Face to Face: How To Work Any Holiday Party by Susan RoAne

This month's featured guest post is by best-selling networking book author, Susan RoAne who shares with us her five top tips for holiday networking

1. SAY YES and go.  The possibilities and opportunities are only apparent if you attend. Why? You never know… if you’ll meet a lead to a client, a job, comped tix to the ballet or comedy club, someone to carpool or a new best friend.

2. Be prepared.  READ the paper, the website of any organization/company that’s sponsoring the party. Identify 3-5 items to talk about and have some good stories ready to share.

3. Dress for the occasion. It’s the holidays and it’s festive but wear a gown only if it’s black tie.  Lose the jeans unless the invitation calls for denim.  One woman friend showed up in jeans for my 21st party and then felt uncomfortable.  We went to the city last spring and saw Burn the Floor—which we loved—with a group from our dance aerobics class. She did and said the same thing. Somehow I learned she either has no sense of “dress up” or doesn’t care and likes the Stick Out Like a Sore Thumb mode.

4. Eat a little something before you attend parties. You can’t be sure of what or what time the food will be served. In a recession, where companies and people are cutting back, you don’t want to be seen as the hog at the table. Having some food inside will absorb the alcohol. BONUS Tip:  Do not overindulge in the allegedly free booze. You will pay a price!

5. Lose the techie toys. We don’t want to see your iPhone or your Blackberry.  It gives a message:  “I’d rather talk to anyone who isn’t here than someone who is.”

It's simple:  GO to have fun, be nice to people, talk to those standing alone and circulate.

Based on Face To Face: How To Reclaim The Personal Touch in A Digital World and How To Work A Room®.

Comments

[Catherine Carey]

Simple tips. I've got my first party tonight. The outfit is together, a light dinner is planned and the cell phone is stowed. Thanks for reminding me to be prepared with conversation starters.