Alcohol: a Business Tool?
In 1999 I found myself in a bar, in Monaco, together with my business partners and a lawyer. We were slowly getting drunk. Since we were planning to sell our company for millions the next day I asked the lawyer if we shouldn’t try to stay sober to avoid a hangover. He replied that the best way to go into a negotiation is with a hangover.
His theory: The unpleasant physical effects following the heavy use of alcohol actually work to your advantage during a tough negotiation. Seemingly uninterested you will be slouched in your chair, responding slowly and talking softly and looking generally unhappy with whatever the other party proposes.
I’m still not sure if this strategy is the right one and I would advise to keep your head clear for any serious conversation. However, at that moment it relieved some of the tension we had towards the conversation the next day and I always think about that story when I am preparing for an important meeting…
Filed under Business, Drinks, Fun, Inspiration, Money, Party, Personal, Travel |
9 Responses to “Alcohol: a Business Tool?”
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I never drink during the working week. I used to but somehow i feel i can no longer afford that. I am fresher and more productive when i don’t drink the night before. And I don’t miss it either. Interesting to see others don’t have any problems drinking the night before an important meeting. maybe i am too stressed about alcohol / work ;)
Excellent post on a Thursday night!
Yep, I honestly believe so too; one is simply too fatigued to respond, the actual state of mind is slightly offtrack, hence: things will work out fine!
As always: too much is never good. You shouldn’t drink every day during work times. But yesterday we opened a bottle of champagne at 3 and all got a bit drunk by 3:30. Not a good moment to make important decisions and not something you want to do every week. But once a month. Why not?
Ah well, this is quite a dangerous theory I guess. As long as everything turns out great, it could very well be the hangover that got you there. But once a meeting or whatever goes haywire, you better wish you’d have a clear mind.
I used to love and live these kind of theories. But when you use alcohol as a tool, make sure you’re not using it as a hammer, cause everything around you really will look like nails after a while… ;-)
I don’t want to sound like some jesus or such, but I quit drinking completely more than five years ago and for me personally, that has been a sane decision I guess. I had a hard time taking a right measure. ;-)
I don’t mind anyone drinking (in my vicinity), but for me personally I knew this was the right thing to do.
No offence, but I think a bar isn’t the best place to ask for advice on how much you should drink, no matter if the person you ask it to stands in front or behind the bar. :-)
Yes. And the best time to nab a hot supermodel girlfriend is when you’re drunk. Because you’re at your most charming. (NOT!) We need to bring up an important aspect of being drunk, and hung-over: Impaired Judgment.
And you may not have the benefit of negotiating with meekly God-fearing Flanders-types who get flustered by your distant and disheveled state. You might actually be in the room with the Original Party Animal who can smell your 5-hour old point oh eight walking through the front door. Watch out for this guy. He’s a true professional drinker. He knows that you’re playing injured, and knows exactly where you hurt. Watch out for this guy. He’ll steamroll right over your aching head.
I hope I’ll have the pleasure of hammering out a multi-million dollar deal with you in the future. Cheers!
Hi Phildo: it is never wise to disclose any strategy you plan to use in the future on your blog. So I can honestly say I’m looking forward to our meeting too! :-)
It may only be because I am reading this post at a bar, but MAN THIS IS BRILLIANT! Heh! Well, maybe not, but your lawyer was a winner for coming up with such a convincing theory to justify your drinking and keep you relaxed.
Travis
PubCon Street Tips: Giving a Kick Ass Presentation With a Hangover: http://www.pubcon.com/blog/ind.....1187123220