SUCCEED WITH STYLE: Tips for Surviving Your Next Holiday Office Party

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Monday, December 13, 2010

Margaret Batting, Image Consultant and Personal Brand Strategist

How many times have you gone to an office holiday party and seen one of your colleagues drink so much, they end up the talk of the water cooler on Monday morning? (Bridget Jones ring a bell?) I’ve seen it too many times and always think to myself, “What were they thinking”? Did they really think dancing on a table was a good career move? You put too much effort into building your credibility at work, so why risk it? You can have fun and still keep your reputation in tact by following these office party DO’s:

1. Dress appropriately. Even though it’s a party, it’s still with your business colleagues. This is not the time to pull out the hottest outfit in your closet. Wear a sophisticated cocktail dress with statement jewelry or dressy pants, a chic top and heels.

2. Don’t eat like you’ve never seen food before. Just because it is free doesn’t mean you need to blow your diet or eat everything in sight.

3. Have one or two drinks at the most. That’s it. More than two, and you enter the danger zone. You may say or do something you will regret the next day. Some karaoke or dancing is fine if it remains under control. What you don't want to do is get so drunk you make bad decisions.

4. Brush up on your party etiquette but don't be a drag either. Practice introductions and know the names of key people who may be attending.

5. Mind your manners. Steer clear of touchy topics or inappropriate jokes. People will remember whether you were a gracious guest or a slobbering drunk.

6. Read up on current news including what’s happening in your industry. You may have the opportunity to talk with key executives. You want to show that you are well read and can offer some new and interesting ideas.

Margaret Batting is the Corporate Style expert for GoLocalProv.com. Margaret is the owner and president of Elevé Image Consulting and the only certified image consultant and personal brand strategist in Rhode Island. She travels the country as the national corporate image consultant for CareerBuilder and serves as the style advisor liaison for Dress for Success Rhode Island. For more information, visit http://www.eleve-style.com.