Las Vegas, NV

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

"MAD MEN" returned this week to AMC's original series lineup. The hip, retro drama details life in the 1960's advertising industry, the heart of which was on Madison Avenue. The series artistically portrays a typical advertising agency workplace before the sexual revolution, equal rights, and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. Secretaries are treated dismissively or worse, being subjected to man-handling as though it was part of their job. Series creator Mathew Weiner has done a remarkable job creating a dark, yet humorous, look at agency life in the '60s.

When it comes to entertaining clients, the contrast between office life then and now is stark. One of the most notable differences is the focus on alcohol. The characters on "MAD MEN" drink to celebrate when they acquire a new account, to console themselves whenever they lose a big account, and – it seems – they sometimes even drink just to get drunk.

Business lunches and client dinners center heavily on round after round of high balls, martinis, and wine. There have been indiscretions; inter-office affairs, car accidents, and all the drama that such a boiling pot of personalities, high-pressure work, and alcohol could possibly create.

"I'm stunned that anyone ever got any work done!" says Robin Jay, author of the award-winning book, "The Art of the Business Lunch: Building Relationships Between 12 and 2." Jay shares, "When you mix alcohol with work, something is bound to suffer. I like to think that the typical behavior of the characters on 'MAD MEN' is what not only led to the sexual revolution, but is also what enabled women to move up the corporate ladder so quickly." Jay smiles, "Who do you think was getting all the work done while the men were getting pickled over three-martini lunches?"

Jay knows a lot about alcohol and business lunches. She personally hosted more than 3,000 client lunches during her twenty-year advertising sales career. She saw her sales increase by more than 2,000%. Now, as an author and motivational speaker, she is often asked by her audiences how to handle drinking when out with clients. Her first comment is typically, "The 'POWER Lunch' of the '60's is DEAD! If you're trying to do business that way, you'll never make it." She loves that - if nothing else, 'MAD MEN' shows how little gets done after a three-martini lunch!

"The Queen of the Business Lunch," is a nickname Jay was given by her clients primarily because she was often booked for lunch as far as four weeks out. Jay is a Business Relationship Expert who stresses the importance of introducing a social aspect into your business relationships. "Nothing works to break down barriers and bond people like breaking bread." A lot can go wrong IF you're not prepared, warns Jay. She feels that "MAD MEN" is a wonderfully entertaining show and a striking period piece. "The people on the set and the sets themselves are delicious eye candy," says Jay. "I highly recommend watching the show, even if it's just to see what NOT to do in business today!"

Jay speaks regularly on the importance of building solid business relationships. She feels there is nothing wrong with enjoying an occasional glass of wine or cocktail when out with clients, but warns business professionals and sales people to be prepared to stop at just one drink. "The most important thing to remember when it comes to drinking while out with clients – or in any case," advises Jay, "is never to drink on an empty stomach. If I have a glass of wine with a client at lunch, I make sure we order appetizers to go along with our drinks. Then, we order a big lunch and follow it with coffee and dessert. A long, leisurely lunch like this is usually reserved for special occasions such as birthdays or at certain times during the year. Relaxing with a client over a long lunch can work magic in helping you to achieve your business relationship goals."

"On the other hand," Jay warns, "if you are attending an evening networking event, remember that lunch was more than four hours ago and that you will be drinking on an empty stomach. If you can't hit a fast food restaurant on your way to an event, then make a bee line for the appetizers the moment you get there. Eat first; then drink. Then, alternate between a cocktail and a soda or sparkling water. This way, you're never hitting your empty stomach directly with alcohol."

As for client dinners, Jay recommends ordering large quantities of food. "If there is a lot of food on the table, people will eat it. They will pick at appetizers, dig into the bread basket, and fill up on food before they have a chance for their wine to hit. And take it easy. Order lots of bottled water for your table and make sure the water glasses are kept full. Many times, we tend to drink our cocktails or wine because that is all that is in front of us. We are animated, talking, and sharing…working up a thirst. If the only thing to drink is wine, the odds are great that the wine will be consumed."

Jay is also a contributor to "Chicken Soup for the Wine Lover's Soul." In it, she shares her tips and techniques for ordering wine when out with clients, even if you don't know a chardonnay from a cabernet. "Socializing is an important aspect of business today. If you don't know what to do in certain situations, find out. Being prepared is the key to socializing with clients successfully. I wrote my book to share the importance of socializing with clients, how to do it the right way, and especially to help those who are uncomfortable when dining out with clients or who feel awkward at networking events."

When it comes to "MAD MEN," though, Jay reminds us, "The show represents a slice of history. We should view it as an example of how things USED to be and not as an example of how to behave  today!"

For more information, contact Robin Jay at Robin@RobinJay.com.

Robin Jay

President

Las Vegas Convention Speakers Bureau

Las Vegas, NV

702-460-1420