Preparing for Professional Parties

Posted on December 8, 2008 by Guest Blogger

By Mindy Lockard, etiquette consultant in Eugene, Oregon, who teaches Teen Etiquette, Adult Dining 101 and other etiquette classes.  Mindy is a great source for all your etiquette training needs.

Taking business outside for the confines of the office walls can prove to be productive and profitable to any business. These social opportunities allow business relationships to operate on a more personal level, allowing business associates to get to know one another in different environments. Business associates will appreciate well planned communication regarding the event, and follow-up leading up to the event.

Think ahead and provide any information that they may need or want to know. For example, where will they park if it is not explanatory and will it cost them? What should they wear? If a client comes to an event and feels out of place (over or underdressed) they will not feel comfortable to mingle and therefore could be a missed business opportunity. Preparation will ensure a well run event, and will allow you to genuinely welcome your guests at their arrival. If you and your colleagues are not able to actively participate, and be mentally available to your guests it may cost you more than the time and money invested in the event itself!

Photo: Victoria University, Toronto, Canada

Mixing business with pleasure? No matter how free your boss or co-workers are getting, it is always important to keep your composure. Especially if you are the host! Off color jokes, profanity, and gossip is always taboo in any social setting and even more so in a business setting. Remember, you are the only representation of your personal integrity. You never know when someone is uncomfortably going with the flow. The way you act, the things you choose to talk about could negatively concrete your social or business fate in the eyes of an on-looker. Respect is something difficult to earn, and unfortunately easy to loose! And if the situation should occur that you have gone over the line or business into self-indulgence pleasure, remember to earnestly apologize…as difficult as it may be!

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  • Katie

    I love this post. We just had our TeachStreet office holiday party, and it was great!

    That said, I’ve been to some horrid office parties where awkward conversations and clicky groups tend to be the norm (as does the nerve-inspired over drinking).

    While you’re bound to have a few awkward chats, these parties are really for meeting new folks and (hopefully) blowing off a little steam together as a team. I think that before you settle in to your comfortable little group of work friends, it makes a big difference to “make the rounds”. Say “hi” to everyone, meet their partners, ask about their holiday plans. It helps even the wall flowers feel included, and who knows… you may even make a new friend!

    Also, considering the economic down turn, I know lots of folks are cutting down on swanky office parties this year. Lots of folks are having potlucks rather than lavish events or are giving group donations to charities.

    With these more casual events, it might just be the best year for office parties yet!

  • http://www.teetimesanywhere.com Golf Tee Times

    Thanks for the heads up.