|
Lasting
Impressions
"We were very satisfied with the
first impressions seminar. The presenter was fully qualified,
enthusiastic, and knowledgeable about the subject matter."
Participants from
(Richmond) City University
|
"The Etiquette Advantage" is a
free monthly online newsletter from 1st Impressions,
Inc. It is geared for those who want to enhance their
self-confidence, heighten their communication skills, and outclass
their competition.
This free subscription newsletter should come to you only if you have
requested it or because you have a pre-existing relationship with Patricia
Whitaker or
her business, 1st Impressions, Inc.
Visit us on the web at www.1stimpressionsonline.com
|
Your company's holiday party is just around the corner -- time to let
loose
and party hearty with your coworkers after a long year, right? Wrong.
The
cardinal rule is to remember that no matter how festive the occasion,
it's
still about business. Don't fall off the fast track to success or risk
damaging
your professional reputation in one night of inadvertent blunders. The
good
news is that you can just as easily use the annual office holiday party
to
advance your career as you can to cripple it. To ensure a smooth and
enjoyable
evening follow this advice:
|
You don't have to spend all night
at
the event, but you do have to attend. The office party is part of your
job.
Its purpose is to bring together co-workers for a bit of camaraderie.
If
this is not your idea of a great time, then just consider it work, put
on
your best attitude and go.
Pay attention to the time you arrive and the time you leave the event.
Avoid arriving 20 minutes before it ends just to make an appearance. On
the flip side, don't party until the wee hours of the morning either.
Both errors in
judgment will be noticed. |
| |
Dress appropriately for the
occasion.
This rule especially applies to women who sometimes use company parties
for
strutting their stuff. Unless you want to be the subject of post-party
gossip,
leave anything short, tight or revealing in the closet. You've worked
hard
to create a professional image and revealing clothes can alter your
coworkers'
and boss's perception of you as a competent professional. |
| |
As important as you may think you
are,
leave your cell phone in the car or at least turn it to vibrate. Don't
take
calls or make them while at the party. |
| |
Your company party may be the only
time
you see the president, CEO or VPs in person. This is a great
opportunity
to become visible to your organization's higher-ups. Take the
initiative
and introduce yourself. Remember to give your full name and provide
some
related information. Speak well and follow protocol. |
| |
Mingle. Seek out individuals who
can
influence your career. Do the same for anyone who might be a little
shy,
or even new to the company. Avoid talking about business, but don't
talk
too much about personal issues either. Definitely don't complain or
gossip.
After an appropriate interval, excuse yourself and move on. If you made
any
verbal commitments to any of the people, make sure you promptly follow
up
on them. |
| |
Eat and drink in moderation. It is
better
to go back for seconds than to put the entire buffet table on your
plate.
Talking with food in your mouth is a no-no. Do keep one hand free
during
the night so that you can offer firm handshakes to people. Keep your
drink
in your left hand, so you are not offering people a cold, wet
handshake. |
| |
If you've been a star performer in
your
organization this year, you may be honored with a toast. Accept the
honor
gracefully, but don't drink to yourself or clap when others are
applauding
you. Also, make a short and appropriate toast to the person who toasted
you,
thanking him for the recognition. |
| |
When you have spoken to all or
most
of the bosses, coworkers, and new individuals you planned to,
gracefully
exit the party. As you leave, thank your host for the nice evening.
|
May you and yours
have
an enjoyable and elegant holiday season.
As always….act in
excellence!
|
1st
Impressions, Inc. offers a variety of customized workshops on
professional presence, business protocol, effective
communication, interviewing skills and dining etiquette. Clients
include corporations, professional associations, community
organizations, churches, government agencies, and universities.
Individual private coaching is available and there is also a special
program for teens. 1st Impressions, Inc. provides the finishing
touches that will enhance your professional image.
|
|
If you would like to subscribe to "The
Etiquette
Advantage" e-newsletter,
please complete the information below:
|
|
PRIVACY STATEMENT:
1st Impressions, Inc. will not distribute your address to anyone.
To unsubscribe from the
newsletter, complete the following:
|
|
© 2003 1st Impressions, Inc. All rights reserved.
|
|