by Kurtis Bell, Service Master by Bell

Tis the season for the dreaded company party. Do you go? What do you wear? These are all big questions that weigh on the mind this time of year. Here’s my guide to being a rock star at your company’s Christmas party.

1. Go! It is hard to have a good time at an event if you never go. This is a good opportunity to build relationships with people at work that you may not get to interact with much. You could meet the person who is the biggest thorn in your side at the office and get to know them better.
2. Don’t “talk shop.” The last thing that most want to discuss while sipping their mulled wine is data entry or TPS reports. Talk sports, talk about how you haven’t done any of your Christmas shopping, or even ask how the food or drink is. Just don’t discuss work at the company party.
3. Hang out by the food. If you’re an introverted person, this will be a key for you. Everyone will walk by the food tables or the bar. It’s easy to strike up conversation in those areas.
4. Be friendly. If you happen to be an extrovert, take a look around and see if someone is nervously staring at the floor or their drink. Head on over and strike up a conversation with this person. You could help turn a terrible experience in to a night to remember for someone.
5. Say “thank you”. As someone who organizes a company Christmas party yearly, I can not stress how much of an impact this can have. I remember each year who takes a minute to express their gratitude and who shows up only to eat, drink, and slip out the side door.

Hopefully this helps you make the best of your company party this year! Thanks once again to those of you who take the time to read my ramblings month after month. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

This article was published in the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce’s December 2018 edition of the VenangoWorks! Newsletter.