Summertime, particularly, August, is well known for being an almost impossible time to do business. It’s also this time of year when companies, which have the budget, organise social events for corporate hospitality or to give hard-working employees a little break from the routine.
Whether it’s an organised company event or an impromptu sunny evening with colleagues, clients and associates outside a local pub, it is a great opportunity to make connections, build your network and relax. It’s an ideal time to mix and mingle, get to know more people, learn more about them, and, of course, tell them about what you’re doing and where you hope to be, both socially and in work.
In these challenging times not one can assume their job is safe and developing a network of contacts can mean the difference between a pay cheque and a dole cheque.
But summer events can also be a nightmare and end a promising career. Think Christmas party, but outside with sunshine. A few drinks, feeling nice and relaxed……this looks like a good time to tell your boss just exactly where they’re going wrong - sounds familiar? We’ve all seen “other people” trash their career at the Christmas party so just keep in mind that what you do today may not be so funny in the morning.
I know of one international company where it became the tradition at networking or team events for one unlucky person to be chosen to cut the CEO’s tie off during the event. Now this had gone on for so many years it had in fact become a good ice-breaker and the CEO also knew to wear an old tie, but get the day wrong and snip his favourite tie and it would be a very sad outcome.
Summer networking allows you to wear casual and relaxed clothing and present a different face to your colleagues – but that doesn’t mean you should be over-relaxed and casual in the way you present and talk about yourself.
Having a fun time is great but be aware that anything too daft that you might do will be remembered and could actually damage your brand, so be careful.
Summer invitations to BBQ’s and parties, just like Christmas parties, ought to have a ‘caution’ sign hung on them; don’t overdo the Sangria and plunge naked into your boss’s pool, it will always be remembered and the damage to you and your reputation could be significant. Having fun is one thing, being out of control is another.
If no invitations are forthcoming, how about organising your own party? Think of a list of people that would get on well and would be good to network together and organise it. A river trip, a day at the seaside, a picnic lunch in a park, all great ways of getting a group of people together, making your own memorable mark, and making the most of this quieter time.
