While socialising with clients is by no means necessary, it
can be a good way to strengthen contacts made in the more
formal atmosphere of the boardroom. This is especially true
in the run-up to Christmas, with festive parties and events
providing a rare opportunity to get to know your clients in
a more relaxed setting.
I have coached women working in various organisations
across the country where male colleagues will often take
male clients out to golf, dinners or even strip clubs as a
means of strengthening allegiances. The women I work with
value their clients and careers but also value the time
they have in the evening with their families and friends.
While these activities may seem a necessary evil, I have
yet to meet a woman who doesn't think twice about how
"socialising" might be misconstrued.
Women value forging stronger business relationships but
often feel odd inviting a male client on their own for
drinks or dinner. As the number of women in senior roles
increases, so should the number of creative ways to
network, thank clients and generally build these bonds,
without compromising comfort levels . There are ways that
you can become more adept at choosing when and where to
socialise, which will help you build relationships with
your professional integrity intact.
Tips for Business Socialising
1. Business dinners feature more wine (or normally do!)
than lunches or certainly breakfasts. If you worry about
how well you will present after a G and T or three, perhaps
scheduling business meals earlier in the day would be
better way of getting more done without any potential
misunderstandings about your intentions or sexual innuendo
from the client or other colleagues - not to mention
skipping the hangover!
2. As part of a growing emphasis on corporate social
responsibility, many companies now support charities by
taking tables at various events. Find out if there are any
opportunities for you to host clients at dinners or
fun-days of this kind, as the atmosphere is virtually
always very "wholesome" whilst showing you and your company
as concerned corporate citizens -a win/win for many of my
clients - and good for the charity too!
3. If your company does not yet host clients at many
events, suggest they do and even offer to do some
research-that way you can help influence where sponsorship
money is spent whilst showing your initiative at the same
time. Many companies sponsor or take marquees at Ascot, the
Chelsea Flower Show, even Newmarket Nights or summertime
concerts and are given free tickets for their clients in
return for their sponsorship.
4. If you belong to a smaller company or non-profit, think
about how you might use Christmas celebrations to your
benefit. If you are an academic, think about inviting a
client or sponsor to dinner at the university or college.
Think creatively about what type of events both you and
your clients would like to attend rather than assume it has
to be tied up with the old- boy network of sporting events
or golf days.
5. Give yourself a break -it's easy to stress about what
you are missing when you are not around for after hours
socialising, but remember, very few deals are signed on the
dotted line after a boozy night at 2am. Getting drunk at an
event is never a good look, either in front of your boss or
clients, though it is a mistake many red-faced junior
employees make around this time of year.
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