Six Tips for Handling Those Company Parties.

It’s that time of year when employees and bosses look forward to company parties, but some wonder later what they should have done differently, according to Richard Bayer, chief operating officer of the Five O’Clock Club.

“People think they’re at the party to have fun and let it all hang out,” notes Bayer. “But a company party is a business event and can help advance or can decimate your career. It’s not paranoid to remember that you ARE being watched,” he adds. “Though a holiday party may not feel like a business meeting, treat it as one.” Here are the Club’s guidelines:

1. In general, you should attend the party so you’re seen as one of the team. But you don’t have to lead fifty people in song when you’re looped. Chances are, the next day it won’t seem as cool as it did at the time!

2. No excess drinking. One marketing executive in Pennsylvania was a little too “loose” at a company party, thought he saw an intern smile at him, took it as an invitation, and made unwanted advances. The next day her parents showed up at the office. Lawyers had to be brought in and he was lucky to get away with an apology.

3. Be aware of appearances. A manager was leaning up against a wall minding his own business, when a female employee came over and leaned up next to him – very closely. Although he stayed with his arms folded, it appeared that they were behaving inappropriately. His boss called him in the next day about his inappropriate behavior, despite his pleading his innocence.

4. Build your network. Meet people from other departments and say, “I’ve been interested in knowing what you do and would love to meet with you sometime to exchange information.”

5. Let the big bosses know who you are. When a boss says, “Hi Matt, how are you?” do NOT say, “Fine, thanks.” Instead, use that moment to pass along information on what you’ve accomplished. Make it brief – eight words is our goal. To “how are you?” you respond, “Just great since we finished that Atkinson project.” Then, if the boss shows interest, you can add, “I was working 90 hours a week to get it done.”

6. Be friendly with everyone. Let there be no gossip about your having ignored a certain camp. If you are introduced to new people, don’t just say your job title. Tell people a little about your area, for example, “We develop sales tracking systems,” and ask about their areas.

For more information at http://www.FiveOClockClub.com