elevates them to a shared state of higher cosciousness with other heavy
hitters at the bash.
Their knowledge also makes them valuable agents for the party giver. A
savvy politician introduces the job-seeking daugter to some executives at
the party or tells the most alluring women at the bash what a great guy
birthday boy is. When chatting with reporters, he talks up the hosts business
that needs good PR. When people support the real why of the party, they
become popular and sought-after guests for future events.
Where Is the Collective Mind?
Often people from one profession or one interest group will coprise
most of the guest list. A politician never accepts any invittion without
asking herself, What kind of people will be at this party, and what will they
be thinking about? Perhaps there will be a drove of doctors. So she clicks
on the latest medical headlines and rehearses a little doc-talk. If the guests
are a nest of new-age voters, the politician gets up to speed on telepathic
healing, Tantric toning, and trance dancing. Politicians cant afford to not be
in the know.
How Am I Going to Follow Up on the Party?
Now, the big finale. I call it Contact Cement. Its cementing the contacts
the politician has made. After meeting a good contact and exchanging
cards, practically everyone says, Its been great talking to you. Well stay in
touch.
This good intention seldom happens without herculean effort.
Politicians, however, make a science out of keeping up the cotact. After the
party, they sit at their desks and, like a game of soltaire, lay out the business
cards of the people theyve met. Using
How to Work a Party Like a Politician Works a Room 269
The Business Card Dossier technique described later in this setion, they
decide how, when, and if to deal with each. Does this person require a
phone call? Should that one receive a handwriten note? Shall I E-mail or
call the other one?
Use the Six-Point Party Checklistthe Who? When? Why? Where?
What? and How? of a partyas your general game plan. Now lets get down
to specifics.
How to Avoid the Most Common Party Blooper
The average party goer, lets say Charlie, arrives at the bash. He makes a
beeline for the refreshment table for munchies and a beerage. He then finds
ooja
(Ooja)
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