Holiday Business Etiquette

With December comes no shortage of opportunities to network, celebrate with colleagues, and show your appreciation to clients with holiday cards and gifts. Yet with all of these festive occasions comes the potential for etiquette missteps.
Here are the six most talked about areas and some tips that will help you make a great impression this holiday season.
Have you ever thought about what is appropriate or asked yourself about…

Sending Cards: Is E-mail Acceptable?

It seems everyone in business is connected to their computers. So it would certainly be convenient — and affordable — to send electronic holiday cards to clients and colleagues. But is that acceptable?

“E-mail cards are being done a lot,” says Beverly Langford, author of “The Etiquette Edge: The Unspoken Rules for Business Success” and a principal of LMA Communication in Atlanta. “But there are people who would think that’s the easy way out, so it depends on your audience. I wouldn’t send e-cards to everybody. But something is better than nothing, and sooner is better than later.”

Others say it’s always better to do cards the old-fashioned way.  Most people (me included) love getting mail during the holidays!  It will make your message even more appreciated when someone takes the time to write a handwritten note.  It’s like gold and one of the best things you can do to let people know they are thought of in this hectic world. What a great way to stay in touch with people.  The holidays are a season where we can continue our marketing efforts in a sincere way with cards and gifts.

Gift-Giving Dilemmas: What to Buy?

Speaking of gifts….Shopping for your valued clients and most trusted colleagues can be tough. You know them on a professional level, but do you really know what they’d enjoy as a gift? Luckily, there are plenty of options that will please just about anyone.

Edible gifts are always a safe bet, food or wine — if the client drinks — make appropriate gifts during the holidays because there’s a lot of entertaining going on. But any thoughtful present will do.

When it comes to your manager, what gift is best? Peggy Post of the Emily Post Institute Inc. in Burlington, Vt., says it’s not necessary to give gifts to bosses, in general. “You don’t want to look like you’re currying favor,” she says. “But if you feel like you really want to do something, you can bake something or buy something very simple. Another way to handle it is to get several people to pitch in for something.”

If a colleague buys you a gift, but you didn’t buy him one, don’t fret. Just graciously thank him for it, Post says. It’s not necessary to reciprocate, but you may want to make a note to yourself to get something for that person next year.

Going to the Party: What to Wear, Bring?

So, you’ve received an invitation to a holiday party. Now comes the tough decision — what to wear. Don’t make assumptions, especially if you’ve never been to that party before. If the invitation doesn’t state the attire, call and ask. You don’t want to show up underdressed to a black-tie event. Likewise, “If it’s strictly a professional party, don’t go in sparkling like a Christmas tree,” says Post.

To arrive to a party at someone’s home in style, there’s one accessory you can’t forget: a gift for the host. Post recommends a small box of high-quality chocolates. “Or, you could bring something you’ve made, like muffins for the hostess’ breakfast the next morning, a decoration for the tree, or bulbs if they’re gardeners,” she says. “Just something simple to denote your gratefulness for the invitation.”

According to the experts, one thing to avoid bringing: cut flowers. The flowers may be pretty and smell great, but the host will have to abandon her guests in order to arrange the flowers into a vase. After the party, a thank you note to the host will be well appreciated.

Conversation Starters: What’s Off Limits?

Whether you are a seasoned conversationalists or someone who is still struggling with starting conversations, we all need to be aware of what’s off limits at holiday social gatherings.  At a work-related party, you should make an effort to veer away from “shop talk” and include spouses/significant others in the conversation. “Talk about non-controversial current events, holiday plans, or people’s families,” Post suggests. “Ask open-ended questions that let the other person talk.”

To be on the safe side, avoid talking about issues that may lead to heated debates or get too personal. If you plan to broach more touchy topics, such as politics or religion, “know who you’re talking to and whether they’ll enjoy a spirited conversation,” Post says. “You need to be careful not to get into an argument that leads to hurt feelings.”

Keep the conversation positive, away from grapevine gossip and never say anything negative about other colleagues in a public situation.

Too Many Places to Be: How to Decide?

As party invitations start rolling in, you realize just how popular you are! Unfortunately, the season is short and parties inevitably will conflict with one another. If invited to several occasions on the same day, what should you do? Remember…We do have choices!

1. Go to all three. People understand during the holidays that you’ll have many commitments. I’d much rather guests come by for 30 minutes and leave than say you can’t come because you’ve got to go to another party.
2. Post, on the other hand, says you may decline two of the invitations by simply saying, “Sorry, I can’t make it.” No explanation is necessary. What’s key, she says, is that if you say yes to one person, you honor that commitment even if a more desirable invitation arrives later.
3. “You could try to attend two of the parties,” Post adds,“But if the invitation is to a sit-down dinner, you need to sit and stay.”
   
   Regardless of whether you go or not, you absolutely must RSVP. If you’ve ever planned a party before, you know how frustrating it is to be in the dark about who is coming.

Stating the Obvious: Watch Your Liquid Intake

Among all holiday etiquette missteps, having too much alcohol to drink always tops the list, experts say. Your professional reputation and your friendships are at stake.

To avoid embarrassing situations, either don’t drink alcohol or limit your intake. The days of work parties where coworkers let down their hair and ended up wearing lampshades on their heads are out of style, the Emily Post Institute says.  I agree!

Enjoy this festive season!
Happy Holidays everyone!

MJ Paris

P.S. Do you know someone who needs "Positive Energy" in their workplace? Feel free to forward this issue to friends, family and colleagues!

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