You're well into the festive season. but does it seem like the party atmosphere has not yet hit? After Part 1 of this three part series, we're moving onto a few social tips for Christmas and the New Year Celebrations. Reputations can be made or mangled in this celebratory time. WIth an array of regular business-related events plus Christmas parties, festive 'mixers' and social gatherings, your good name is on the line. Coming up are my Eight Top Tips to help you use the social side of business to enhance the business side of your reputation, including how to socialise, how to be seen with the right people and what not to do when you're networking!

Christmas is a great time of year to network. Christmas parties arranged by the office or attending other peoples functions can be an opportunity to unwind and enjoy yourself - have fun with colleagues and enjoy their company, and also to meet new prospects - in a relaxed and jovial environment. And it is possible to do this without making a total fool of yourself (or telling off the boss!).

1. Dig the Dress Code. Find out the dress code for the event well in advance. For ladies, it's best to find out what your colleagues are wearing, and the earlier you find out, the easier the task of dressing up is. If you networking at a party and have invited your partner, make sure they understand the style and type of the venue so they can dress accordingly. That said, have you ever heard the adage about how you should dress not like other people at your own level but like those at the level you aspire to? The more confident you are about the way you look, the more confident you will feel to network at a higher level.
2. Stay Sober-ish! Obvious, this. Stay on the right side of the line. And if you are having a drink, book a cab!
3. Stay Commercial. Just because it's Christmas doesn't mean you take a break from prospecting. You may have spent almost 50 weeks talking about work, perhaps even discussing it at home, but if you want to look forward to the New Year - the best way to do it is to know you have some warm leads and plenty to keep you busy during the dreaded month of January.
4. Good Manners = Good Business. Good manners cost nothing, so little stuff like complimenting people, remembering names (and partners and children!), making good small talk and not gossipping can make you  memorable in a good way that means you leave them with more than a business card.
5. Be Unfashionable. Whilst it may be fashionable to turn up late to a party, don't make the mistake of thinking this will work when trying to network. Many business people will rush straight to an event from the office without going home first, so the chances are by 7 or 8pm they'll be ready to leave. You might miss them. Make sure you get to the event on time!
6. Work the Room. If the event you attend is a sit-down affair, make sure that you get up  between courses and move about! It's virtually impossible to network when you are sat around a table.
7. Rekindle Old Flames. Networking at Christmas you often see contacts you haven't seen in a while. There are so many events and parties to attend! Hook up with contacts you've worked with in the past and try to get some repeat business.
8. Offer Help and Advice. They say it's better to give than to receive, and what better time to give than at Christmas? Go into the event looking for what you can give to others rather than what you can get out of it for yourself. You will be amazed at how people will react to you if you show a genuine interest in them and their business instead of what you can get from them. You will leave a lasting mark on them which will undoubtedly lead them back to you in the future.

Now go forth and enjoy the Christmas festivities! In a few days you'll get the final instalment of this series, including five great reasons why you should be out there networking in these tough times instead of holing up in your office watching the world go by! And look out for your special December offer to stock up on some Christmas gifts for yourself, your partners, colleagues, boss or team!