Despite the dismal economy,  there are firms planning to connect with clients and FOF (Friends of the Firm) this holiday season over icy cocktails and gooey finger foods.   Granted the old party budget may have been slashed, but those holiday diehards are fine tuning the party planning on a smaller scale.

Here are a few tips to think about to maximize your holiday merry making (actually they work year round, not just at the holidays!).

1. Before you leave your office to head to the party, have a goal in mind. Can you meet at least new three people?  Can you bring one referral to a guest at the party? Which  leads me to…….

2. Plan ahead. Check your wallet, throw in a few more business cards (seriously, at one party I had to borrow one of my husband’s cards to scribble down my phone number!). Have your personal introduction ready to go and talk about how you help clients.

3. Get the list.  Try to get the list of attendees in advance of the event so you can identify people you need to connect with.

4. If you know who is going to the event, check out LinkedIn for pictures and bio information. Imagine dazzling a guest (who you know is coming), by commenting on an interest or topic you both have in common. 

5. Rescue me!  Remember the first time you went to a firm cocktail party or reception? How uncomfortable it was to try to introduce yourself?  Keep an eye open for younger staff who may find themselves standing alone or frankly don’t know anyone in the room. Gracefully introduce them to YOUR contacts.

6. LOOK!  IT’S  A PACK!   Maybe it’s human nature, but there is no reason why five people from the same firm should be hanging together. Seriously. Break it up.

7. Watch what you say. I’ve picked up insults, gossip and rumors just standing in the back of an elevator. Be aware of who is standing around you.

8. Be gracious.  Always stop by the senior partner or host before you leave to say ‘thanks for a lovely time.’

9. If your firm’s entertainment budget has been bludgeoned, consider a smaller open house with simple foods, beer and wine and soft drinks.     

10. Finally remember to jot down a few simple notes from conversations and send quick follow up handwritten notes or emails to your new connections.urxs2nqv9