Quick Tips on Food and Drink at Your Next Networking Event

1) Eat before you come! - Early eating ensures you are not ravenous and will not spend your time in the buffet line. Plus the food is never that good anyway! 2) If you must eat, keep it simple and clean! - This means do not pick up the chicken wings that will dirty your hands or the greasy items that will smear your lipstick. If you have a plate, do not pile it up in a mountain. If the event has passed appetizers, take only ONE piece with a napkin. It's not a contest to see how many mini quiches you can stick in your mouth. 3) Know your limit! - I usually say drink no more than 2 alcoholic beverages at networking events, better yet stick to club soda. This ensures you will be on your best behavior. 4) Hold plate and glass in left hand! - This ensures your right hand is always ready to extend and shake the hand of the new people you will meet at the event. If you have a plate and a glass, I suggest leaving room on the plate so you can rest your glass on it and put food around it.