14 Ways to Make a Good Impression at Holiday Parties

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14 Ways to Make a Good Impression at Holiday Parties

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Practice Management > Building Your Business > Prospect Clients

14 Ways to Make a Good Impression at Holiday Parties

By Bryce Sanders

Slideshow November 23, 2022 at 02:14 PM Share & Print

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Related: 10 Gifts Under $100 That Will Impress Wealthy Clients

The holidays are here. You have gotten into the right circles. In addition to attending community holiday events, some of your wealthy friends or clients will include you on the guest list for their Christmas party.

This is often held at their home. You want to create and leave a good impression. What do you do? You want your high-net-worth friends and clients to see you as the ideal guest, which will translate into more invitations to future events.

Check out our gallery for 14 ways to ensure you’re making all the right moves at this year’s holiday parties.

Bryce Sanders

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14 Ways to Make a Good Impression at Holiday Parties

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1. Answer invitations immediately.
You might receive a hard card invitation by mail, or it might be an online evite. If you have ever planned a wedding, you know how frustrating that last handful of invited guests who haven’t responded can be. Respond immediately, because your host needs to have a headcount.

(Image: Adobe Stock)

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2. Do not double-book.
Try not to accept two invitations for the same evening. Sometimes it happens, especially if both are close friends or key clients. Ideally, you want this one party to be the major focus of your evening. If you have double-booked, arrive at the first the moment the party starts.

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3. Know who will be attending.
It is bad form to ask your host, “Who else will be there?” This implies the opportunity to spend time with your host isn’t sufficient motivation to attend! Don’t ask! This information might be available if you received an online invitation and one of the features is viewing the invitee list and learning who said yes and who said no. Getting certain information ahead of time can be helpful, especially if you can encounter people you have wanted to meet.

(Image: Adobe Stock)

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4. Always dress well.
People tend to dress up during the holidays. Look at a few of the TV ads or movies about parties at people’s homes. HNW people tend to dress well. Your client or friend will be pleased you “made an effort.”

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5. Do not arrive empty-handed.
I have always believed Williams Sonoma’s business model hinges on people buying hostess gifts or house presents. Your gift should be wrapped. It should have a gift tag with your name. There will be a table laden with similar offerings. Your host will open these packages after the event. You will score points for not arriving empty-handed.

(Image: Adobe Stock)

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6. Greet your hosts upon arrival.
They might be the welcoming committee standing at the door. This is a brief conversation because there is likely a line of arriving guests. Thank your hosts for inviting you. Comment on their beautiful home.

(Image: Shutterstock)

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7. Do not stand or sit alone.
We all remember the expression “wallflower” from movies about high school dances set in the 1950’s. Mingle with the other guests. Part of the role of hosts is to spot the people who are loners and get them integrated into conversational groups. Do not be one of their “problem” guests.

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8. Float, don’t linger.
Ideally, you would like to meet most of the guests at the party. When we held Christmas parties BC (or Before COVID) we would average 30 or so guests. As the host, I would try to spend time with each person or couple. You want the other guests approach the host the next day and ask: “Who was that charming, well-dressed man (or woman)?” They proudly explain you are their financial advisor. They say good things about you.

(Image: Shutterstock)

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9. Do not talk about your relationship with your client.
You are bound by client confidentiality. Your client can introduce you as their advisor, but you cannot explain that is how you are connected to your host. People can be very touchy. It’s ideal if you have another connection, like serving in the same volunteer organization or having attended the same college. If all else fails, I mention something like “We met downtown.”

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10. Do not bring social conversations around to business.
If people ask, “What do you do?” you should answer. If they ask, “What do you think about the stock market?” share your opinion. Don’t be the guy who asks probing questions out of the clear blue sky like “How much money do you have in the market?” Stockbrokers have a stereotyped reputation. Do not reinforce it.

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11. Do not solicit them for your favorite charity.
I have been meaning to make up “No Solicitation Zone” signs with a red circle and diagonal line. Some people think the presence of another wealthy individual or business owner is an ideal opportunity to ask for a charitable donation for a different organization. It is bad behavior to pursue your own agenda while enjoying your host’s hospitality.

(Image: Adobe Stock)

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12. Do not eat or drink too much.
My wife remarks about the guest who stands by the smoked salmon platter and demolishes it. We have all seen the guest who drinks heavily and falls down. Knowing your limits shows good judgment. This will be noticed.

(Image: Adobe Stock)

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13. Say goodnight to your hosts before leaving.
Thank them for a wonderful party. Sometimes they will walk you to the parking area, but not if the party is going strong and they are needed inside. This is customary behavior.

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14. Send a thank you note immediately.
Some people call. Others send e-mails or texts. A handwritten thank you note makes a statement. It has permanence, meaning they might keep it around for a few days. Let them know you appreciate their hospitality.

(Image: Adobe Stock)

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