Etiquette is essential in all environments. Whether in a personal or professional setting, etiquette boosts morale, encourages communication and increases productivity. When you are well-mannered and considerate in dealing with others, you will build valuable, long-term relationships. Research shows that as much as 85% of career success can be attributed to social skills. If you’re looking to improve your business etiquette, it’s essential to learn how to handle yourself properly at cocktail hour and networking parties. In this blog post, I’ll discuss what to do and what not to do at your next networking event.
Why is Etiquette Needed for Networking?
When we present ourselves with a pure heart, power illuminates the room. We have 1 to 3 seconds to connect with others and make a good impression. People want to be around those they like and trust.
Etiquette will teach you how to have:
- Confidence
- Proper Posture
- Good Eye Contact
- A Firm 1-to-2-Second Handshake
- A Sense of Situational Awareness
- A Healthy Self-Image
Credibility
Achieving and maintaining credibility with others is crucial. If you are nervous at an event or social function, remember that it is a lack of confidence. Meeting and greeting others is a form of networking. This is something you must practice, and, with time and effort, you will become a pro.
In addition, remember to:
- Arrive to events on time.
- Always have a business card on hand.
- Do not make promises you cannot keep.
- Be honest.
- Speak in a positive manner about your school, community, family and employer.
Networking Skills During Cocktail / Mocktail Hour
- First and foremost, look in the mirror before you attend an event! Check your clothes, breath and hair. Try to appear neat and well-groomed. Ladies, never wear open-toed shoes to a business event. Be “conservative” in your choice of apparel.
- Look over the room and crowd. Practice your situational awareness skills.
- Before you attend a cocktail party, be familiar with current events of the day.
- Hold your wine glass by the stem.
- Women: try to bring a small handbag, leave big bags in your car.
- When you accept an invite to represent your company, you have a big responsibility. Represent your company well and think of ways you can contribute through your personal brand and charm.
- If you forget a name, be honest and state that the name has slipped your mind.
- Never sit down at a cocktail party. Work the room and make an effort to speak to all in the room.
- Do not crack inappropriate jokes.
- Collect business cards from others and have your own cards on hand.
- Do not use a cocktail party to fill up on food. Eat before you go to the party! While at cocktail hour, do not eat messy foods such as spaghetti, wings, meatballs, noodles, sushi or foods that have a lot of dip or sauce. Concentrate on finger foods such as…
- Sandwiches
- Fruit
- Veggies
- Cheese and Crackers
- Stay Away from Skewers
- Try not to drink alcohol while at the event. If it is served, never have more than one drink. Remember, you are being watched and observed. Business cocktail parties are a time for connections, not party time.
If you can master social skills, you will gain a valuable asset. To begin, you must start by learning how to properly network with others during cocktail hour.
Introductions
To help you prepare for an event, practice your introductions in the mirror at home. You can also write down a few relevant questions / question prompts to have on hand when meeting someone for the first time.
Give your full name to the person you meet. Look him or her in the eye and give a firm handshake (unless the person is from France or China). Before the event, learn how to properly introduce yourself to people from different cultures that you may meet with. One must start by learning how to properly network during a cocktail hour.
- Dress for the job you want to have, not the job (or student status) you currently have.
- Shake hands firmly.
- Make eye contact, smile and do not look away when talking to others.
- Introduce yourself to the person standing beside you.
- Try to read the person you are interacting with.
- Approach all those you see standing alone and introduce yourself.
- Prepare 10 questions ahead of time. For example, What/ When, Where and Why questions.
- Wear a name tag and keep business cards in your pocket. Know how to present a business card and, if presented with a business card, read it as soon as you receive it.
- Rewire your brain for your audience / the people you will meet and study your audience before you attend. Try to know something about the crowd you will be mingling with during the party.
- Ask open ended questions.
- Write a list of questions to ask people before going to your party. Subjects to discuss…
- Travel
- Books
- Family
- Common interests, such as school or education. Be situationally aware of the person you are talking with and any pins or clothing worn. This can give clues to you about any interests they have.
- College
- Sports Victories
- Never speak negatively about your school or past work experiences in conversations. Know the values of your school and organization. Project an attitude that will help take the organization you represent to the next level!
In summary, when you talk to another person, try to fill him or her up with words of affirmation. Always listen and ask questions about the other person.
Three Main Things to Remember
- Eye Contact
- Smile
- Firm Handshake
Concluding Remarks
Each day you are given 86,400 seconds from the “time bank”. Everyone is given the same amount, and you are free to spend these seconds as desired. The time bank will never reveal to you how to spend your time. Time poorly spent will not be replaced with more time.
- Time doesn’t do refunds.
- Time is your biggest gift.
- Time is limited.
God has given us all time and talents. How we develop and use them is our gift back to our Heavenly Father. So, ask yourself, how will I use the time I have?
Master Business Etiquette and Networking Skills with a Dallas Expert
Lisa Burdette offers private and group training in business etiquette, social graces and networking. She has successfully helped many individuals with polishing their professional image and increasing their personal confidence at work, in school and in their personal lives. In addition, Lisa has worked with corporate clients such as Toyota Corporation, The University of Texas at Dallas, TEXO (The Construction Association) and others to assist with workplace etiquette training and workshops.
Ready to elevate your employees’ networking and social skills at your company’s next cocktail hour event? Reach out via our Contact page or Book Online and request your session with Lisa today!
