540 wordsBusiness Party Do’s and Don’ts

Here it is holiday time again, and while Ms. Abbyand Manners takes care of our social etiquette I’dlike to share some practical tips for business holidayparties.

Here are some DO’S…. Attend the Event: It’s an unspoken

expectation that showing up may not bemandatory or can it be required, butattending isn’t really optional. That is if youwant to be working there next year.

If you RSVP – by all means ATTEND:Many business functions are paid on thebasis of the number who attend, and that iscalculated by the number of RSVP’s.

Mingle, Mix, and Move: Talk to differentpeople and learn something new. Don’tstick with your usual watercooler pals.

Pay Attention to Start and End Times on theInvitation: This is there for a reason, andyou don’t want to overstay your welcome.

Remember that Any Business Party isReally a Business Event: Although it mightbe outside the standard office meeting andbe accompanied with food and beverage, thesame rules of conduct apply.

Limit Gift Giving: Colleagues will oftenfeel obligated to give gifts in return forreceiving gifts. If you do give, give from theheart and keep it simple, and priced at aminimum.

Dress Appropriately and Professionally: Alleyes are not meant to be on you, and this isnot the time for provocative dress. Leantoward the conservative or classic look.

Give Thank-You’s: When appropriate writeeither a note of thanks, or if at a privatehome tell the host/hostess in person that youenjoyed the celebration.

Now for the Don’ts….. Say “yes” to a Blind Date: You don’t

know who the person is or who he/shemight know. Rule of thumb – when indoubt, go stag.

Be Flirtatious or Get Frisky: This iscrossing the line of appropriate and adultbehavior at a business event.

Drink Too Much: it’s not worth takingthe chance that you’ll say something youwish you hadn’t. Rule of thumb is- limityourself to 2 drinks.

Talk All Business: BORING!! After allit is a social gathering. The guests aresupposed to have fun, get to know eachother, and have a different experienceoutside of daily office routine.

Prospect for New Business: TACKY!! Assume Everyone Celebrated the Same

Holiday: If you say “Merry Christmas”to someone who doesn’t observe theholiday it might offend them. Begeneric and say “Happy Holidays.”

Give Gag Gifts: This is not the place torisk offending or embarrassing someone.

Gossip: Gossiping in any situation isusually damaging and not a goodpractice, but it’s especially notappropriate at a business-related event.

Hopefully with these tips under your belt,your appearance at you next businessholiday event will go successfully.

The majority of business professionals knowthese things, but there’s always somenewcomers to the firm who may not be asseasoned as some of us.