Make Business Parties Work for You
—Kate Traynor
BETHESDA, MD. 28 September 2000 — Before you
attend your next office party, contemplate how colleagues
will remember you. Will they recall a social pharmacist
who spoke intelligently about various topics, a loner
who sat beside the potted palm all evening, or someone
who made too many trips to the open bar?
Business socializing isn’t the same thing
as college partying.
Professional meetings and office parties are best
viewed as extensions of the workplace. With the right
approach to these social events, you can gain access
to the grapevine, solidify friendships, and even
give your career a boost.
Work-related social events are great places to network.
Management consultant Nick Corcodilos offers a down-to-earth
description of what good
networking should be. Though
his advice is meant for job hunters, it’s relevant
to just about anyone who works for a living.
Even if you don’t want to push your career
agenda at an office party, use the event to mingle
with colleagues, learn about company culture, and
find out about issues that might affect your job.
More likely than not, policy changes that will affect
your career circulate in the hallways before being
officially announced. The friendships that you reinforce
at social events can help keep you informed about
these important issues.
To make the most of work-related social events,
do some research before you attend. Find out who
else will be there. If you’ve been looking
for an opportunity to discuss a project with a specific
colleague, you may get your chance at a party. But
don’t bore a coworker who appears more interested
in relaxing than talking shop—pay your respects,
then ask about setting another time to discuss your
project.
Parties at professional meetings offer the chance
for socializing with experts in your field. If the
list of attendees includes someone you really want
to meet, do your homework: Learn about the person
and his or her organization. Then at the party, introduce
yourself, unless a mutual colleague can introduce
you. Prepare for the meeting, and you pave the way
for a brief, informed conversation that leaves the
expert with a good impression of you.
An open bar and buffet offer perils along with free
refreshment. Don’t overindulge in alcohol—you
may regret what you say or do when under the influence.
And maneuvering a tiny plate overloaded with hors
d’oeuvres can result in embarrassing trails
of sauce down your front, so keep the portions small.
Go back for seconds if you’re still hungry.
When in doubt about what to wear to a party, dress
conservatively. If you’re shy or nervous, knowing
that you’re dressed like a professional can
boost your self-confidence and make it easier for
you to mingle with people.
You don’t need to stay at the party all night.
But do stay long enough to thank and exchange a few
words with the people who have helped you at work.
Don’t fade into the background, then slip out
unnoticed—at least say a friendly good-bye
to your supervisor and the party host.
Former Getty Oil Co. executive J. Richard Earley
recommends that employees attend as many work-related
functions as possible and remember to have fun. For
those interested, Early also has specific suggestions
for making the most of office events.
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