It’s Holiday Party Time!
Making a list and checking it twice!
Are you going to be naughty or nice?
Before putting on that Christmas tree tie (the one that lights up) or before getting out that bright red holiday dress take a moment to plan on how to effectively approach the networking opportunities the season presents. It’s time to make a list and to check it twice. Like any good business opportunity you need to make a plan ~here are a few suggestions. .
Consider who is hosting the event and think about whom you would like to meet. If the host is a friend, it may be a good idea to touch base and ask about the guest list. Don’t be shy ask your host to introduce you to one or two specific guests who peek your interest. He or she may be flattered you are so interested in his friends and associates. Remember, it’s up to you to make the most of these unique opportunities.
Now that you have a plan it is time to review the list of what "To Do" and what "Not to Do" at a business party.
Remember ~ Santa’s watching.
Do ~ be nice
Image is everything Think about how you would like to be perceived. Prepare an easy introduction. Engage everyone with sincerity.
Sweet Talk A great way to start a conversation is to compliment someone’s dress or clothing accessory. It is a very warm way to engage someone. Flattery will get you everywhere.
Body language Smile, be warm, open and inviting. Shake hands when possible and look the person in the eye. A sincere two handed handshake is one of the warmest greetings one can experience.
Float like a butterfly Flow around the room limiting conversation to three to five minutes with a maximum time of fifteen minutes with each person. Meet everyone possible understanding you have the option of returning to those who interest you the most. .
Mind your manners If you’re trapped by a dominant guest it may be time to employ the buffet excuse. Another option is to point to a friend across the room that you must see. It is important to be polite, excuse yourself gracefully. Manners are a must!
Don’t ~ be naughty
Don’t Dress Inappropriately You’re attending a business party not a night club opening. Dress to impress. Shock value is way overrated. Don’t let the party photos haunt you over the coming New Year.
Don’t Drink & Dive. Don’t over drink and dive into the faux pas of bad jokes or crude remarks. It is boring and may undermine any chance of building a relationship.
Last comic standing You’re not Larry David, act smart and forget the funny anecdotes. If you want to be taken seriously avoid the title of party jester. Intellect can be very sexy.
No double teaming Don’t mingle as a team, work the room on your own. Teams just intimidate others and may frustrate someone looking to connect with you.
Wallflowers can’t bloom Socialize with everyone, it’s about working the room! You can always return to someone of extreme interest You will never develop a relationship standing alone against the wall.
It’s not all about YOU! Please avoid introducing yourself with a gush of self importance and then saying "So what do you do?" What a turn off. The best way to get attention is by giving it.
The hunger zone Avoid eating like you’re going to the chair and this is your last meal. And please don’t talk with food in your mouth it is just rude! Ugh!
No body slamming Avoid bumping and pushing your way through the crowd. Be courteous. And remember, don’t stand with your arms folded, it is viewed as totally defensive posture.
Are you aware Listen to what is being said. Don’t look around when the other person is speaking. Show interest in what a person is saying after all you want them to listen to you.
Can you hear me now? Can you hear me ~ no cell phone calls! No one cares that you have the latest gadget we’re not impressed. Avoid taking calls or checking mail. Most importantly don’t make calls inside the party room. Cell phone manners count.
Consider this brief list before setting your sights on party central and overindulging in this non-stop hors d’oeuvre festival. It is a great way to avoid indigestion and perhaps post party remorse.
Remember in social networking manners count more then you know. It cannot be stressed enough. People will take note of your good manners and they’ll always tell others about bad manners. Some of these tips were adapted from the Art of Mingling by Jeanne Martinet.
Finally, contrary to popular belief keep the business card exchange to a minimum. This is a social gathering and you are a ‘guest’. It is not a business card exchange however, when you do see the glimmer of a networking connection in Santa’s eye make sure you can follow up at a later date.
Now that you have all of this great advice on how to help yourself, try to remember this is the "Season of Giving".
You too could and should play "Santa" by providing good information to others. When meeting and greeting your fellow party goers think about how you can help them, instead of how they can help you. This is the secret networking success at any event. Trust me, you will be remembered long after the holidays come to an end. .
Happy Holidays,
Robert Putt
Copyright © 2007, RS Putt
Robert Putt, Director, American Business Associates (ABA-NJ) business development association, a published restaurant critic for the Times-Ledger Newsgroup, N.Y as well as contributing expert to NJEntrepreneur.com and Pros4Pros newsletters. Robert Putt is also the founder of, RSP Associates, restaurant consulting group. For public speaking requests contact 201 218 8108 or
RSPutt@verizon.net 
Networking 
