having one meaningful conversation with them.
The next step is to reach out. The very next day, connect with them on LinkedIn, citing your conversation. “I had a great conversation with you yesterday at [event] about [topic]. Thank you for your contribution on the subject, I appreciated it very much.”
Strategy 5: The “Future-Forward” Reconnection
For contacts you’ve lost touch with all year, December is a gracious time to reconnect.
WhatsApp Message Example:
“Hey [Name]! Long time. Scrolling through my contacts and realized we haven’t caught up all year. How has 2025 treated you?
Hope you’re ending the year strong. Let’s definitely connect properly in 2026. Wishing you and the family a joyful season!”
It’s light, re-opens the door, and sets a positive intention for the new year.
6. Use Social Events Wisely (Yes, Even Detty December!)
Not every networking moment happens at a conference. Nigerians connect deeply at:
- Weddings
- Concerts
- Beach hangouts
- Picnics
- Holiday brunches
- Parties
While the vibe is relaxed, many high-value professionals attend these events.
Your Pre-2026 Networking Checklist
- Sent 5-10 specific appreciation messages.
- Engaged thoughtfully with 3 industry leaders’ content.
- Reached out for 1-2 low-pressure virtual chats.
- Attended 1 strategic event (online counts!).
- Reconnected with 2 old contacts.
- Updated my LinkedIn profile headline and “About” section (so when people check, it’s current!).
Also see: Best Remote Job Sites for Nigerians: Top Platforms to Find Online Jobs
Final Thoughts: Make December Your Networking Superpower
The main aim is not to create a network but to create meaningful ties. Personal lines are usually blurred with professional ties in Nigeria intricately. A genuine, respectful, and good faith connection made during the holidays is likely to cultivate unexpected opportunities, mentorship, and partnerships in the year 2026.
You are not just creating a network; you are planting in fertile ground.
So breathe, pick one tactic from the options above, and start. The most successful individuals in our Naija professional community are not just the smartest; they are the most sincerely and genuinely connected.
This is a toast to your relationships and to a network-rich 2026!
It’s not just festivities and celebrations that come with the year’s end. It provides a valuable chance to widen your circles, find mentors, meet new employers, and create new alliances before the year 2026 begins.
If you are open, confident, and friendly, you’ll be stepping into the new year with a wider network, a clearer sense of purpose, and new opportunities waiting to be discovered.