Business Class

From after-hours networking events to black-tie galas, Southwest Florida offers a myriad of social situations that can benefit our professional lives. The challenge is to meet people and make clever conversation while eating and drinking. It can be downright uncomfortable.

Over the years I’ve learned a few ways to make it easier, often learning from my own mistakes.

My first piece of advice is to find out in advance who will be at a given event. Think about whom you’d like to meet and consider appropriate topics for discussion before you arrive. If you find them already engaged in conversations, wait for a pause in the dialogue. Never interrupt.

Introductions are important, too: Always remember to make them; otherwise, people wonder why you haven’t introduced them. If you haven’t done so because you’ve forgotten someone’s name, be honest about it. It’s better to say you can’t remember than to say nothing.

Be sure you don’t arrive famished, and do limit your alcoholic beverages—obvious tips that are often forgotten by the hungry, nervous individuals. If you are going to enjoy some of the food, be sure to take a plate and eat from it. You should only take food directly to your mouth if it is passed on a tray by a server. And never, ever double dip.

Hold your drink in your left hand, so you can shake with your right hand and it won’t be wet and cold.

And remember, your free right hand isn’t for holding a plate of food. Eating and drinking at the same time interferes with successful networking.

I hope you’ll be a success at your next event. Being prepared makes it much easier to relax, enjoy the occasion and enhance your personal and professional relationships.