Your office’s holiday party is coming up. Are you dreading it? Change your perspective when you look at it as the perfect networking opportunity. With eight tips, this annual event assists you in building relationships, meeting senior executives and thanking your office mates.
1. Dress for success. While you can ditch the suit and tie for the office party, flashy, tight or wrinkled clothing makes you appear sloppy and unprofessional.
2. Turn off your phone. You’re at an office party, and now’s the time to relax and enjoy the moment, not check email or surf the web.
3. Introduce yourself to the host. Thank him or her for the opportunity to connect, and be prepared to share something positive about your team’s current project.
4. Use welcoming body language. Smile, stand tall, hold your head up, shake hands firmly, uncross your arms and legs, look people in the eye and lean in slightly while talking to someone. These welcoming stances invite people to start a conversation with you.
5. Talk to the loner. The new employee or shy person in the corner could become your new best friend or a partner for future collaborations. So introduce yourself, ask a few open-ended questions and look for common ground.
6. Eat before the party. You’re also less likely to mingle and chat when you’re hungry. Plus, you can’t talk when your mouth is full.
7. Go easy on the alcohol. While it’s okay to enjoy a drink – you’re at a party, after all – be responsible. You don’t want to jeopardize your reputation or career because you partied too hard.
8. Stay awhile. Unless you have an emergency or previously scheduled event, don’t cut and run as quickly as possible. Mingle and chat with your coworkers and be sociable for at least an hour.
Instead of dreading the office holiday party this year, embrace it. After all, it’s the perfect time to network and build office rapport with your coworkers as you look forward to greater success in the new year.
