2024-07-21 05:45:15
Business relations strictly limit the fun
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A partner-invited party isn’t exactly fun. While it’s usually nice, he is part of the job. Your presence will show respect. You will see people with whom you have business relations, you will talk in an informal setting and treat yourself. If there are speeches like “report on the past – plans for the future” it will be even more useful for you to get information.
Some of the etiquette rules for a party with business associates are similar to those for your company gathering (7 deadly sins that risk your career at the corporate party) – you have to be careful how much you drink, how much you eat and how much you flirt so you don’t make a bad impression. But there is more.
To be precise, review the invitation carefully, which you received. It says where and at what time to go, but that’s not the most important thing. There’s a ton more information there to help you perform at a level. Especially if it shows that the party will be heavier.
First, as noted to call for confirmation or rejection, do not miss – otherwise they will think you are ill-mannered, and you will expose your company. Sometimes this requirement is written not in simple words, but with the abbreviation RSVP (respondez s’il vous plait).
Second, look specifically to see if it’s listed what clothing is required. If you don’t guess the dress code, you risk being made fun of or uncomfortable. Fashion has long been democratic, but only big bosses can afford excessive artistry. More regular employees will make a bad impression if they have changed inappropriately for the occasion and the environment. Even if it’s in some summer 2024 hit like men’s lace bermuda shorts or women’s tiny bikini bottoms paired with a formal or business jacket.
Why are clothes so important? Because the folk wisdom that “by the clothes you meet” is true. And at a slevgar party you will be inadequate, neat as if for a garden party or as if for a gathering with friends, and as if you’ll scream “This person can’t be trusted for a job if they don’t even know how to dress”. So do your best to read the invitation, and if you don’t know exactly what the dress code wording means, do your research.
Wording “Attire: Formal” for breakfast, lunch, coffee, tea means suit or business dress for women. It is acceptable to wear trousers, but not jeans. Still, the classic option is a skirt just below the knee. Men are also not good to wear jeans under the jacket. It’s a more formal meeting, it’s “bon ton” to wear a tie.
For evening events, think more, because “dress: formal” can mean many things. It’s easier if it says “dress up to the heels” for the ladies and “tuxedo” for the men. You can wear them to a reception or dinner, even if they are not specifically required.
They are too heavy for a cocktail party, so you will be more relaxed if you opt for a representative suit or dress. For ladies, there are no color restrictions, but there are two taboos – a skirt above the knee and a too deep neckline. For men, dark colors are a must – preferably black or navy blue with a white shirt and a discreet tie.
dress code “party style”, as very often written on invitations, is very vague. Be smart about the weather and the setting by carefully researching where you will be – often the style of the establishment dictates the style of dress. However, do not be too sloppy – it will look disrespectful to the hosts.
It’s not a trifle – consider also consider how much and what kind of perfume to “wear” in the middle of summer (Science fact: Voice and smell attract. How to use them for career success).
Informal gatherings are an extension of business relationships and it is not accepted to go with someone else, unless it is written with “companion” in the invitation. You are free to choose who, but a colleague is a better option than a spouse or boyfriend.
In order not to appear ill-mannered, do not arrive before the announced time. You shouldn’t be late either. The 15 minutes in Bulgaria are considered acceptable, but the closer you are to the appointed time, the better.
How long you should stay depends on the event. Sometimes the invitations state from what time until what time the reception is. Otherwise three general rules apply.
First, it is poor tone to leave before the official greetings from the host.
Second, it is not advisable to humiliate yourself in front of your boss if he is also present.
Third, it is naive to stay after the hosts have left.
If you are invited to breakfast, coffee, tea, it usually lasts an hour. Lunch and dinner should not last more than two to two and a half hours. There, the service shows you where things are going – don’t linger more than 15 minutes after the coffee is served. And if they haven’t served it, but open the doors to the hall, then it’s time to get up from the table. Coffee, tea and cognac will be served on tap for guests to socialize. That’s roughly how much you should stay at a reception or cocktail party. And there, the sign that it’s time to go is that the waiters deliver coffee.
It is absolutely mandatory to thank and say goodbye to the host. Even if there is a line, wait patiently. Otherwise, you will show poor personal behavior and low corporate culture.
Meeting with business partners is part of the job, but you shouldn’t just talk about it. Try to communicate also informally, show culture and be funny. There is also a golden rule here: the host sets the topics and the tone, you just have to get involved on the spot.
Don’t forget who invited you and be sure to spend enough time in contact with colleagues from the host company. It is impolite to just say “Hi” to them and rush to people from other companies, even if they are more important to your business at the moment or are more interesting and pleasant to you as people.
Try to communicate with as many people as possible and get closer (7 techniques to captivate unknown colleagues) – right, and that’s why you went.
In “The Right Man” you can read more:
Segregator or Integrator – an important mindset for success
10 things confident people do and achieve success
Lack of self-confidence – the worst deficit for success. Exercises to get it
How to shoot a fellow schemer
Know when to wave goodbye to this job
The logic behind the mantra “Don’t think bad so you don’t get bad” that brings success
The 10:90 rule or how your reaction in just 1 event leads to 9 troubles
Science fact: Voice and smell attract. How to use them for career success
You are successful by recognizing when you are walking into an ice room at a work meeting
Always loyal to the boss! Is it?