Can I schedule a time with bankers this week to settle a networking call at the end 2 weeks of this month

Based on the most helpful WSO content, scheduling a networking call during the last two weeks of December (around Christmas and New Year) can be tricky. Bankers are often busy wrapping up year-end tasks or taking time off for the holidays. Here's how you can approach this:

1. Timing Concerns: It's not inherently bad to propose time slots for the holiday weeks, but be mindful that response rates might be lower, and availability could be limited. Bankers may not prioritize networking calls during this period.

2. How to Respond: When replying to a banker, suggest reasonable time slots that show flexibility. Avoid proposing times that are too early (e.g., 7:30 AM) or too late (e.g., 2:00 AM). A good approach is to suggest times around 7:00 PM, as this is when many senior bankers start wrapping up their day. Always include a line like, "I can be flexible if these times don't work for you."

3. Alternative Strategy: If possible, aim to schedule the call earlier in December or push it to early January when bankers are back in full swing. This ensures you catch them at a more convenient time.

4. Proactive Follow-Up: If you do propose holiday-week slots, follow up closer to the date to confirm their availability. This keeps you on their radar without being pushy.

In summary, while it's not "bad" to propose holiday-week slots, it’s better to aim for earlier or later dates to increase your chances of a successful call.

Sources: Want to get me on the phone? Here's how - a networking overview., The Best Networking, Cold Calling and Cold Emailing Posts on WSO, Want to get me on the phone? Here's how - a networking overview.