Social Media
By Thom Singer, Director of Business Development, vcfo
By the time you read this, your holiday party circuit is already well under way. The business party invitations have rolled in, and it's time to wrap that red and green tie around your neck or pull out your grandmother's Santa Clause brooch and start networking.
I know, you are already busy enough trying to score one of the seven Wii's that just arrived at the local Best Buy or making fudge-covered fruitcakes to send to your uncles and aunts around the globe. The last thing you need is to waste hours schmoozing at your largest client's soiree.
But consider this: While hectic, this time of year is an excellent opportunity to network. The little things you do right during this hectic time—when many of us forget our manners in the midst of holiday chaos and stress—can make you stand out in a big way. If you're top of mind in a positive way for somebody who might be a great connection, it doesn't matter much how you got there.
Here are five tips for successful networking at holiday parties:
- Go ahead: Wear the blinking button that plays Jingle Bells. The holidays are a festive time. If you have a little "flair" that shows off your good cheer, display it proudly. While you want to be respectful of the fact that not everyone celebrates the same religious holidays, you don't have to be totally scared of the political correct police. Expose your silly side, have some fun and celebrate the season.
- Seek out the hosts and thank them for inviting you to the party. I am always surprised at the number of corporate professionals who view attending a wonderful holiday party as a chore or nothing more than an obligation. Remember the manners your grandma taught you: Look for the individual(s) who invited you to the event and simply say thank you. Not only is it polite, but it will set you apart from the vast majority who did not remember what their grandmas taught them.
- Don't eat the entire shrimp cocktail platter. I know, the economy is tight, but if you overload your plate with expensive hors d'oeuvres, people will likely stare. Many hosts are paring back their menus this year, so do not assume that the caterer will just restock everything once you've pillaged the buffet. You will be remembered for this. While your host wants you to enjoy the food, do not treat it like the only meal you will have all week. (Come on, we have all seen this happen at a party, haven't we?)
- Don't drink too much eggnog. Nothing is as exciting to the holiday party attendee as free drinks (especially if it is the good stuff!). But alas, don't be that person. Our frat party days are long past for all of us, so put down the beer-bong and act like a professional—people are watching you. Plus, you don't want to have to explain the DUI charges and night in jail to your co-workers!
- Be sure to show up. Many people RSVP to all the events that cross their desks, and then with other holiday pressures mounting, rationalize a ton of reasons at the last minute to skip out on the festivities. If you told the host you would show up, then get your fanny to the party. Planning these corporate holiday gatherings takes a lot of time and money. If you said you were attending, rest assured that your host told their catering company and paid to have food and drinks for the right amount of people. When you treat your RSVP as a maybe, then don't show up, your host will remember. Your reputation is never enhanced when you do not follow through on your commitments (yes, the RSVP is a commitment!).
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Thom Singer is the director of business development for vcfo. He is also the author of four books on the subject of the power of business relationships and networking. He can be reached at tsinger@vcfo.com.
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