Written by Natacha Degazon, Guest Writer
What if your company’s holiday part wasn’t just another awkward social gathering but a secret doorway to career-changing connections?
For most people, the company holiday party is an obligation or a chance to let loose: free food, small talk, and the occasional awkward interaction with a manager. It can stir up a mix of emotions, from excitement at the chance to chat with colleagues to anxiety about avoiding embarrassment while navigating social dynamics. For the career-savvy professional, it should be something much more valuable.
This is your chance to stand out, get noticed, and build relationships with key decision-makers. It’s a rare opportunity to connect with colleagues, executives, and power players who could influence your future promotions or job prospects. However, most people miss the mark by clinging to familiar faces, scrolling on their phones, or hovering near the food table.
This playbook changes everything. It’s your step-by-step guide to transforming your approach to holiday parties, offering practical strategies on how to stand out, make powerful connections, and leave a lasting impression. By the end, you’ll know how to make the perfect entrance, own every conversation, and leave with career-boosting connections.
If you’re ready to stand out, get noticed, and create new opportunities, let’s get started.
1. Shift from “invisible” to “unforgettable”
Blending in is easy. Standing out? That takes strategy. So many people treat the holiday party like a simple event, keeping to themselves or socializing only with their closest work friends. If you want to be seen as a leader or key player, you need to make yourself visible. Visibility is more than being seen in the room; it is about being remembered. To do that, you have to own every interaction with purpose and intention.
The first step is to shift your mindset. Instead of thinking of this as "just another party," think of it as a once-a-year stage to showcase your confidence, build influence, and leave a lasting impression.
Set clear goals before you arrive. Do you want to connect with a potential mentor? Position yourself as a thought leader for an upcoming role? For instance, you might aim to introduce yourself to at least three senior leaders or have a casual yet meaningful conversation with someone from a different department. Setting specific, actionable goals like these can keep you focused and intentional throughout the event. Write down two or three specific objectives and tailor your actions accordingly.
Every handshake, every introduction, and every conversation is a chance to create awareness around you. If you act like you belong in every room, people will start to see you as someone who belongs at the top.
2. Master the power of a standout look
Before you even say a word, you have already made an impression, thanks to your appearance. Your style tells people how you see yourself. Do you look like someone ready to lead, or do you fade into the background? The famous saying, "Don’t judge a book by its cover," may be wise, but in this context, appearance matters.
Regardless of whether you like being flashy or not, your aim should be to command attention with clean, sharp, and intentional choices. Wear something that makes you feel powerful. Focus on the big picture while paying attention to details: jewel tones, sleek silhouettes, and polished accessories send a message of boldness and authority. Polished shoes, clean nails, and a well-groomed appearance show that you care about precision.
When senior leaders look at you, they will see someone who takes pride in every aspect of their presentation, and that matters in the professional world. Most importantly, do not sacrifice comfort. If you are constantly tugging at your jacket or adjusting your dress, you will not be fully present. Wear something that fits well and allows you to move freely. Confidence radiates from the inside out, and it starts with feeling good in your own skin.
3. Ditch the small talk
Small talk is a dead end. If you want to be remembered, you have to go beyond "How’s it going?" and "What do you do?" The most memorable conversations spark reflection, curiosity, and authentic connection. To achieve this, you need to ask questions that make people think—and make them think about you once the conversation is over.
Instead of relying on overused questions, prepare a set of "magnetic questions" in advance. Try: "What’s been the most rewarding project you’ve worked on this year?" or "What’s something you’re looking forward to next year?" These questions shift the focus from surface-level small talk to deeper, more memorable topics.
When people ask about your role, don’t give a one-word answer. Use the "X-Y-Z" method: "I help [X] people achieve [Y] through [Z]." For example, you might say, "I help early-career professionals (X) gain leadership skills (Y) through personalized coaching and workshops (Z)." This approach makes your work sound dynamic and purposeful.
Finally, know how to gracefully exit conversations. Use the classic line, "I’ve loved chatting with you. I want to make sure I connect with a few more people tonight. Let’s stay in touch!" It leaves people feeling valued while signaling that you’re a person on a mission who likes to engage with their environment.
4. Connect with power players (even if you’re nervous)
Most people avoid senior executives at company events. They’re afraid of "bothering" them or saying the wrong thing. Here’s the secret: executives appreciate bold, confident people. If you want to stand out, you have to go beyond your comfort zone and connect with power players.
Start by timing it right. Executives often arrive early and leave early. Prepare a specific compliment in advance to break the ice. Something like, "I was really impressed by your approach to [X project]. What inspired that strategy?" This shows you’ve done your homework and opens the door to a genuine conversation.
Approach them at the beginning of the night while the energy is fresh. This approach is powerful because it’s thoughtful and gives the executive a chance to share their perspective. Avoid generic compliments like "Great job this year!" Instead, reference something specific they did or said, which shows that you’ve been paying attention.
5. Avoid these 5 career-damaging moves
When it comes to office parties, the line between "legendary" and "liability" is thin. One bad move can erase months of hard work. Keep your etiquette in check and avoid these career-killing mistakes:
Over-drinking: Limit yourself to one or two drinks. Excessive drinking can impair your judgment, leading to unprofessional behavior that could tarnish your reputation. Maintaining control ensures you stay sharp and fully present, which are key traits that leave a lasting, positive impression on colleagues and leadership. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, and nothing good comes from "that one extra drink."
Phone fixation: Scrolling through your phone makes you look disengaged and disinterested. Be present.
Ignoring power players: Senior leaders are watching. Take the opportunity to connect with them.
Gossiping: What you say at a party can circulate around the office. Stay positive.
Skipping the event: If you’re not there, you miss a golden opportunity. It’s that simple.
6. Work magnetic body language
Your body language speaks louder than any word that comes out of your mouth. Start with the entrance effect. Walk in with confidence and direction. Make eye contact and smile. People notice whoever enters.
Don’t fidget or shrink into the corner. Take up space like someone who deserves to be seen.
Also, consider mirroring the body language of the person you’re speaking with to build rapport and make conversations feel more natural. Additionally, maintain an open posture by avoiding crossing your arms, and use purposeful hand gestures to emphasize key points. These subtle shifts significantly enhance your presence in the room. It’s the top message people receive about your confidence, energy, and intentions. Mastering this allows you to project power without uttering a single word.
7. Bounce back from awkward moments like a pro
Awkward moments are inevitable. What matters is how you recover.
If you accidentally call someone by the wrong name, acknowledge it with humor and grace, saying, “Oops, I’m so sorry. I’m juggling so many names tonight! Let me try that again.” This simple acknowledgment humanizes you and keeps the tone light.
If you trip while walking, smile, laugh it off, and say something like, “Well, that’s one way to make an entrance!” Recovery isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing resilience and confidence in the moment.
If you say something wrong, use this magic phrase: "That didn’t come out right. What I meant to say was..." This allows you to correct yourself without losing credibility.
8. Leave with impact: Own your exit
Thank the key people who made the event happen. Smile, express gratitude, and tell them that it was great chatting with them. By ending on a high note, you’ll leave a lasting impression.
Follow up with precision after the event. Send a LinkedIn connection request with a personalized message. Here’s a simple template you can use:
"Hi [Name], it was a pleasure connecting with you at [Event Name]. I enjoyed our discussion about [X topic] and would love to stay connected. Looking forward to keeping in touch!"
This holiday season, make the most of the opportunity in front of you. Be bold. Be memorable. Be strategic. This is your season to shine.
If you’re ready to take your networking skills to the next level or need guidance to stand out at professional events, let’s connect! Subscribe to my newsletter or reach out to me here to explore how I can help you achieve your career goals.
Natacha Degazon, Guest Writer
Natacha Degazon is a Networking Mentor based in Montreal. Author of The LadyBoss Playbook, she hosts on The Woman Up Podcast, where she interviews international leaders in various fields backing her mission to empower women around the globe to embrace their audacity. Natacha is also the founder of the LadyBoss Academy & Network, a platform and community helping women team leads transform into confident, influential, and recognized Networking Powerhouses. These platforms not only inspire but also equip team leaders with essential tools and networks to elevate their careers, fostering a community of audacious ladies who are ready to step into their power and redefine their personal and professional landscapes.
