Is it OK to get drunk with a client? Well, yes according to a communications/marketing class of college seniors. I gasped when I read this on a friend’s Facebook post. Like myself, she believes in sharing her professional expertise with future professionals and jumps at the chance to speak to students. She was talking to the class about her professional experience. My friend was sharing about client relationships and how it is OK to be professionally friendly with a client but not okay to be friends you would go out and get drunk with. The students told her getting drunk with a client is OK. Yes, that’s right. It is acceptable behavior. When did that become acceptable? Where are they getting this information? From reality TV shows? I have no idea, but I’d like to find out. And I’d like to know what else they think is acceptable behavior.
In my mind, it isn’t OK to be drunk in front of a client or even co-workers. When you are with a client or co-workers you are working. You need to conduct yourself in a professional manner by being in control of your actions and words. Being sociable is really important to building a relationship with a client or co-worker, but you have to be present in the moment to do so — an active listener taking mental notes down as to how you can serve the client better or be a better team member. As a PR professional, we know it is easy to damage a reputation, but hard to rebuild it. Drunken behavior not only damages your reputation, but your company’s and prevents you from taking care of the client’s interests.
And the phase, “But everyone else is doing it!” Doesn’t wash with me here. You are in control of your career. Make sound, sober choices and you’ll never regret it.
I’d really like to know your thoughts on the subject. Please share your comments and take a quick poll on the top right of the blog.


Disclosure Here… I’ve never acquired the taste of alcohol. I have lots of experience in social situations declining alcohol.