December is the month of spiked eggnog, sugar cookies and holiday parties. This month, make your holiday party a success by meeting as many contacts as you can. We put together a list of 25 pro-tips for this month’s topic of conversation #NeedForLeads. Don’t forget to tweet us your thoughts @52pickupinc!

1. Do a bit of research before the party to make sure you’re well versed on your client’s work and key people. It will also give you an advantage to learn names ahead of time!

2. Give yourself time to drive and park to minimize anxiety. Don’t be late but don’t be too early either.

3. Identify all the mistletoe upon entering the premises and make sure to use them strategically.

4. Wear the appropriate gear, especially if it’s an ugly Christmas sweater party. Be memorable with a look that stands out—may we suggest battery-operated Christmas lights?

5. Bring a gift for the hostess, whether it’s a bottle of champagne or homemade cookies.

6. Fake it. If you’re not comfortable, just breath and pretend you are.

7. Say hi to the wallflowers—they’ll appreciate your efforts and may be a good contact for the future.

8. Have a drink or two but don’t go too hard on the spiked egg nog, lest you have a Bridget Jones’ holiday moment.

9. Don’t swap too much shop talk. Come prepared with a personal story or two—this is the time to get a sense of each other’s characters rather than work ethic.

10. But keep it professional. Don’t talk about getting hammered last Friday or gossip about confidential work information.

11. Make eye contact but not like, creepy weird staredowns. Just regular, “I’m listening to you” eye contact.

12. If there’s a karaoke machine, just say no. But if your boss says yes, always compare his/her performance to Celine Dion or Michael Buble. Be confident in your critique’s delivery.

13. Don’t be the person that forgets their Secret Santa gift at the last minute.

14. Always get a second date. Make New Year lunch plans with contacts you’d like to keep in touch with. Schedule it in your calendar so they’re firm.

15. @mention a thank you to the hostess and live tweet highlights from the party’s official hashtag (if there is one). But don’t stare at your screen for too long.

16. Be prepared with a Tide stick and Kleenex. Someone’s bound to have an accident and you’ll be the hero that saves the day!

17. Be a team player. If there’s a Santa or fun photo booth—go for it!

18. Move yourself around the party at intervals to make sure you’re working the room. A new spot could bring a new energy.

19. If you don’t want to move, position yourself by the buffet table. It’s presumably delicious, and everyone will make their rounds.

20. Have an elevator pitch ready just in case work comes up.

21. Look approachable. No one likes a Debbie Downer. Keep a smile on!

22. Don’t make an Irish exit. Make sure to say goodbye to your new friends.

23. Add your new contacts to LinkedIn the day after so you’ll still be fresh in their heads.

24. Send a thank you card to the hostess to let them know how much you appreciate the invitation.

25. Relax! Veg out for a while. You’ve done well.

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