what is the best question to ask a chairman/ceo of a fortune 50 company in a cocktail party setting?

Question

I am meeting the chairman/ceo for the first time at a holiday party; I have a great relationship with his company....what do i say to him? do I keep it simple; do i talk business; do I completment his leadership skills; do I ask him whatt book he is reading; do i talk shop....what do i say?

Answer 1

You simply talk about what is going on. Never talk to a chairman or ceo about work at any party or social function. This will make you look very tacky. Never compliment anyone on their leadership skills. People in their positions will look at that as brown nosing. Never kiss butt to anyone in those postitions. I work for a corporation and the president of the company loves to joke around. He would rather talk about anything besides work when he is away from the job. Keep this in mind and don't be all over him. Just relax and be yourself. Thank you.

Answer 2

Introduce yourself to him and what position you work in/how you are connected to the company. Be real don't talk about business unless he brings it up.

Have you researched on what his hobbies and interests are? If for example you know that he is a regular at the country club and likes golfing or hunting, then talk about something related to that to get his interest. But of course make sure that you know what your talking about otherwise he will think you are a pretentious idiot!

Politics is always an interesting topic. If he is a conservative then talk about what a shame it is that the house and senate has shifted. And if he is a liberal democrat then talk about their recent victories at the polls. But if you are scared to approach this topic as he is a middle of the road fellow, then talk about family life. This is always amusing for others to share their family stories. For example talk about how difficult it is to find a toy store that isn't sold out of your son/daughters favorite toy that they want for Christmas. But don't make any cracks about annoying family members or anything that could possibly incriminate you.

Just be yourself but try to be as down to earth as possible. Give a firm handshake, make good eye contact while talking. Wear something attractive that matches the color of your eyes or that looks seasonally appropriate, appealing, and neat. (Also if you are a female then avoid showing cleavage and if you are a man make sure to be clean shaven.) If you are graying use a color wash in of your shade to make you look younger. Don't wear too much fragrance or cosmetics.

You will do fine. Think of it as an interview minus the business talk and don't be let down if things don't go as you wished they had. Think instead that there is always next year or the upcoming company picnic. Good luck.

Answer 3

Introduce yourself and tell him what you do for the firm - he should already know. Then follow his lead. If he clams up - don't talk shop. Try to get him to talk about himself. Men love that. Especially powerful men. Ask him what he likes to do in his, what must be very limited, spare time. Does he have any kids, grandchildren, where'd he go to school - does he have any hobbies? Try to find out the answers to these questions before the party, i.e. if he had a child who committed suicide - not a great subject to start off with. :) If you know he loves sailing - ask about his boat - and read up on sailing before the party. DON'T have alcohol on your breath before you talk to him. Stick to vodka if you have to have a drink. Try to let him do the talking - but know as much about him personally as you can beforehand. How many wives has he had? Say something like "she's stunning" not "what a babe!" Dress well - BUY a decent tux and have it tailored. BUY good formal slippers and matching tie and cummerbund - paisleys are great or regimental stripes. No Christmas trees or lights for buttons. Good studs. These things will last you a lifetime. Sorry for rambling - but this is something I learned from the best - my Father.
Good Luck!
The most important thing you can wear is CONFIDENCE! Not cocky-confident.
Sorry if you're a woman - same rules apply - just no tux! Elegant. Fashionable but not quirky. Formal evening wear. Go to the best dress shop in town and try on everything. You don't have to buy it there - then go to Marshall's or Kohl's. Invest in a GREAT pair of shoes. If you have great legs - emphasize them - don't show off - just let them show. If you don't, less leg. Not too sexy, but NOT dowdy. Class and elegance. A woman who is aware of her abilities and attributes. CONFIDENCE! Remember Henry Kissinger - POWER is the greatest aphrodisiac. No plunging necklines, Put on all your intended jewelry, then take at least one piece off. For a man - wedding ring and, perhaps, class ring only.

Answer 4

This guy puts his pants on one leg at a time just like you. I'd find out what he drives and talk about cars, then move on. It's a holiday party, you know what I mean? Also, behave yourself and don't drink too much. That really should go without saying, but sometimes people tend to drink more than normal if they are nervous. So don't drink, okay? You could also mention current events, like how the democrats just swept congress, and ask how he thinks that's going to effect our now lame duck president or something like that. If you are going to talk about weather, talk about weather related to the job, like how is that severe weather last night going to affect your distribution in Georgia? But most of all, have fun and good luck. He's just a man, just like you, but with more money.

Answer 5

Just be yourself - and be genuine! Don't say anything you don't mean and don't flood him with too many compliments. You don't want to look like a pathetic suck-up. Nobody likes that. Be respectful, but not so much that it looks like you're putting him on a pedestal. He's only human, after all. If you can find something in common other than work, it will loosen things up. It's easier to talk to someone with whom you share a common interest.

Don't worry - it will be fine!

Answer 6

If you are meeting the CEO for the first time and want to make a good impression...please, please, please....do not talk about business....it is a party after all....make it simple as possible and short and sweet....just say who you are...and if he/she recognizes who you are...let them break the ice with business.....do not bring it up first! Never, never! Be polite and perhaps bring up something about life and your experiences.....never bring up any issues about the company because you/'ll have plenty of time for that......if you're meeting them there for the first time sometimes it's a test to see how well you communicate with others....so mingle, mingle, mingle as much as possible......believe me they are looking for your comunicative skills and want to see how well you mix with their staff....and perhaps you may meet some key figures as well.......stay away from politics and stick to simple things like theatre, music, etc....don't get yourself trapped! Good luck! Been there...done that! DOn't wear a revealing dress...but do wear a dress that says......I'm attractive and hot! Know what I mean?! Sexy yet elegant.

Answer 7

Introduce yourself, be genuine and tell him you enjoy working in the company or something simple. He may carry the conversation or ask questions from there. Go with it and then enjoy the evening. Nobody likes a butt kisser, so beware of gushing over him too much. You'll be fine.

Answer 8

Introduce yourself, tell him how you're connected to his company and how much you appreciate what he has done for you.
You'll probably know by his reply how approachable he is. Some people are genuinely
friendly and like people and then there are the snobs who don't like to be seen with the help.

Answer 9

Keep it light, but ask business. "So, how does the upcoming year look for the company?"

Answer 10

i would converse with him pretty much like i'd converse with anyone else at the party....