DON’T create a reason for people to talk about you (unless it’s with praise).
Remember being a teenager, having your friends over to your house, and then being completely ashamed of your parents? As James explains, sometimes the same thing can happen with family members at important company functions. His brother accompanied him to an office party, where one of the more prominent clients was accompanied by his 23-year-old daughter. After hitting the open bar a bit too hard, both James’ brother and the client’s daughter retired to her hotel room for the night. Days later, the client approached him about his brother’s behavior. “Judging from the look on his face it would have been suicide to deny it. My response was a polite ‘really.’ Let’s just say that he hasn’t been on good terms with the organization since.”

With all of the free food and drinks, you’re going to be tempted to indulge. But knocking back a few too many often means liquid confidence—not the best kind when you’re trying to impress. According to James, if you’ve had more than your share of drinks, “ensure that you go home before the toilet looks like a good place for a nap.” And if there are cameras around, steer clear! “You have to work with these people and photos tend to always come back and haunt you.”