Socializing with co-workers is a great way to connect on a personal level and develop working relationships. However, it’s important to stay professional at happy hour events to avoid embarrassing yourself and becoming the subject of gossip at work. The business networking professionals at the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, located in Florissant, MO, discuss some do’s and don’ts that you should know about business happy hour.

Do:

Keep it casual.

Though business may come up in conversation, don’t feel like you need to force it. Part of business networking is creating a relationship, which may not be based on work. Try to leave work in the office and keep the conversation light and entertaining. Instead, ask your co-workers about their favorite TV shows and movies.

Be inclusive.

Show that you’re a team player by mingling with many co-workers during happy hour. Reach out and speak to someone new; you may make a lifelong friend or an indispensable connection. Being inclusive outside of the office also helps you develop good working relationships with everyone on your team.

Don’t:

Drink too much.

While you may want to loosen up with a glass of wine or two at the beginning of the evening, don’t drink more than you can handle gracefully. With more alcohol in your system, you increase your chances of saying or doing something you may regret later. Have a glass of water or a non-alcoholic cocktail between each drink to maintain sharpness.

Gossip about your co-workers.

While it may be tempting to talk about co-workers while you’re out of the office, avoid gossiping about them. Anything you say about other employees could get back to them and create a bad working relationship. Excessive gossiping could also damage your reputation at work and within the industry.

The business networking team at Greater North County Chamber of Commerce provides networking opportunities for local professionals, helping them work together effectively outside of the office. Give them a call at (314) 831-3500 to speak to a business networking professional. You can also visit them online to learn more about their small business services.