| Lillian Bjorseth NEWSLETTER |
She helps you speak the
language of your customers,
peers, supervisors and top
management through
customized workshops and
retreats for board of
directors, corporate and
association staff and sales
organizations.
language of your customers,
peers, supervisors and top
management through
customized workshops and
retreats for board of
directors, corporate and
association staff and sales
organizations.
Lillian is a noted author, DISC expert and a highly sought-after
speaker on the national circuit. Her dynamic, captivating and
empowering presentations have helped tens of thousands
dramatically increase their social capital by improving their
business networking, business development, and communication
skills.
Lillian’s books, CDs, DVDs and workbooks are transformational.
Her DISC training has relevance at all organizational levels.
Dubbed a “networking expert” by the Chicago Tribune and “the
business networking authority” by the Association Forum of
Chicagoland, Lillian is a key figure in advancing the techniques
that build prosperous business relationships. She is the co-
founder of the Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza.
speaker on the national circuit. Her dynamic, captivating and
empowering presentations have helped tens of thousands
dramatically increase their social capital by improving their
business networking, business development, and communication
skills.
Lillian’s books, CDs, DVDs and workbooks are transformational.
Her DISC training has relevance at all organizational levels.
Dubbed a “networking expert” by the Chicago Tribune and “the
business networking authority” by the Association Forum of
Chicagoland, Lillian is a key figure in advancing the techniques
that build prosperous business relationships. She is the co-
founder of the Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza.
Network in Moderation at Holiday Social Events
December 1st, 2011 Networking is done differently at holiday social events. That’s
why I am sharing the media release I just sent. Hope you find the information
helpful, too!
(Lisle, IL. Dec. 2, 2011) “It’s okay to network at holiday social events so long as you
do it in moderation and eat and drink in the same manner,” said Lillian D. Bjorseth,
business networking advisor, coach, author and president of Duoforce Enterprises,
Inc.
“Whether it is office parties, neighborhood open houses, country club dances or
professional organizational luncheons and dinners, keep the conversation about
the event, the holidays and the other person,” Bjorseth said. “It’s even more
unforgiveable to focus on yourself at social affairs than at business events.”
She advises that you also look and act professional because others are still
deciding 10 things about you within 10 seconds of seeing you. Furthermore, they
will carry that impression with them into the boardroom or onto the telephone when
they again speak with you or about you.
“Don’t overfill your “little” plate. Snacking ahead of time can curb your appetite.
Keep cold drinks out of your right hand (the one you use to shake hands!). Ice and
condensation will likely make it feel cold and moist. Holding the drink in your left
hand is a far better solution than wrapping a napkin around the glass. If seating is
available, sit down for a few minutes to eat. When you rise again, sans foods, your
hands will be free. And don’t forget to wash them before you start shaking again,”
Bjorseth says.
Her other professional advice includes:
o Don’t tell off-color jokes or use crude language just because the atmosphere is
more relaxed. Such behavior offends many people, including coworkers, their
spouses, partners and families who can carry a lot of weight.
o Dress properly for the occasion. Find out ahead of time the appropriate dress for
men and women. And, women, don’t show excessive cleavage if you want to be
taken seriously in the office or want to use the event to lay the groundwork for
future employment.
o Remember the behavioral basics. Exhibit good posture. Give a firm handshake.
Maintain eye contact at least 85 percent of the time. Keep your gestures
understated, especially in a crowded room where expansive gestures can lead to
touching someone else or even spilling your food or beverage … or theirs!
Additionally, Bjorseth suggests you don’t make the head honcho your only target or
feel as if you need your token minutes or two with him/her. Have longer and more
meaningful conversations with those who are lower on the totem pole and aren’t
besieged by everyone else. Top brass seldom gets involved in the day-to-day
hiring, promotions and other managerial duties. Make a positive impression on
everyone you meet so you will be memorable long after the event is over.
“Carry your business cards,” Bjorseth says. “Women, keep at least a small supply in
your holiday bag. If attending with a male partner, have him keep some extras in his
inside suit pocket. It’s so much more professional than writing your vital
information on a cocktail napkin. Hand them out only if asked.”
Bjorseth shares three final suggestions:
• Don’t press people on the spot. If you want more information, a referral or an
appointment, get the person’s business card and ask if you may email or call
him/her later. Networking is planting seeds. A holiday event is not the place to sell.
Follow up during normal business hours.
• Don’t be the last to leave. Unless you are close personal friends with the hosts,
don’t be the last to leave the neighborhood open house. Similarly, unless you have
volunteered for clean-up duty, don’t be the straggler at company or organizational
functions. It’s like pushing back from the table when you are still hungry: leave
while you’re still making a positive impression.
• Send holiday cards. Bypass the pre-printed, sterile ones. Take the time to sign
your name and write a short personal note. As appropriate, send to your clients,
prospective employers and, particularly, to those people at any level who are vital
links in your networking chain.
December 1st, 2011 Networking is done differently at holiday social events. That’s
why I am sharing the media release I just sent. Hope you find the information
helpful, too!
(Lisle, IL. Dec. 2, 2011) “It’s okay to network at holiday social events so long as you
do it in moderation and eat and drink in the same manner,” said Lillian D. Bjorseth,
business networking advisor, coach, author and president of Duoforce Enterprises,
Inc.
“Whether it is office parties, neighborhood open houses, country club dances or
professional organizational luncheons and dinners, keep the conversation about
the event, the holidays and the other person,” Bjorseth said. “It’s even more
unforgiveable to focus on yourself at social affairs than at business events.”
She advises that you also look and act professional because others are still
deciding 10 things about you within 10 seconds of seeing you. Furthermore, they
will carry that impression with them into the boardroom or onto the telephone when
they again speak with you or about you.
“Don’t overfill your “little” plate. Snacking ahead of time can curb your appetite.
Keep cold drinks out of your right hand (the one you use to shake hands!). Ice and
condensation will likely make it feel cold and moist. Holding the drink in your left
hand is a far better solution than wrapping a napkin around the glass. If seating is
available, sit down for a few minutes to eat. When you rise again, sans foods, your
hands will be free. And don’t forget to wash them before you start shaking again,”
Bjorseth says.
Her other professional advice includes:
o Don’t tell off-color jokes or use crude language just because the atmosphere is
more relaxed. Such behavior offends many people, including coworkers, their
spouses, partners and families who can carry a lot of weight.
o Dress properly for the occasion. Find out ahead of time the appropriate dress for
men and women. And, women, don’t show excessive cleavage if you want to be
taken seriously in the office or want to use the event to lay the groundwork for
future employment.
o Remember the behavioral basics. Exhibit good posture. Give a firm handshake.
Maintain eye contact at least 85 percent of the time. Keep your gestures
understated, especially in a crowded room where expansive gestures can lead to
touching someone else or even spilling your food or beverage … or theirs!
Additionally, Bjorseth suggests you don’t make the head honcho your only target or
feel as if you need your token minutes or two with him/her. Have longer and more
meaningful conversations with those who are lower on the totem pole and aren’t
besieged by everyone else. Top brass seldom gets involved in the day-to-day
hiring, promotions and other managerial duties. Make a positive impression on
everyone you meet so you will be memorable long after the event is over.
“Carry your business cards,” Bjorseth says. “Women, keep at least a small supply in
your holiday bag. If attending with a male partner, have him keep some extras in his
inside suit pocket. It’s so much more professional than writing your vital
information on a cocktail napkin. Hand them out only if asked.”
Bjorseth shares three final suggestions:
• Don’t press people on the spot. If you want more information, a referral or an
appointment, get the person’s business card and ask if you may email or call
him/her later. Networking is planting seeds. A holiday event is not the place to sell.
Follow up during normal business hours.
• Don’t be the last to leave. Unless you are close personal friends with the hosts,
don’t be the last to leave the neighborhood open house. Similarly, unless you have
volunteered for clean-up duty, don’t be the straggler at company or organizational
functions. It’s like pushing back from the table when you are still hungry: leave
while you’re still making a positive impression.
• Send holiday cards. Bypass the pre-printed, sterile ones. Take the time to sign
your name and write a short personal note. As appropriate, send to your clients,
prospective employers and, particularly, to those people at any level who are vital
links in your networking chain.
