GET IT DONE: Party Time

BY BARBARA BALLINGER

Be the host (or guest) with the most

The season for holiday merrymaking is almost upon us, and that means parties. If your next 60 days involves hosting or attending a business fete, make sure clients and colleagues will remember you as a great party-giver—or gracious guest. Here’s how to get through the season on your best behavior.

For hosts:

Contact guests yourself via telephone or written invitation rather than having your assistant do so. Make it clear whether spouses and significant others are included.

Consider small rather than large gatherings—between 25 and 50 people—so that you can spend quality time with prospects, clients, and colleagues.

Choose your party site to create a buzz. One possibility: a club where guests normally don’t have entrée. Or have it at home. Business contacts will feel flattered to be invited, and it’s probably already decorated for the holidays.

Let guests know how you want them to dress. It’s awkward for business contacts to show up casually clothed when you’re in business attire or the reverse.

Consider giving guests a gift, such as a bottle of champagne to celebrate New Year’s, that includes the company logo.

For guests:

Let your host know whether you’ll attend. It’s always important but more so when it’s your broker, a colleague, or a client. Having too many or too few guests may kill the festive mood for the host.

Avoid controversial subjects, particularly at business functions, when you don’t know people’s religious or political views.

Don’t schmooze only with those you recognize. Introduce yourself to strangers; you may find new prospects or a referral source.

Never drink or flirt excessively. It can cost you a listing or sale—or more.

Handwrite a thank-you note—even after a large business gathering—and be sure to drop your business card into the envelope. An e-mail is less acceptable but better than no thank-you, says Ms. Demeanor, a.k.a. Mary Mitchell, author of Class Acts: How Good Manners Create Good Relationships and Good Relationships Create Good Business (M. Evans and Co., 2002).

Sources: William M. “Marty” Kotis III, president and CEO, Kotis Properties Inc., developers, Greensboro, N.C.; Mary Mitchell, author and founder of The Mitchell Organization, Philadelphia; Paul Purcell, founder, Braddock+Purcell, real estate consulting firm, New York