Two completely relevant and totally shameless tricks for AEs

Sure, our jobs are more than schmoozing clients. But, hey, sometimes you’ve just got to hold your own at a boozy happy hour or impress at an absurdly over-priced dinner. For just those occasions, here are a couple of tips from old school sales guys I’ve met along the way:

How to pick up the tab without the “who’s getting this one” dance

• Easy: Excuse yourself to the restroom and hand off your AmEx to the maitre’d. The waiter will bring you the receipt to sign.
• Super slick: Get there early, hand off your card and instructions that you’ll pick it back up later that night or tomorrow.
• Out of town: Drive the route from the hotel to the restaurant BEFORE your clients get in the car. Oh, don’t you look smart.

How to NOT get completely wasted trying to keep up – the key bar orders:

• Martini. It’s easily replaced with water on the second, third, fourth … tenth…
• Jack and coke in a tall glass. Skip the Jack as the night rolls on.
• Vodka and cranberry. Same deal as above, but with vitamins since you're probably skipping the gym

I wish I had known those bar tips a few years back. I actually had to pass on an account because I was too much of a light weight to keep up with the way the client preferred to socialize… I kept falling asleep!

Comments

[Isabelle]

Nice ideas! I'll remember!! Thanks!

[Laura]

Here's another bar order that comes in handy... gin & tonic. As the night wears on, have the bartender fill your order with sparkling water & lime. The bubbles and floating citrus look exactly like the more intoxicating version.