Doing business, shaking hands and inking deals don’t always happen in an office environment. When it comes to meeting new clients or potential partners in the social sphere, in-the-know professionals come prepared to have a great time and get business done. At your next cocktail party or networking event, be prepared to meet the right people, control that important first impression and make your mark.
Even if you’re not drinking alcohol, have a drink in your hand. Try a sparkling water with a lime in it. It looks like a cocktail and it’s refreshing. And FYI—holding a bottle of water just looks weird.
It’s natural for young professionals to feel intimidated by important people and industry leaders in the room. Before you approach a VIP, think about two or three icebreakers that you’re comfortable with and bring the confidence. The last thing you want to do is introduce yourself and then have nothing to say.
At social business events, people don’t just want to talk about business. Have a hobby or something quirky you’re interested in to add to the conversation. People relate to each other over hobbies and interests like gardening or professional sports.
Do your research about the event, the hosting organization, the speakers and the issues being discussed. This gives you a reason for being at the event beyond just wanting to meet someone and will lead to a more meaningful conversation.
If you partake in a glass of wine, know how to hold it properly. Hold a glass of white wine or champagne by the stem or the base of the glass. For red wine, hold it by the stem, base or bowl.
Learn how to read those nonverbal cues and react accordingly. If someone keeps looking past you at somebody else or if their attention begins to wander, end the conversation in a succinct and polite way. Try some version of, “It was really nice chatting with you. I know you have a lot of people to talk to, so have a great night.”
Don’t Even Think About It
Never try to start a conversation in the bathroom. That’s just wrong.
Don’t eat while you are talking to someone, even if the pupu tray comes your way. This way you can avoid food in your teeth or holding that greasy napkin once your pork slider is down the hatch.
