I’ve long regarded December as one of the most magical of months. It’s a mere 31 days filled with opportunities for employees to gather and celebrate the year’s achievements. It’s the perfect month to reach out to clients and to thank them for their business. Finally, it ‘s a reflective month, a great time to pause, reflect, and plan for the New Year.

 

Use the tips that follow to help make the most of these last few weeks of 2009.

 

If your organization has issued invitations to the annual office holiday party, RSVP immediately and plan to attend. These are wonderful opportunities to connect with fellow employees. Then, to make the most of this event, keep the following in mind:

 

An office party is a business event. Despite the fact that the word “party” is often used, don’t forget, your holiday office party remains a business event. As you meet and greet colleagues and other office workers, plan to act in a business-like manner.

 

Choose office-appropriate attire. Because this is a business event, wear standard business attire to the office party. Unless an invitation states otherwise, skip formal dress.

 

Network. Use the holiday party as a means to meet people in other practice areas and departments. If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet your organization’s management and leaders, use this event to introduce yourself.

 

Make small talk. Even though a holiday party is a business event, conversations need not be limited to work issues. View the event as an opportunity to connect on a more personal (but please, not too personal) level. If business issues do arise, speak in a positive and upbeat manner.

 

Eat & Drinking. Because of the expense associated with sit-down meals, this year’s office parties will likely involve stand-up receptions. If your organization has scheduled the reception, grab either a beverage or a small plate of food. Avoid placing yourself in the position in which both of your hands are occupied. With regards to that beverage, watch your alcohol intake. Nearly every organization I know has a story about someone, who drank too much at the office holiday party, and thereby permanently marred his or her reputation.

 

 

 

Client guests at office holiday events. If clients have been invited to your office’s holiday event, take it upon yourself to act as the client’s personal host or hostess. Upon their arrival, greet the client and introduce them to other guests. Feel free to offer them food and beverage. Before the client leaves, extend a special thank you for their attendance.

 

Holiday cards. If your organization provides holiday cards, use these as a memorable way for you to reach out to clients in a personal way. Hand-write a personal note on each card, even one as simple as, "Wishing you a happy holiday season." Then, don’t forget to hand-write your signature.

 

 

The end of one year presents the perfect opportunity to reflect on the previous 12 months and plan for the next. I’m a big advocate for finding some quiet time in December to set goals for the upcoming year. To transform your hopes and dreams into realities, consider these effective goal-setting techniques.

 

Get specific. Decide what you want to accomplish and why. Create detailed action plans for each goal, specifying how you intend to accomplish the goal.

 

Commit. Create a permanent record for each goal by writing it down. In our increasingly fast-paced world, what is not recorded will be forgotten. Post your list of goals in a place where you will frequently see it.

 

Involve others. Frequently we need the knowledge and support of others to accomplish a goal. Reach out to those whom you respect and seek their advice and assistance.

 

Act. My grandmother often said, “Nothing is ever accomplished but what is dreamed about first.” Dream, and dream big.  Achievement, however, requires action. No goal is ever achieved without work.

A personal goal is a commitment that you make to yourself. Make sure that you keep your commitments. In 2010, eliminate all the wiggle room, and forget the excuses. Set specific goals and get to work on achieving them. 

  

 

Wishing each and every one of you the happiest of holidays!

 

Mary