Depending on the line of work you are in, you may or may not be familiar with the routine necessity of attending various business parties. If you are new on the scene, you should realize that many companies sponsor such events as a way of encouraging employees, clients and customers to socialize and network with one another with the hopes that they will be forming lasting business relationships. Attendance may very well be mandatory, and it's best to learn properly socialize at business parties.
Instructions
1. Inquire with someone in the know about dress code. Some business parties are business casual, some may be completely casual and others may be formal events. You'll want to dress appropriately so talk to someone who can clue you in on what to expect.
2. Find out as much as you can ahead of time about the various other companies and clients who will also be in attendance at the business party. It will be easier to socialize when you have an idea of who the various party-goers are and what they mean to the companies they are associated with.
3. Develop a mental list of conversation starters that are unique to the people who will be attending the party. Come up with specific questions to ask and topics to discuss so that you will suffer from the dreaded silence that can pop up when strangers mingle with one another.
4. Come to the party with a hefty supply of business cards. Hand one to each person before you end the conversation. This is a great way to make contacts for future business dealings. Without a card, your name and company will quickly fade from your potential client's mind.
5. Be sure to toot your own horn and the horn of your company in a subtle, understated way. No one wants to listen to you go out of your way to brag, but they are expecting you to share the good things that you and your company have going This is the case whether you are mixing with employees from your competition or potential clients.
6. Avoid alcohol. You want to present yourself and your company as well as possible--no sense in running the risk of getting too relaxed after one too many sips of wine.
7. Mingle with the guests instead of huddling up with the people you already know. You may prefer the company of your coworkers, but the point of the business party is to get to know other potential contacts.
