Oakridge Style: The Occasion Fall Edition

Comments 122 by Rebecca Bollwitt

This summer Oakridge Centre launched The Occasion, an online resource which is the good guest’s guide to attending any event in style. The fall edition of The Occasion was recently published featuring tips for attending business events.

fall-theoccasion

Tips for The Business Lunch include “The Invite”:

While lunch with a potential client or business partner is often more productive and informal than an office meeting, it’s important to be respectful of your lunch date’s time and position. A busy, high-powered exec may be less inclined to leave the office for lunch, but more than happy to meet for a quick coffee.

When it comes to Business Cards, “Be Selective”:

While you should make a point of handing out your business card to those who seem interested in your product or service, exchanging contact information with every person you meet, even at a networking conference, is not always necessary — or even advisable. Successful networking is about identifying quality leads and prospective clients and employers, meaning it’s better to exchange information with one or two significant new connections than to indiscriminately hand out your details to everyone who says hello.

And when Networking in general, “Be a good Conversationalist”:

Brush up on current events to avoid a lull in the conversation, and be sure that you don’t monopolize the discussion. When entering a group conversation, don’t simply interrupt. Rather, take a cue from the party, and excuse yourself if no one appears to invite you in. Similarly, if you’re part of a group conversation and you notice a new addition, make an effort to introduce yourself, and invite the person into the conversation by catching them up.

With everything from an Apple store to Banana Republic, DKNY, Coach, Lenscrafters and Stuart Weitzman, Oakridge Centre is your one-stop shop for also looking great and being prepared for those business meetings. To promote the fall edition of The Occasion, Oakridge has offered up a $100 gift card to a lucky Miss604 reader. Here’s how you can enter to win:

  • Leave a comment with a tip for productive business meetings and events (1 entry)
  • Like, comment, or share this post on Facebook (1 entry)
  • Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
RT to enter to win a $100 @OakridgeStyle gift card from @Miss604 #OakridgeStyle http://ow.ly/C7N69

I will draw one winner at random from all entries on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at 12:00pm. Follow Oakridge on Twitter and Facebook for more information. Oakridge is located on the south west corner of the intersection at Cambie Street and 41st Avenue, 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver or Richmond. Get there by car or via the Oakridge Canada Line stop.

Update The winner is Tamara!

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122 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

  1. DebraTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 2:00pm PDT

    To have a productive meeting, don’t allow anybody to have their cell phones with them!

  2. daniel johnstonTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 2:12pm PDT

    Always identify important topics to address before hand so you can keep discussions on track and moving forward.

  3. LindaTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 2:19pm PDT

    provide coffee and snacks!

  4. SabrinaTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 2:24pm PDT

    Be organized and prepare ahead of time all you want to say or show to the other people in the meeting.

  5. Janet KongTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 2:35pm PDT

    Make sure everything is set up before the meeting (the powerpoint presentation is working, copies of handouts printed, coffee is set up)

  6. bjhTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 2:46pm PDT

    Have an agenda and stick to it! 🙂

  7. DonnaTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 3:38pm PDT

    Be on time!

  8. LucTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 4:14pm PDT

    Have an agenda for the meeting and conclude with Action Items.

  9. janTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 4:15pm PDT

    Please start on time!

  10. meredithTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 4:28pm PDT

    Have a movement break at mid point so people don’t get restless towards the end!

  11. lorTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 6:08pm PDT

    Have an agenda, and stick to it.

  12. JenniferTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 6:57pm PDT

    Respecting everyone’s opinions and thoughts, start and end on time and send out the meeting minutes soon after the meeting!

  13. KimTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 7:39pm PDT

    Preperation, an action plan and lots of positive energy.

  14. TamaraTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 7:54pm PDT

    Send a message post – meeting. It’s a step that impresses and one that is lost now!

  15. SandraTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 8:02pm PDT

    Serve refreshments

  16. IainTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 8:20pm PDT

    Arrive early to get socializing out of the way — in order to help the meeting start on time.

  17. DarcyTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 8:37pm PDT

    An agenda is a must, and have all employees leave their cellphones!

  18. EmiliaTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 8:49pm PDT

    have healthy snacks

  19. Dayna WilsonTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 9:14pm PDT

    Have an organized agenda with talking poitns.

  20. Siobhan S.Tuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 9:34pm PDT

    For productive business meetings and events, ensure that you have allowed enough time before the meeting for setting up and then for cleaning up afterwards.

  21. JeffTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 9:38pm PDT

    Stand up meetings…much quicker!

  22. HarjitTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 10:22pm PDT

    Start and finish on time, have a schedule of planned topics, allow enough time for questions/inquiries and chocolate snacks are always a bonus! Thanks for the chance to win, twitter fan@plumerea

  23. GraceTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 11:07pm PDT

    Put your phones away during meetings! Common courtesy—and you get more done.

  24. TracyTuesday, September 30th, 2014 — 11:53pm PDT

    At the end of the meeting, review action items and assign due dates!

  25. jennyWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 6:06am PDT

    Set agenda ahead of meeting and stick to it

  26. StotesWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 6:26am PDT

    Set an agenda and collect cell phones before it begins!

  27. diane welburnWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 7:17am PDT

    set agenda ahead of time and stick to it

  28. ShirleyWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 8:29am PDT

    Keep to the agenda.

  29. MagWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 8:34am PDT

    Keep it short and sweet

  30. StephWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 8:52am PDT

    Print out agendas and an outline of projects that everyone is working on and make sure each person has a copy so they’re not lost! Prep materials beforehand and bring it all into the meeting with you so you don’t have to scramble to find things

  31. Debbie HWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 9:41am PDT

    keep to your timeline and prepare well

  32. PhoenixWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 9:49am PDT

    Leave the smart phone at your desk to minimize distractions

  33. ChristinaWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 9:51am PDT

    Put your phone AWAY! Only retrieve it if adding a contact for networking!

  34. jeanieWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 10:46am PDT

    a smile and a handshake can go a long way =)

  35. janeWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 11:18am PDT

    set due dates, compare accomplishments with targets.

  36. GregWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 11:22am PDT

    Have an agenda, always.

  37. MargueriteWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 11:42am PDT

    Tactfully keep discussion on topic.

  38. lindawwwwWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 11:55am PDT

    Be respectful. Don’t interrupt or talk over anyone else.

  39. ShawnWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 12:44pm PDT

    Always be prepared with a focus for the meeting.

  40. JackieWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 1:04pm PDT

    coffee talks can be as productive as full on lunches!

  41. Ariel CWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 1:14pm PDT

    put your phone away so you’re not distracted!

  42. mike kWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 1:46pm PDT

    always review the organization’s calendar, reserve the meeting room and assign a meeting facilitator to be in charge of the agenda

  43. RileyWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 2:39pm PDT

    Make an agenda beforehand.

  44. RyanWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 3:01pm PDT

    this would be perfect for my gf!

  45. WallyWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 3:07pm PDT

    Disallow cell phones.

  46. magicguyWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 4:50pm PDT

    keep agenda for meetings

  47. KateWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 6:14pm PDT

    Create a health break in the middle for people to chit chat, catch up with email, grab a coffee, stretch

  48. DilaraWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 6:18pm PDT

    Distribute an agenda prior to the meeting and start off with meeting objectives to make sure everyone is on the same page.

  49. shelaineWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 7:37pm PDT

    Stay on the agenda! So important!!!

  50. Dennis L.Wednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 8:10pm PDT

    Do your research before the meeting and let that guide your questions.

  51. Sunshine GWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 8:35pm PDT

    Avoid tangents at all costs!

  52. SundeepWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 9:45pm PDT

    Do your research beforehand!

  53. KawaiWednesday, October 1st, 2014 — 10:56pm PDT

    Make a list of things you want to cover and dont’ stray from those points.

  54. DarcyThursday, October 2nd, 2014 — 8:49am PDT

    Cell phones off

  55. LoriThursday, October 2nd, 2014 — 8:54am PDT

    Be on time and be prepared

  56. RoThursday, October 2nd, 2014 — 10:20am PDT

    Distribute an agenda to all attendees well before the meeting begins!

  57. Mary WThursday, October 2nd, 2014 — 2:04pm PDT

    don’t be late

  58. NatThursday, October 2nd, 2014 — 2:33pm PDT

    no table – stand up ! healthy too !

  59. CindyThursday, October 2nd, 2014 — 3:43pm PDT

    Stay on topic and on time!

  60. NatashaThursday, October 2nd, 2014 — 3:54pm PDT

    Have an agenda and stick to it, but allow for flexibility if necessary.

  61. TiffanyThursday, October 2nd, 2014 — 6:40pm PDT

    Always have an agenda.

  62. TinThursday, October 2nd, 2014 — 7:31pm PDT

    Keep meeting on topic and try to stay away from diverging off onto something else

  63. Teresa KThursday, October 2nd, 2014 — 7:56pm PDT

    Have an agenda.

  64. VictoriaThursday, October 2nd, 2014 — 8:51pm PDT

    Have a meeting chair and a detailed agenda with a set time allocated to each topic.

  65. JessicaThursday, October 2nd, 2014 — 8:59pm PDT

    No cellphones and make sure minutes of the meeting are jotted down for accountability.

  66. NicoleThursday, October 2nd, 2014 — 9:30pm PDT

    Networking is key – be open to talking to anyone and everyone.

  67. KevinThursday, October 2nd, 2014 — 10:50pm PDT

    Make sure you network as much as you can.

  68. MayaThursday, October 2nd, 2014 — 11:44pm PDT

    Seek to understand first and then to be understood!

  69. IshaFriday, October 3rd, 2014 — 1:20am PDT

    Give people a chance to review the agenda in advance

  70. mike gismondiFriday, October 3rd, 2014 — 5:56am PDT

    always make an agenda

  71. angela griffinFriday, October 3rd, 2014 — 5:57am PDT

    circulate documents beforehand for people to review

  72. c WilsonFriday, October 3rd, 2014 — 7:03am PDT

    Bring goodies and coffee

  73. JenniferFriday, October 3rd, 2014 — 10:02am PDT

    Have people put their phones on silent.

  74. BrittinFriday, October 3rd, 2014 — 10:18am PDT

    Preparation is key!

  75. CaresseFriday, October 3rd, 2014 — 10:21am PDT

    Make an agenda and stick to it.

  76. TracyFriday, October 3rd, 2014 — 1:03pm PDT

    Send everyone an agenda outline before the meeting

  77. JillFriday, October 3rd, 2014 — 6:47pm PDT

    Dress for success…. Look good-feel good-do goo

  78. JillFriday, October 3rd, 2014 — 6:48pm PDT

    Dress for success…. Look good-feel good-do good

  79. KahhleeFriday, October 3rd, 2014 — 7:02pm PDT

    Prepare an agenda and send everyone a copy before the meeting. Get every involved during the meeting by going around in circles to contribute ideas and suggestions.

  80. AnneFriday, October 3rd, 2014 — 7:58pm PDT

    If discussion takes a direction that does not meet the need of the topic, take it up AFTER the meeting. Don’t take up everyone’s time, if it involves only a few people.

  81. KamFriday, October 3rd, 2014 — 8:40pm PDT

    Have a plan ready for the meeting beforehand and ensure you are ready!

  82. AJYLFriday, October 3rd, 2014 — 11:51pm PDT

    Be punctual and organized

  83. JennySaturday, October 4th, 2014 — 12:15am PDT

    Always have an agenda, and do research on the topic of discussion before hand.

  84. NatalienSaturday, October 4th, 2014 — 10:36am PDT

    Always stick to the agenda, email it put beforehand for any additions, if you can’t agree, table until next meeting.

  85. DenBSaturday, October 4th, 2014 — 12:26pm PDT

    Be on time to meetings and finish on schedule.

  86. MaureenSaturday, October 4th, 2014 — 1:41pm PDT

    Have a clear agenda (information items already typed out so members can read/refer to on their own time, so they don’t need every detail repeated to them in length) and stay on those topics!

  87. HelenSaturday, October 4th, 2014 — 1:44pm PDT

    Have stand up meetings. They will be quicker!

  88. RubySaturday, October 4th, 2014 — 4:43pm PDT

    Be on time

  89. AlexSaturday, October 4th, 2014 — 10:34pm PDT

    Have an agenda.

  90. JenniferSunday, October 5th, 2014 — 11:12am PDT

    Have an agenda and stick to it.

  91. Tina L.Sunday, October 5th, 2014 — 3:01pm PDT

    Have an agenda and come prepare

  92. AngelaSunday, October 5th, 2014 — 8:47pm PDT

    Make sure to ask lots of questions about them! Everyone likes to talk about themselves!

    This would be amazing to win! :O:O

  93. CeciliaSunday, October 5th, 2014 — 9:07pm PDT

    Being organized and prepared for the meeting.

  94. DonaldSunday, October 5th, 2014 — 9:11pm PDT

    Have an agenda and stick to it.

  95. CliffMonday, October 6th, 2014 — 10:06am PDT

    Don’t let the meeting drift off topic

  96. BrendaMonday, October 6th, 2014 — 10:07am PDT

    Don’t be late

  97. Chris O.Monday, October 6th, 2014 — 10:49am PDT

    Thanks for letting us know about Oakridge Centre’s ‘The Occasion’!

    My tip for business meetings is to set a consistent time for them. Since the times don’t change, it helps the team plan activities before & after meetings, eliminating downtime.

  98. DebMonday, October 6th, 2014 — 1:55pm PDT

    Know when your audience needs a break, and serve refreshments including fruit and healthier stuff than sugary donuts. The sugar crash will make people groggy.

  99. LindaMonday, October 6th, 2014 — 2:53pm PDT

    Have an agenda and stick to it.

  100. KathleenMonday, October 6th, 2014 — 5:08pm PDT

    serve coffee!

  101. AndrewMonday, October 6th, 2014 — 7:21pm PDT

    Audio record the meeting.

  102. Sherry FMonday, October 6th, 2014 — 7:38pm PDT

    set an agenda, start on time & stick to business

  103. AnikaMonday, October 6th, 2014 — 7:59pm PDT

    Listen more than you talk. Be respectful to the opinions that are expressed, even though they may be completely opposite to yours. Do not dismiss people if they don’t agree with you. You may learn something valuable. When and if someone is rude to you or interrupts you, disagree in a firm, but always polite manner.

  104. ElaanMonday, October 6th, 2014 — 8:28pm PDT

    If it’s a long meeting, change up the format – possibly include moving around, break time, and/or discussion in small groups.

  105. LindsayTuesday, October 7th, 2014 — 9:51am PDT

    Ensuring availability 🙂 the more people the better!

  106. JustineTuesday, October 7th, 2014 — 7:02pm PDT

    Listen to opposing opinions and discuss them with respect, even if you disagree with them.

  107. DariahTuesday, October 7th, 2014 — 7:57pm PDT

    Start and end the meeting on time. It shows respect for the meeting requester(s) as well as the meeting attendee(s).

  108. addieTuesday, October 7th, 2014 — 8:53pm PDT

    Have organized points but allow for natural contributions to the meeting and discussion

  109. leanneTuesday, October 7th, 2014 — 9:23pm PDT

    Have a agenda and allow for questions.

  110. leanneTuesday, October 7th, 2014 — 9:23pm PDT

    https://twitter.com/leanne_mac/status/519704682969587713

  111. AvisTuesday, October 7th, 2014 — 11:13pm PDT

    Be sure to only invite those required and keep to the agenda.

  112. DeeWednesday, October 8th, 2014 — 12:51am PDT

    Pay complete attention to the conversation. Don’t think that people are unaware of you checking your phone.

  113. Jenn SWednesday, October 8th, 2014 — 2:48am PDT

    Send out an agenda prior to the meeting outlining the important issues that will be discussed first

  114. Lisa MartinWednesday, October 8th, 2014 — 9:10am PDT

    strong coffee

  115. BonWednesday, October 8th, 2014 — 9:20am PDT

    Follow agenda that was set to guide meeting

  116. AlexWednesday, October 8th, 2014 — 10:44am PDT

    Stick to the topics and don’t waste time with ice breaker type activities

  117. valerieWednesday, October 8th, 2014 — 1:08pm PDT

    Tip for productive meetings: COME PREPARED!!

  118. Sarah MWednesday, October 8th, 2014 — 1:22pm PDT

    Set up all electronics necessary for the presentation beforehand, so it’ll be hassle free when it’s time to start!

  119. Lucie BWednesday, October 8th, 2014 — 8:52pm PDT

    Try to remember, and use, everybody’s names.

  120. alexWednesday, October 8th, 2014 — 9:52pm PDT

    know your taking points before the meeting.

  121. LoriWednesday, October 8th, 2014 — 11:09pm PDT

    Be prepared to actively contribute, not just a passive listener

  122. Tanya HSaturday, October 11th, 2014 — 11:28pm PDT

    Take minutes and bring a pen!

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