B (3:25)

To understand who you are as an individual. The real emphasis has to be on, on finesse at a holiday party. Yeah, it's, it's great, it's a great networking opportunity. But if you overtly sell, you may turn people off. After all, it is a holiday. Here's an obvious one and, and this is one that applies in countries that serve alcohol. Not all countries can relate to this, but to those countries that serve alcohol, drinking too much and making a fool of yourself is just one of the major don'ts at a work party or at a business party. And I think many of us have been to business parties where somebody may have had just a little too much. And we saw that and we remember that and we can't get that out of our heads. So keep that in mind. You know, one of the things I, I love about BNI is we have a corporate rule that for those who do imbibe and listen, I love wine, that at business events you have a two drink maximum. I once said accidentally a two drink minimum. And somebody said, oh great, that's fantastic. No, no, no, I'm sorry. To drink maximum. That's it, that's as much as you can have. Next is whatever you do, don't go negative when you're at a business holiday. We're talking about business holiday events. I know that sounds obvious, but it happens all the time, especially if you're nervous. Don't, don't complain about how busy you are or about your boss. Whatever you do, don't complain about your boss or your department. That's a real mistake to do. On the other hand, the opposite of that. Don't, don't be a suck up. Don't, don't be a sycophant where you, you just kiss up to the executives that are at the event. Executives appreciate knowing that their work makes a difference, but don't overdo it. Instead, you know, if you want to share something, share one specific story about their big win that year that helped you as an individual or help someone in their department or helped a client, that's fine. But otherwise, you know, be appropriate in chatting with the boss. Be prepared. If you're at a business.

B (5:53)

Party, holiday party, be prepared. You want to. If you're going to hobnob with a number of people in the company. Try to know who you're talking to, what department they're in, what they've done this year in the organization, and use that as a way to start a conversation. If you know some of the people who will be in attendance. I love Google, you know, just Google them, see what they've been up to and, and do a little bit of homework. When you go in to the event, another thing is to ask questions, some suggestions, you know, for questions. How, how did you start with the company? How did you grow the department? How did you market the department? What were some of the challenges that you have? It's not, remember, it's, it's not an interrogation. So, you know, don't rapid fire them with all of these questions. Just, you know as much as you can. Seamlessly integrate them into your conversation.

B (6:58)

As you're talking to them.

B (7:01)

Use an introduction as a segue for a future meeting. So if you're meeting someone for the first time in a business holiday party.

B (7:11)

But you don't want to end the conversation at some point, open the door for a follow up. You want to be able to connect with the person at a later time. And if they've told you about something that they're working on, it's a great opportunity to say, I really love what you're working on. Is there anything I can do to help? And then if they say yes, then it's a great way to follow up and say, you know, let's connect so that I can help you with this, that you're, that you're, this thing that you're working on. And be confident of your value. You're bringing value to the table. And have confidence in the value that you're bringing to the table. Give yourself, you know, a little pep talk before you walk in there before the event. Make a mental list of the things that you've done over the past year and understand how what you do may integrate into your discussions. Don't, don't go in bragging about what you do, but be prepared to talk about some of the projects that you've done, particularly if they overlap in any way with the people that you talk to. I really believe that you can network anywhere, anytime, in any place, including events, company events, holiday events, where it might not at first occur to you to try. And paradoxically, it's also these non traditional networking settings where you'll often get the most bang for your buck. So remember to honor the event and focus on Making valuable connections, not just short term transactions. And many of you listening to this are self employed. But you may be going to a party that is with a client or a customer, their company, and these same things kind of apply in that situation. You want to do the kinds of things that I just talked about when you're going to a company party for a client or you're throwing your own company party and you've got your employees there. That's my message for today. Priscilla, anything you want to add?

A (9:12)

Well, ironically, I'm giving a holiday party today.

B (9:16)

Today.

A (9:17)

Today.

B (9:18)

All right.

A (9:19)

I'm giving my annual pie party. When I give my clients a beautiful pie and they get to choose which one it's going to be. It could either be pumpkin, a lala, berry or apple. And people love that they get to taste the other pies too, when they come and they pick up.

B (9:39)

So you actually allow. Everybody can taste the pies. They don't just.

A (9:43)

Well, they taste. I buy three extra pies, one of each kind, and then I can give them samples of the other ones they didn't order.

B (9:54)

Nice. Well, look, you're, you're, you're not driving, so you can have more than two drinks if you want.

A (9:59)

Oh, no, those aren't drinks. Those are pies, honey.

B (10:02)

I know, but you know, nothing goes. Nothing goes better with a pie than a great glass of wine.

B (10:11)

Champagne with. With a pie. That's perfect.

A (10:13)

Yeah, that's right. Well, that's great.

B (10:17)

Well, listen, have. Have a blast at your pie party.

A (10:21)

Okay? I will.

B (10:22)

And I think that's. I've never heard of a pie party around the holidays, but I love it and I'm glad you're doing it.

A (10:30)

Oh, good. I'm surprised you haven't heard of it, I think.

B (10:33)

No, I haven't. I haven't.

A (10:35)

Oh, that's great.

B (10:36)

Well, I haven't been invited either.

A (10:37)

And you know, if you were around, Ivan, I would definitely give you a pie.

B (10:42)

If I was around, I would definitely be there. I promise. I'm going to be in Southern Californ, not Northern California.

A (10:48)

Okay, well, have a great holiday.

B (10:51)

Take care and have fun, Priscilla.

A (10:52)

Okay, thank you. All right, well, I think that's it for today. Thank you so much, Dr. Meisner. That was wonderful. And I'd like you to know that this podcast is sponsored by MeisnerAudioProGrams.com these audio programs will provide you with the tools and the inspiration to powerfully enhance your BNI experience. So check out the great material that's available to you@meisneraudioprograms.com and then use the promo code IVAN5O for 50% off of everything. All of the proceeds go to the BNI Foundation. Thanks so much for listening. This is Priscilla Rice and we look forward to having you join us again next week for another exciting episode of the official BNI Podcast.

B (11:44)

Sam.