Quick Tip: Don't be the Drunk One!

When entertaining business acquaintances on the road, it is always good to leave an impression and make sure you are remembered.  However, do NOT be remembered as the drunk who loves to party.

I know we all like to have a good time, and it will seem like everyone laughs about those nights, but I can also guarantee you that as hard as they are laughing with you, they are laughing harder at you.

The best way I have found to not get intoxicated when my customers want to is a very new solution that many people may have not heard of; it is simply not drinking alcohol, pretty novel idea, huh?

There are a few ways to do this.  First, if you must have a drink, go with beer, and pace your self.  For every 2 or 3 your customer is drinking, you drink one.  Or, if they are not big drinkers, then set time limits.  For instance, allow yourself one beer every 40 minutes, or one an hour, etc.

As I said, the best way to avoid a bad reputation is to simply not drink.  If you are concerned with offending your company, try this.  Go to the bar and order a cola or diet cola, whichever you prefer.  Have the bartender put the drink in a mixed drink glass, and put a lime on the side of the glass.  Everyone will think you are having a drink, you can sip all night long, and no one will be any the wiser.  

As I said, make sure you leave an impression, but make sure it is a good one.  You do not want to be remembered as the wild party animal by your business community.