More and more often, I’m seeing networking events being held during Happy Hours. It makes sense. Technically, it’s still after work hours, but you can go straight after work and not have it run too late into your personal life. These relaxed settings can be the perfect way to meet new leads and potential new employers. Just remember, as with anything else involving alcohol, things have the ability to go horribly awry if you aren’t careful, so here are a couple dos and don’ts of a Networking Happy Hour.
Do
Pace yourself. Limit yourself to two drink maximum; one if you consider yourself a “lightweight.” You do not want to lose control of your faculties in a professional event. If you don’t want to drink, but feel uncomfortable without a glass in your hand, I recommend a Sprite with a lime wedge. It looks like an alcoholic drink, but you’ll know better.
Think of your reputation. These are people you would like to work with in the future. You want to seem fun and easy going, but you don’t want to come off as irresponsible. Again, this is when it’s important to remember to pace yourself.
Keep it professional. This is not a social hour with friends - you are doing this to make professional contacts, so try not to stray off course too much. Light conversations are fine, but always try and steer it back to work.
Don’t
Close down the bar. This is an amateur move that indicates inexperience in the professional world. Stay at the function for one or two hours maximum and then head home.
Treat a superior like a college buddy. As much as we hate to admit it, there is a corporate hierarchy and it exists even outside of the office. If you know that one of the professionals at the event is above your pay grade, treat them with the same respect you would treat them with in an office setting. You have plenty of drinking buddies, so a potential boss or client should not be one of them.
Flirt. Liquor can make even a dull networking event feel a little hedonistic as inhibitions are lowered a bit from the drinks, but this is not the appropriate event for you to put the moves on someone you find attractive. Check your libido at the door!
