"You have to network at all levels – up, down and sideways, because you don't know where someone is going to wind up."

Susan RoAne, speaker and author of How to Work a Room: Your Essential Guide to Savvy Socializing

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Networking at the Holiday Party
By Bari Leiberman

With festive music, people dressed in their holiday best and an open bar, holiday parties can be a great time to lay the groundwork for a promotion, but they can also be career suicide. Susan RoAne, speaker and author of How to Work a Room: Your Essential Guide to Savvy Socializing (HarperCollins, 2007), gives advice on how to make an impression while making merry.

  • Arrive on time: "Never show up more than 15 minutes late," RoAne says. "This isn't high society; this is business. It's very hard to walk into a room where everyone is already in a conversation. And if you're the CEO, be visible and approachable during the party; everyone will want to come say hello and speak with you."

 

  • Moderate the happy hour: "Just because there are free drinks doesn't mean you have to overindulge. Know your limits and have one fewer than you think you can tolerate. Consider the stereotype that goes along with frequent trips to the bar. If you don't drink but feel pressured to fit in, order a screwdriver without the vodka or have a wine spritzer with a little more spritz and a little less wine."

 

  • Conversation starters: "Talk about the venue, food or parking, or comment on a unique article of clothing. This is when men will wear their snowman ties so the rest of us will feel comfortable approaching them."

 

  • Schmoozing with the boss: "A lot of women are shy about talking to their CEO. Go over, shake her hand and tell her what a lovely party it is, but don't hog her time. Say whatever you have to in no more than one sentence. Holiday parties aren't the time to ask for a promotion. Rather, mention that you would like to set an appointment for after the holidays."