It’s that time of year in Calgary when business takes on a whole new look and feel. Business attire is replaced by western garb like jeans, belt buckles (the bigger, the better), plaid shirts, boots and of course, cowboy hats in a ranges of styles and colours. Instead of chasing deadlines and hosting meetings around the boardroom table, there are countless opportunities to connect with customers, partners, suppliers and even competitors over pancakes, barbeque beef and of course, beer!

Much has been made of how Calgary business “shuts down” over Stampede. Whether it’s true or not, Stampede is the perfect time to build your network and make new professional contacts. It can be a time of year that can help build your business or grow your career opportunities if you follow some simple advice:

- Watch your alcohol! With the fun atmosphere and back-to-back parties, it can be easy to overdue it. Remember, if you are with people you know professionally, you will have to face them again in a business environment so keep your drinking in check.

- Don’t forget your business cards! Simple as it may seem, don’t forget to slide a few cards into your jeans. You never know who you will meet in your “Stampeding” travels.

- Ask for cards. Even in a party setting, you may encounter someone who is a potential customer or contact. Ask for their card and don’t forget to follow up when Stampede rolls out of town for another year.

A lot of the advice that applies to what to do at corporate Christmas parties, also applies to Stampede. Have fun and be safe!

Yahoo!