How To Network At Your Company Holiday Party

Company holiday parties are always a great time to have fun with co-workers but when done properly they can be a perfect networking opportunity

The first and MOST important thing to remember:

This IS a work event. Don’t mistake a holiday party as a time to let it all hang out in front of co-workers.

How you carry yourself will be a reflection of you professionally whether you like it or not so limit your drinking

Know who is attending that you’d like to get time with, especially senior leaders.

Dress appropriately. Again, this is still a work event. Its not a time to dress like youre going to a club in Vegas.

Get out of your comfort zone. We tend to stick to people we know

but you should take advantage of having access to leadership

Approach leadership confidently.

introduce yourself and I always like to start with a quick compliment.

“I love that necklace. I’ve been looking for something similar”….”Something you wrote in a company email really stuck with me”

Just don’t make it completely phony or corny

keep the conversation light.

A great way to get time with senior executives is when you see a co-worker you're comfortable with having a group conversation with someone on the leadership team.

But DON’T interrupt a 1 on 1 conversation

And one of my favorite lines when it comes to networking,

BE INTERESTED, NOT INTERESTING

And lastly be mindful of monopolizing their time.

So take advantage of holiday parties and leave everyone with a positive impression.

And just remember, no matter what you’re going through, you’re not alone