It is not uncommon for business people to meet in bars and make deals. People choose to discuss deals in bars to relax, get away from formal routines and make toasting the next success a little easier. So if you’ve not been called up by a potential client or partner to discuss business in a bar, just know it’ll happen and you don’t want to miss out on a deal just because you didn’t have basic tips on bar stool deals. Or maybe you’ve been there, cut a deal and lost some in the bar. Just like boardroom negotiations, there are certain tricks that will make or break a deal discussed in a bar.
Research shows control is key and where you sit could just do the trick. So if you are meeting at a bar, choose your location carefully. In fact, there are numerous bars in most towns designed to suit business meetings; from the location to the ambiance.
Here are a few tips that will brighten up your prospects.
Choose an appropriate bar
Consider one of those bars that are less noisy and are in secure locations. No serious person would want to discuss business in a rowdy club in a dingy backstreet alley. Ease of access and parking space is crucial, in case your guest is driving.
Avoid the windows
When relaxing with friends, the windows make for a great spot especially with a view of the street or the sunset over some distant hills. But for business , you are better off picking a spot deeper at a warm corner, away from the distractions of other patrons waltzing in and out. Researchers find that when we’re warmer, we’re more likely to judge people as trustworthy and to be generous.
Pick a smooth table
The texture of the space you chose speaks volumes about your social interaction. A rough surface may show you as difficult and adversarial whereas a smooth one is likely to show you as easy going and amiable. Also reserve a soft seat for your guest.
Researchers from Harvard, MIT and Yale University asked people to haggle over the price of a car. Participants who were parked in a wooden chair held out for mere money than those seated in cushioned chairs.
Get to the business early
The longer you wait the less able you might be to discern the way forward, after the drinks have taken effect on you (if you are drinking). And remember to stay social but professional.
Drinks?
This is a tricky one. But you are meeting in a bar, so why not? This depends on whether you or your guest take alcohol. If you all do, order the drink the bar serves the most. If it’s a beer bar, then beer. If it’s a wine bar or whiskey bar, then order such. Order your drink with water to fortify yourself, and avoid getting tipsy before you close the deal. If you don’t drink, this is not the day to experiment.
Keep your devices away
Your mobile phone or tablet, sleek as it may be, is a major source of distraction. It is advisable to keep the gadgets away. No texting or callin receiving calls. It not only communicates respect for your guest, but also eliminates the risk of liquids spilling on them.
No presentations!
Imaging putting up projectors in a bar. It’s not only impractical but also crude. You are meeting only one person or a small group, not the whole bar. Just talk, it’s more personal. Reserve presentations for the boardroom.
‘That’s my song/jam’
No, no! Remember this is not a social hangout with your boys or girlfriends. Don’t start Singing along to your favourite jam by Adelle (Hello…) or Alaine’s one-hit wonder Wafula and get on with business.
Easy on the convivial- after a few drinks, the initial uptight business mood may give
to camaraderie. But avoid the convivial touching, hugging or any inappropriate body contact.
Don’t announce any decision
The discussions have gone well and you are impressed by the proposal. But just hold your horses. Do not go in to ‘breaking news’ mode and announce a decision. You can make one, just don’t announce it. In fact, don’t make any decision; wait till the next morning when the little alcohol has loosed its hold on your judgment and the excitement of the moment has thawed away so you can make a rational, impassionate decision.
Leave early
Everything has gone well. Bonds have been strengthened. Plans have been hatched and prospects are high, and everyone is happy. All that’s left is signing on the dotted line. You are still in control of your mental faculties. It’s now time to leave! In business and in bars, always get out ahead of time. Don’t over stay.
What’s your experience with bar-stool deals? What tips can you add? Share on the comments section.