Functions, events, parties — survival tips
Party season is almost upon us! awards, events, functions, end of year parties, Christmas parties — you name it, it’s almost that time of year. As a publicly self confessed hater of small talk I won’t rehash why this season doesn’t thrill me as much as people might think. Instead I’ll let you into my secret to surviving what is often referred to as “silly season” with my sanity in tact.
First up a quick reminder of the “10 Tips for a great networking experience” (read the full post for more detail on each):
- Personal Elevator Pitch
- Bring a buddy
- Know what and why you are attending
- Prepare 3 x conversation starters
- Exit Options (here the other post does explain about “Mansplaining”)
- Thank the hosts
- Actively listen
- Drink appropriately
- Don’t burn bridges
- Smile and have fun!
Being prepared is a big part of staying sane. Once you are there on the day I have 3 other tactics to help you survive silly season:
1. Name Tag Placement
Like “mansplaining” this issue usually only effects women**. Name tags are a right pain really. A very necessary accessory these are either the safety pin design, which can damage your beautiful blouse, or the sticker type that falls off and looks cheap. Once I experienced a fabulous name tag designed for women (at the Women of Influence awards finalist event) they were magnet based, no damage for our glamorous dresses.
Placement is the real challenge as this article so eloquently describes — “He’s looking for your name, not your bra size”.
Vic’s tip — I think very hard about what I am wearing on event or party days and choose to wear a jacket as often as possible, this means the name tag can be fixed slightly higher on the lapel and limits the damage too.
**Men, I do have some advice (also a pet peeve) wear your name tags sensibly, it’s not cool or funny to pin them to the waist height pocket of your jacket or sideways on your shirt placket (yes thats the name of where the buttons live), think about the impression you are making.
2. Remembering names
Confession time again, I have a terrible tendency to forget someones name immediately after we have been introduced! So was pretty stoked to find there is science behind this and I am not alone.
When this really bites me is bumping into the person I had a long rant at over wine 2 days later, and having completely forgotten their name! (why don’t we wear name tags everywhere?) they always remember mine of course.
Vic’s tip — the only thing that works for me is to bake their name into my mind as quickly as possible, repeat their name when we are introduced “lovely to meet you Betty” then use their name in the next sentence (or 10 if that’s what it takes). People suggest other methods like associating them with a celebrity or finding a reason to care about them — these just don’t work for me.
Extra tip — don’t be embarrassed to ask their name again if you have forgotten it 2 minutes later, everyone is in the same overwhelming information boat, they won’t judge you.
3. Beware the sales talk
It’s happened to all of us, we are innocently introduced to the colleague of a friend at a function — and that colleague proceeds to “sell” for the next 30 minutes. It happened to me immediately post winning an award, a shameless seller felt that was the opportune moment to explain why I needed to purchase his (yes his) services! apparently triggered by something I said in my speech. yuck!
Vic’s tip — most importantly at this time of year is not being that person. It’s the end of the year, everyone is tired, they are at a function to have fun and catchup with people, nobody wants to make a decision or hear your best sales pitch. You are welcome to form a relationship, ask for their contact details or business card, then follow up during work time — not at a function.
It’s tempting I know, just don’t go there! you will form longer lasting relationships vs making a terrible first impression I promise.
You are armed now! go party, enjoy “silly season” and network like a pro. Vic.
Victoria is passionate about many things — growing great companies, raising digital literacy, growing New Zealands economy and equality for women. Her day jobs include Managing Director of data and information specialists OptimalBI, investor in start ups and numerous mentoring, advisory and board appointments. Victoria’s community contributions include co-Chair of NZRise, Chair of the Digital Skills Forum, and Chair of Code Club Aotearoa.
You can learn more about Victoria here.