How can I use a company party to network?

Whether it's an annual event or an excuse to pick up office spirits, many
companies like to get their employees together to get to know each other outside
the usual work environment.

Obviously these are intended to be time to kick off your shoes and relax, but
there's also a great opportunity to build your network to give your career a
boost in the long term. Whether discussing work at these events is considered
taboo or not, there are many ways you can improve your relationships to help you
get ahead, and just as many things you should avoid.

Client parties

This is where you need to be on you best behavior – if you want to secure their
business for the future then you better not turn into a rambling drunkard. It's
really not the place to ‘talk shop' and you should try and steer clear of the
subject, until they raise it first.

Even if they do start discussing deals, try and steer the conversation away as
the last thing you want to do is verbally agree to something after a few pints
that you can't back up when you return to work.

Supplier parties

When the tables are turned and you become the client at a supplier's party, you
can expect a bit of the red carpet treatment. Don't be fooled into thinking
they're doing this by way of thanks though. Most of the time there is an
ulterior motive behind their generosity, trying to secure your custom.

Again, try not to commit to anything, stay friendly and try to talk to everyone
at the party as you may come across other contacts that can help your career,
whether it's through a job opportunity or a useful business contact.

Your company party

You can afford to let loose a little more at these events, but still beware of
losing the plot completely. Managers are well aware that if they throw large
amounts of money behind a bar then it will get used, but they will still be on
the lookout for those who take things beyond what they would consider decent
behavior.

If you're on the hunt for an internal promotion, make sure you spend more time
chatting with a few of your seniors than you do having a drinking competition
with your team.

It's also a time when a lot of the sexual tension that builds up in a work
environment can get released, but it's imperative that you keep your senses. The
number of sexual harassment cases that arise after company parties is huge and
even something you thought was an innocent kiss could turn into a major issue.

Your partner's party

If you're invited you'll generally get a run through of the do's and don'ts from
your partner beforehand. Don't ask John how his wife is (they divorced three
weeks ago), don't ask Karen and Tony how their relationship is going (nobody
else in the office knows) and definitely don't harass the boss about the poor
pay the company offers.

You're there to support your partner, not ruin their career.

Getting your diary straight

In some industries, and especially around Christmas time, invitations can start
to mount up. Organise your diary to work out where you need to be and when.

You need to prioritise your invites, not committing to everything straight away.
If you're asked to an event in person you can easily manage this by saying
you're not sure what your diary is looking like, but you will let them know as
soon as possible.

If you say you're going to be there, make sure you are, or at least give a good
excuse in plenty of time. Reliability is one of the key attributes employers
look for and you don't know how your reputation could be tarnished by putting in
a no-show.

Don't forget to plan in some rest and relaxation time. Going out night after
night is going to take its toll and you'll still have to get on with your day
job in the meantime.

Managing the hangover

Not everyone needs a drink to enjoy themselves, but those who do are often faced
with a pounding headache and a desire to be anywhere but in the workplace.

Obviously the best thing to do is not drink the night before, but if you do make
sure you have a pint of water before you go to bed, a couple of aspirins in the
morning, a coffee and a hearty breakfast to see you through the day.