As we roll into November, the party season is on many people’s minds. There are many gatherings that will take place from now through New Year’s Eve. While most people feel confident enough to pull off a party with their loved ones, they may need a bit more preparation when it comes to the professional and work-related parties that they will be invited to.
Flashbacks to Elaine from “Seinfeld” dancing crazy at the company holiday party leave many people feeling just a tad vulnerable about mixing a party with their professional life. The good news is that everyone can successfully navigate the party season with some planning ahead.
How to Network & Stand Out at Your Office Holiday Party
“The key to making a great impression at the company party is to be prepared,” explains expert traveler Tina Aldatz, chief executive officer of travel wellness company Savvy Travelers. “If you have done some pre-planning and have a few tricks up your sleeve you will not only survive it, but you will thrive and leave a great impression.”
Here are tips for preparing for attending parties this holiday season:
- Choose the right clothing. If it’s a work-related party, you still want to go in looking like a professional, so that your image is not tainted. Opt for a more conservative look over one that will get people talking.
- Get in the mindset to mingle with those beyond who you spend your work day with. Seek out those in higher positions and make a point to introduce yourself if you haven’t met them before, or to take a moment to chat with them. This is a chance to put your name on their radar, so don’t spend it as you would in a corner cubicle in the office.
- Have a couple of conversation starters in mind, so you are not at a loss for words when starting a conversation or replying to someone. Have a couple of things to talk about, such as what you have worked on over the year, or what they are looking forward to in the new year.
- Know your limits when it comes to drinking alcohol. Too many people pass those limits at corporate parties and end up embarrassing themselves. Avoid doing that, and always plan to have a safe ride home.
- To help you look your best, be prepared by having something like a Speak Eazy wipe in your purse. Individually wrapped, they can quickly be used to clean off teeth that have been marked with lipstick, red wine or coffee, helping you to give a good impression, rather than leaving people to focus on residue on your teeth.
And finally, keep in mind that “everyone loves a beautiful smile, and having one leaves a great impression at every holiday party,” says Margarita Floris, co-founder and president of Savvy Travelers. “I’m a fan of having the Speak Eazy wipes handy, because they are easy to use, quickly clean your teeth off, and will leave your mouth with a fresh feeling.”
