Are business holiday parties different from businessnetworking events and social parties? That's a question I'm often asked at this time of the year. The answer is a definitive "yes" and "no". Basic to all are good manners, mingling skills, social graces, the abilities to get in and out of conversations gracefully and to engage with a variety of people. Being prepared is important to all although the preparation may vary depending on the eevent. Is it a Christmas or Hanukkah party given by a neighbor? A client's holiday party? A friend's 30th birthday or 25th anniversary? Or the potluck open house on New Year's Day?
1. Know what's going on in the community, the nation, the world. Read a paper or two. Collect items of interest that are "chatworthy".
2. Prepare your own self introduction...Key it to the event to give others context for your attendance
3.To learn about host, boss,client, neighbor...do some googling.
4. Check out your friend's Facebook page to learn about their friends. That way you'll know something about the people who will be in attendance and that helps move the conversation along.
For more ideas, check out www.susanroane.com .
