According to a recent study, only 47% of Americans are excited to attend their company holiday party. Not good. You see, these festive shindigs and holiday celebrations are networking goldmines that can impact your career growth a lot more than you think.

If you want to build your net-worth, it is critical you grow your network and attending can be your perfect opportunity to do so.

Use these 7 simple tips to turn your company holiday party into a rewarding and profitable experience:

(1) Go. Don’t skip it.

Yes, I get it. You’ll rather snuggle up in your PJ’s and Netflix binge than attend the annual company soiree. But thinking this way will limit you and your career. Attending your holiday party is a great opportunity to interact with new and older colleagues in a way that differs from the office setting. It is also a great way to raise your visibility and initiate relationships with company leaders and senior executives who you might not normally talk to. Establishing these relationships can have a positive impact on your career and can yield great benefits later down the road.

(2) Plan and Prepare

Set yourself up for success by planning and preparing for the party. Be strategic, don’t just show up. I always suggest creating a list of people that you want to target. Quality over quantity always wins, so select wisely. Have something planned to say, but don’t over-engineer it. Go with the flow and don’t just blurt out what you know.

(3) Don’t show up late

Planning to make a showstopper entrance by arriving fashionably late? Don’t do it. Joining an ongoing conversation can actually be harder than you think. You don’t want to be that person barging in during the peak of the discussion asking someone to get you up to speed. It dampens the discussion and you become THAT annoying person.

(4) Focus on the person you are speaking with

The person you are speaking with does not need to know you are interested in speaking with others. Keep your strategy to yourself. Don’t let your eyes wander. Be present in the moment, remain engaged in the discussion and make the most of your time with them.

(5) Stick to your plan

If you plan to meet with 5 new people, make sure you do. Don’t stick with someone you already know all night. Consistently gauge the temperature of each conversation. If the conversation seems to be dying down, start planning your exit. Exit gracefully and not abruptly. Remember, you are there for a purpose and engaging in unnecessary conversations will not help you to achieve that purpose.

(6) Follow the Dress code

Know the dress code and show up accordingly. Keep in mind that this is a work event. It’s probably not the best time to launch that new mini skirt and crop top you brought during the black Friday sales. Be smart.

(7) Follow up

Make your attendance worthwhile by following up with those you met. Not only is that a wise thing to do, but also courteous. Send a thank you note requesting a follow up call or in person meeting over lunch or coffee.

Also, be patient. Don’t bombard the recipient with follow up emails. Give them time. If they don’t respond within the week, then follow up, politely.

To close: Attending your company holiday party can cause your net-worth to skyrocket in just a matter of hours! It’s all about the way you see it. Go out there and have some fun with it. Trust me, it’ll be worth it.

Good luck!

Peju Akintorin