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Cocktail Party Success: A Tale of Two Guests

Whether or not you are successful as a guest at a cocktail party is largely a matter of choice. These choices include the effort you put into preparing for the party; researching who will be in attendance; and what you will be doing at the party. These choices make an incredible difference to how you are perceived and received. Knowing key distinctions in the area of cocktail etiquette could mean the difference between being in the winning circle or looking in from the outside. Take a cue from role models Sarah and Nick…

Sarah RSVPs within 24 hours of receiving her invitation. The day before the party she picks out her clothes. As this is a business function, she decides on a classic black dress, not too flirty but one that shows a bit of panache.

She feels relaxed on the day of the party because she did her research. This will help with small talk and business networking. She knows the type of guests that will be in attendance, why she was invited and what opportunities she has to network on her company’s behalf.

Sarah arrives at the party on time and while there, she eats lightly and limits herself to just one drink. Her goal is to “schmooze” gracefully. She holds a glass of white wine by the stem in her left hand so that her right hand is free to shake hands and greet others.

This partygoer is graceful and this demonstrates confidence – both business and social. She understands that guests are supposed to mix and mingle and she does so with aplomb. She stays long enough to make the contacts that she intended to make, but not too long as to overstay her welcome. She remembers to say “goodbye” and thanks the host twice: once at the party and once more in a handwritten thank you note, delivered within 24 hours of the party.

Sarah made a great impression on the other guests. Her refined conduct and networking ability helped her to make some excellent business contacts. These contacts are important for developing new business relationships and nurturing additional business opportunities.

Nick was at the same party. He arrived late, and turned some partygoers off with his loud clothes and even louder demeanor. He brought a date and camped out near the food and drink table. He even asked the house staff for a special request.

Everyone remembered him as the loud guy who drank too much. Months later he solicited a potential client who also happened to be at that party. The guest remembered Nick for all the wrong reasons. When Nick contacted him about new business, he responded,  “I believe that quality in everything ultimately always costs less. You should have worked on the quality of your manners at the party. I’ve decided to go with another company…”

The golden nugget is this: Do not underestimate how powerful a good image can Whether it’s in the way you dress, how you hold yourself, what you do and do not do—it matters. And also do not underestimate what a poor image—coupled with poor manners–can do to hamper your business efforts.

Let your winning strategy sparkle at any cocktail party by having impeccable manners. The choice to shine, or not, is yours!

Posted by Margaret in Business Etiquette and tagged party etiquette.