Throwing a Killer Corporate Party

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(Nik MacMillan, Unsplash)

24 August 2018. Throwing a party or event is a fantastic way to boost your business. You’ll meet new clients and suppliers, make new contacts and connections. You’ll get a chance to pitch your business and ideas, as well as getting to spend time speaking to and learning from others in your field. It can help you to get business, make important connections and learn more about your field.

But, only if you do it well. A bad event just leads to people sitting around bored, not speaking, not connecting. If you are remembered at all, it will be as someone who threw a terrible party. A good event gets you remembered and talked about outside the circle of people that you’ve invited. Here’s how to do it.

Choose your event carefully

Think about your business, your clients, your field and your company’s personality. Your event has to fit and has to appeal to those you invite. Not everyone wants a fancy sit down meal, but a huge, loud party might be equally inappropriate. You want people to be able to relax and enjoy themselves, without becoming unprofessional. But, you also want people to be able to talk to each other.

So, make sure there’s seating, the music isn’t too loud, that you are in an accessible location and that if there’s an activity, it’s appropriate for your guest list.

Location

The location is essential and primarily dictated by what you want to do. If you are planning a party, rental fabric structures can be ideal. Especially if you have access to a large open space.

If you want a sit-down meal, you might be tempted to feed your guests at home. But, remember this will add pressure. You’ll be in and out of the kitchen, and even if you hire caterers, there’s a lot to do. A restaurant or the dining hall of a hotel can be a better choice.

Menu

When it comes to food, try to be inoffensive and appeal to a large group. It can be tempting to show off and offer something unique. But, you’ll find some people won’t enjoy it. Instead, why not try a classic recipe with a twist? Or offer traditional food with more outlandish cocktails or desserts? Whatever you do, don’t forget a vegetarian or vegan option.

Guest list

Your guest list is essential. Who do you want there? This is your chance to branch out and make new connections, so don’t just invite current clients or people from the business world that you already know. Branch out. If there’s someone you admire and think that you could learn from, why not send them an invite? What have you got to lose? A great way to find potential new connections to invite is looking through the connects of your network on LinkedIn, or by asking people, you are inviting to bring someone along.

Introductions

At the start of your event, whatever it may be, introduce people. Take a little time to offer basic introductions. This breaks the ice and gets the conversation flowing while ensuring that you’re not the only person talking.

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