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NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -
Are you nervous about your upcoming company holiday party? Not sure if you should go? What to wear? Afraid of the boss?
Today's tips tell you everything you need to know in order to survive your company holiday party.
1. Should I stay or should I go?
If you are on the fence about going to your company's holiday affair, here is some advice for you, go!
Dale Winston, CEO of Battalia Winston International, says holiday parties are a wonderful networking opportunity. The more parties you are invited to the better. "You should go to as many holiday parties as you can," says Winston.
Your own party is the most important one to attend. Holiday parties are the one time of the year that socialization among collogues is truly encouraged.
Not going to your own holiday party could send the wrong message to your bosses. "If you don't show up you are really indicating that you are not on the team," adds Winston.
2. Work the crowd
A holiday party is often a great place to network. You should mingle and talk to as many people you can, especially your peers and your superiors. Handing out business cards is appropriate if someone asks for your info.
If you're a little apprehensive about networking, one tip is to come prepared with questions to break the ice. One example, ask "Are you going away for the holidays?" And if you don't know the person, a good question is "Do you live far from here?"
An easy way to start mingling is to talk to the person who seems to be sitting alone. And you should always have a way out of the conversation. Winston says, "Its not a bad idea to have a friend ready to rescue you from all conversations."
Keep in mind: you should NOT talk shop at a holiday party. You should also avoid getting into controversial subjects like politics.
3. Work the boss
Talking to your boss and/or supervisor is a must at holiday parties. It is a rare opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with your superior out of the workplace.
When talking to your superior, show them that you are aware of what the company has done the past year. Don't make the conversation all shop. Take the time to talk to them on a personal level and show them who you really are.
There are some conversations that you should avoid all together. Diane Diresta, a communications expert, says you should never ask for a job at a holiday party. And leave your resume at home.
Be mindful that everyone probably wants to get some time with the boss so don't monopolize your boss's time either.
4. Dos and don'ts
As for the dos and don'ts of holiday parties, first off, you should always dress for the occasion. A lot of the time proper attire will be declared by your company.
You DO NOT want to stand out. This is especially important for women. Anything that's short, tight or revealing should not be worn. If you use the work party to show off your figure, it will likely hurt your professional image.
As for the guys: shorts, t-shirts and sandals are out. If no dress code is given, you should consider the party an extension of the workplace, Winston says. Wear what you would wear to work.
However, Winston adds: "If it's in the evening, make your work outfit a little festive." This is a perfect opportunity to pull out those old Christmas tree ties and sweaters.
A big no-no at a company function is drinking too much. It is not wise to have more than two or three drinks. If you are worried about drinking too much or the smell of alcohol on your breath, drink water or a soft drink in between alcoholic beverages.
It's also not wise to not drink at all. "You don't want to be seen as a teetotaler," says Winston. When it comes to food, eat as much as you would like!
5. I'm the boss and I don't know what to do
Being in the position of throwing a party can be stressful as well. For all you bosses out there planning a holiday gala, think of the holiday party as a gift to your employees. This is about them, not you.
The first thing you want to do is get a sense from your employees what kind of party they would enjoy. When choosing a time and location, be sensitive to the travel needs of the people who work for you.
If a lot of your employees live far away, consider having a lunch and giving a half day. Once you are at the party make sure that everyone is having a good time. "A boss should introduce people that may not know one another," says Winston.
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Gerri Willis is a personal finance editor for CNN Business News and the host for Open House. E-mail comments to 5tips@cnn.com
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