HealthyLife Articles

Tag: networking

  • Smart Tips For Business Drinking

    Substance Use & Abuse

    Image of co-workers cheering with glasses of wine.

    Sloshing down three martinis at a business lunch went out with wide ties and bell-bottom pants. As one investment banker quipped, “No one’s going to trust you to handle their money, services, or products if you get smashed over lunch.”

    Keep in mind that business is business. Others’ impressions of you can make or break a deal-or a career. Alcohol is served at many business functions, yet more and more people are choosing not to drink.

    If you choose to drink, here’s what you can do to manage your alcohol intake and its effects.

    *  Don’t feel you have to “keep up” with associates who drink.

    *  Drinking isn’t the main purpose of the get-together. Keep your underlying mission in mind and stay clear headed.

    *  If you’re nervous about the meeting, it might be better to avoid alcohol altogether, since you may drink too fast or too much and end up fuzzier than usual because of your anxiety.

    If you attend a business dinner:

    *  Have only one pre-dinner drink, if any.

    *  If champagne is served, sip it very slowly.

    *  Drink water with the meal.

    *  Avoid finishing each drink.

    Page from A Year of Health Hints book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Work The Crowd

    WORK LIFE

    Image of business man smiling.

    Social gatherings, office parties, community events-they all give you an opportunity to enhance your professional image.

    But if you’re nervous about what to talk about in a crowd of strangers, Toastmasters International offers this advice to turn small talk into smart talk:

    *  Plan your topics. Think of 2 to 3 topics you can discuss with anyone.

    *  Keep it lighthearted. Avoid office gossip and controversial topics. Stay clear of topics related to sex, religion, and politics.

    *  Meet someone new. Take the first step to introduce yourself to the CEO. Or talk to someone new while waiting in the   food line.

    *  Spark a conversation. Ask open-ended questions about the person you’re getting to know.

    *  Listen attentively. Ask follow-up questions about the person or group you’re talking with. Listen more than you talk.

    *  Introduce others. Be sure to introduce a newcomer to those you’re talking with.

    *  Consider cultural differences. Take into account figures of speech, how you present humor, and personal space.

    *  Limit alcohol. Know your drink limit. If necessary, avoid alcohol altogether to keep your composure.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine