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We all have stories about
how our family dinners will do based on our family history.
While things may have changed a bit from generation to
generation, a lot of what goes on inside our homes at the
dinner table remains the same. Our favorite aunt or uncle
will shop up and show out, the family member who has a way
of getting the party started will be there and the cousin
who wants to “one up” everyone will have a list of her
accomplishments that she can’t wait to share.
There will be lots of
food, giving of thanks, prayer, singing and dancing,
watching football, while others are around the kitchen table
reminiscing about the good ole days.
You get the picture, we
all have our traditions and customs that drive the flow of
the holidays with family and friends and the purpose is to
keep the family together, show love and give love.
To switch gears a bit,
have you thought about how the holidays present an
opportunity for success in your professional life? This time
of the year can literally turn dining into dollars when you
use proper dining etiquette and party with a purpose.
If you work for a company
that throws an annual holiday party, have you ever thought
about why? There are many reasons for a company to have a
holiday [arty but there are five reasons I want to share
with you. One reason is to build employee engagement and
satisfaction. Another is to encourage networking with other
employees who might normally only communicate by email or
during a monthly staff meeting.
Also, companies have
parties to set the cultural tone in the workplace. Parties
are also an opportunity to build memories and thank staff
and, believe it or not, parties help employers identify who
should be the next employees to be promoted or demoted.
Whatever the reason, it is strategic and part of their plan
for the upcoming year.
When you party with a
purpose, you diminish the woulda, shoulda, coulda funk. Just
as the companies have a strategy, so should you.
Party With a Purpose Tips:
1.
Find out who is on the guest list. Knowing who will be
attending the party is a great place to start your plan of
action. It is strategic to identify at least three to five
people you want to make a connection with and why.
2.
No business cards, please. Honor the holiday party by not
turning it into a networking party. If you want to have a
card readily available, take a picture of it and message it
to those who ask you for a card. This way, you get their
numbers that you can add to your contacts on your cell phone
and they do not have to wonder what happened to your card
after the party.
3.
Don’t sell yourself, your product or your company. The
reason why you are having the party is to celebrate your
accomplishments for the year. Focus on sharing stories about
the company’s accomplishments and how you are looking
forward to another good year.
4.
Do find the opportunity to have a conversation with the
boss/decision maker. The boss wants to know who is engaged
with what is happening within the company. Ask good
questions. What do you contribute to your success and the
success of the company? Thanks again for sending me to the
production training, it really helped me on my new job. Our
team is looking forward to contributing to our bottom line.
5.
Only take a date who can add value to your current
situation. Believe it or not, your spouse, children or
significant other, can make or break an opportunity to
advance in your organization. Some companies want the entire
package – education, image, decorum and approachability –
not only from the employee but also from the entire family.
This is not new. Prepare your guest by making sure he knows
what you do, the condition of the company and your desire to
advance in the company.
6.
Have a teaser. A teaser is something you say that will get
the attention of an influencer without giving up the good.
For example, say something such as, “our company has
experienced improvement in cutting down on the amount of
scrap we are creating but there are more things we can do to
save the company money in this area.” If the influencer
shows interest, ask if he is available to meet for lunch to
discuss a solution to the problem that can add to the
company’s bottom line.
7.
Do not carry your cell phone in your hand. Having your cell
phone in your hand during a party may indicate that you are
not engaged with what is happening. Keep it n your purse or
pocket until you need it to obtain information or need to
take a call from the babysitter.
Deal Over Dinner
One article I like to
refer to is one about an Oprah Winfrey meeting with Pulitzer
Prize-winning film critic Roger Ebert at a Hamburger Hamlet
years ago. Roger had something Oprah needed. He knew about
film and syndicating shows and she didn’t. She thought he
was only going to give her advice but at dinner, Roger used
a napkin to do the math and showed her the bottom line.
“Deal done,” she said.
She then knew what she
needed, whom to get it from and was prepared to take action.
The deal was done over dinner but they both brought
something to the table and the rest is history. Seal your
deal over dinner with confidence, personal integrity and
respect for all.
Because Manners Matter!
Contact Robin Reeves at
reevesetiquette@bex.net
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