Some people prefer formal business meeting settings. They like to have everything organized, with agendas prepared and pens laid out perpendicular to the edge of the table. They like offices and boardrooms and Powerpoint slide shows on big screens. While these are completely necessary for large meetings of, say, 10,000 people, they are not really necessary for one-on-one meetings. Or small meetings of three or four people.

In fact, not even the boardroom or the office are necessary. Have you ever considered a business meeting in a bar? There is a big advantage to meeting where both you and the person you are meeting are relaxed and comfortable and revealing a bit of who you both really are.

THE RULES

You can’t just walk into any old bar and old time and plop yourself any old where and hold a business meeting. If you do, you might find that the big, burly biker members will remove you from the middle of the pool table most unceremoniously, so they can continue their game. This could significantly delay the meeting – at least until both of you have been released from convalescence.

RULE #1: Don’t pick a bar that is home to biker gangs.

RULE # 2: Don’t pick a strip club. If you are meeting a lady, she might be offended. If you are meeting a man, he might be distracted.

RULE # 3: Avoid karaoke night. Your client or partner won’t hear a word you say while her ears are covered.

RULE # 4: Avoid bars with disco balls turning. Way too distracting.

RULE # 5: Avoid meeting while a band is playing. Way too loud.

RULE # 6: Stay away from the evening hours when too many other things are happening. Karaoke and bands are just some of the noisy distractions that could make your meeting a challenge at such hours.

RULE # 7: Know the staff. Well, at least make sure the servers are efficient and courteous. A rude or dysfunctional serving staff will reflect poorly on the person who chose the bar – you. This goes for restaurants, too.

RULE # 8: Relax. Hey, you’re in a bar, right?

RULE #9: Get to know your partner or client. The best business relationships are founded on a mutual bond that can only be built by getting to know each other. That’s what make a bar such a superb place to meet.

RULE #10: Stay away from the speakers. I said, “Stay away from the speakers!” STAY AWAY FROM THE SPEAKERS. Business meetings really suck when you can’t hear each other and you have to shout. Plus, imagine the misunderstandings that could result: “No, I said 60 percent interest, not 16 percent interest.”

RULE #11: Choose a bar with good lighting. It is as important to see as it is to hear. Many bars have adequate lighting during the daytime. Just make sure to choose both the right bar and the right time.

RULE #12: Don’t drink too, much, too fast. If you overindulge, you might be surprised to see the next day what you had signed. Or, your client or partner might decide you don’t have enough self-discipline to make a good business partner.

RULE #13: If your partner drinks too, much, too fast…whip out the contract right away. Not just the contract, but anything that needs a sober mind. Get it done right away while the other person is still able to concentrate. Once he starts confusing pens for carrots, it is too late.

There you have it. A relaxing meeting in a bar – if you follow all the rules.

Want to find a bar in your city? Bar Whiz lists bars across the world, including bars in Miami.

Want to find a bar in your city? http://www.barwhiz.com lists bars across the world, including in cities like London:http://www.barwhiz.com/United-Kingdom/London

Author Bio: Want to find a bar in your city? Bar Whiz lists bars across the world, including bars in Miami.

Category: Business
Keywords: bars,business,meetings,informal