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WORKING A ROOM: PREPARING FOR ANY EVENT
 The What and Whos
- Whether it be a gathering of business associates or fundraiser, be sure to find out what
the purpose of the event is, who will be there and who is sponsoring the
event.
 Your Attitude
- Your attitude determines the outcome of most events. And a positive attitude always wins
out. A little enthusiasm and a big smile go a long way.
 Your Objective
- What is your objective in being at the event. Perhaps you want to show support for your
boss, or you want to make some new business contacts. Think this through before the event
and keep this objective in mind when mingling.
Your Introduction
- Prepare a brief introduction about yourself in relation to the event. It should be a few
sentences that includes your name, and something about yourself that you'll want the
person to remember. Humor works great here because it puts you and the person you're
speaking with at ease. You'll introduce yourself differently at various functions. For
example: At a cocktail party at your boss' home, you might say: Hello. My name is Sue
Smith. I am a software developer. Which department do you work in? At a Home Builder's
Convention, you may say: Hi. My name is Joe Smith and I'm an electrician, shocking isn't
it? So people will remember you, speak slowly and clearly.
Greetings
- When introducing yourself, it is not only important to prepare what you will say, but to
give the person you are speaking with a firm handshake. Remember to smile, while shaking
the person's hand. A few words on business kisses. It is now acceptable for business
people to kiss when greeting each but only outside the office and on the cheek, never on
the mouth.
Chit Chat
- If there is no host available to introduce you around and begin conversation, take the
iniative and introduce yourself to someone. Then begin small talk. You can talk about why
you are both at the event which can lead to areas of mutual interest. For example: "I
was invited to this banquet by Joe in Sales. We play golf together on Saturdays. Do you
play?" Other subjects to chat about include: current events, professional
information, and local news, perhaps. Good eye contact is essential here.
Exchanging Business Cards
- Exchanging business cards is a good way to keep in contact with a person you have met at
a function. When giving out cards be sure that your name, title, company and number are
legible on the card. Once you have a free minute record something on the back on their
card to remember them by. Be sure to bring enough to an event and to give them out to only
those who you want to keep in contact with. Take cards from only those who you want to
contact again.
WORKING A ROOM: BUSINESS & SOCIAL GATHERINGS: YOUR ROLE
The Social Cocktail Party
- This type of gathering may have a theme or is put on for a special holiday or occassion.
If you receive a written invitation, it is polite to R.S.V.P. If there is a request for
certain attire, black tie, for example, it is important to dress appropriately. The first
thing you should do when you enter the party, is locate the hosts. Their function is to
greet you and introduce you around. After, you should mingle with the other guests. It is
bad manners to sit and talk with only one guest. Make sure you have a supply of business
cards with you, even if it purely a soical gathering. Last, but certainly not least, do
not forget to thank you hosts as you leave. Follow up with a written thank you within 24
hours.
The Business Cocktail Party
- There are three main types of business cocktail parties. They include: the civic
organization get-to-gether, for example: a Chamber of Commerce meeting, No-Host reception
for a professional group and the office party. The civic organization or "after
hours" party is held about one time per month. Members have the common interest in
their community. The benfit of this gathering is to obtain business leads and to advertise
what you do for a living. Because people do business with those they know and like this is
a great place to network. No-Host receptions usually precede a business luncheon or
dinner, last about an hour and include a no-host bar. This is a good place to renew
acquaintenances and meet guests. Focus on business but have fun, too. If this event
includes a meal,the first rule to remember is to sit with people you don't know. Introduce
yourself around the table and encourage others to do the same. Dress for this event is
usually business attire, but if in doubt ask someone. Though the office party may include
food, drinks and music, it is still a business function. It is fine to enjoy yourself and
relax but it's also important to keep in mind limits on drinking, language used, and
appropriate behavior. This is a good place to thank colleagues for a job well done. While
talking with co-workers don't overlook their spouses. Treat them as individuals, not just
the wife or husband of so and so. Ask about their interests and converse with them as
well.
Fundraisers
- The function of a fundraiser is just as the names implies - to raise funds. These monies
are for the benefit of a charity or community organization. Good advice for attending
these gatherings include: greet and meet those you "must see." Connect on a
social basis , don't talk business. Mingle, get a business card and by all means follow
up.
Political Parties
- These events attract those who have a common interest in the candidate or party.
Everyone who attends must donate money to be there. If you do, get a chance to meet the
candidate (if the candidate does his job and works the room) say something brief and
memorable.
- "If you can look interested when you are bored, your social success is
certain."
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