Robin Jay & Jack Canfield on the Set of "The KEEPER of the KEYS"

Ever wonder what it would be like to have lunch with Jack Canfield and “The Queen of the Business Lunch”? Well, this is your chance! Join me – the undeniable “Queen of the Business Lunch” – and Jack Canfield, co-creator of “Chicken Soup for the Soul” and “The Success Principles” for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity this Thursday, Dec. 8th, at 11:30 AM, at The PALM Restaurant inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. Talk about a real “POWER LUNCH!” This event is going to be something you will remember 4EVER!!!

I will be joined by Jack Canfield, Marci Shimoff, and the expert cast from my new movie, “The KEEPER of the KEYS” for an intimate, VIP luncheon at the Palm. You’ll have the chance to get to know Jack & Marci better, mingle with the experts and other like-minded people, and enjoy a fabulous lunch. Imagine the buzz you’ll start when you post a picture of yourself with these icons of personal development on your Facebook page or Website!

Jack and Marci have offered to say a few words after lunch; they’re sure to share some memorable moments from their incredible lives!  Later on, get set to see the world premiere of “The KEEPER of the KEYS”! The premiere event begins with a red carpet ceremony outside the classic showroom at the all new Plaza Hotel Casino at 7PM. Be one of the first people to see the movie that Spiritual Cinema Circle cofounder, producer, and director Stephen Simon called “…a gift to the world … the new gold standard in its genre.”

Visit the “Key Movie” website to view the trailer and discover the cast of experts and the stories behind the movie. Then, just click on the header on the KEY MOVIE site or click here now to go to the Event Bee site to get your tickets. It’s all for a worth cause; a portion of the proceeds will go to Volunteers in Medicine, Southern Nevada.

A LOT Can Go Wrong at a Business Lunch: Being Prepared Will Help

As I wrote in my last post, I spoke recently for HP in Southern California. I was brought in to speak because my clients appreciate the importance of doing a business lunch the right way. Whether you’ve been on more than 3,000 client lunches (like I have) or you’re just starting out, it is important that you feel comfortable and confident. This can come from knowing what to avoid or how to handle certain situations.

During the meal, I asked the printer resellers and distributors to try to “Stump the Speaker / Shock the Speaker.” I wanted to offer my BEST advice for their WORST situations. I haven’t been stumped yet because most challenges or problems that come up at business lunches are more common than people think, but I definitely heard some great stories and thought-provoking questions.

I asked our guests 1) what was the worst thing that EVER happened to them at a business lunch, 2) how they might have better handled the situation, and 3) to share anything they might have trouble with – in general – along the way.

I found it interesting that most people offered their OWN suggestions as to how they might have better handled a particular situation. I think most of us tend to “hash & rehash” those awful moments in our minds. Seems we’d ALL like “a ticket to ‘shoulda, woulda, coulda.’” My mantra is “be prepared,” but things can happen fast when at a business lunch. If you’re with a big client, you might be nervous. And then, there are just a LOT of things that can go wrong. We’re people – not robots – and we have emotions, as well as million thoughts a day. Hindsight is always 20/20. Good judgment – unfortunately – comes from bad experience.

Here are some of the best stories from last week:

Shannon said that a client dumped coffee in his lap. HOT coffee. YIKES! As to what he would do differently? He would not have ordered coffee for the table! THAT was easy! And, I can add this little tip:

IF YOU KNOW that your client likes something you don’t care for – such as alcohol, dessert, or sushi, bring someone from your office as a “buffer.” That way, your client won’t have to drink alone (and YOU of course will be Designated Driver!), YOU won’t have to try to find cooked entrees at a sushi bar, or you won’t have to see your morning workout get annulled by a giant slice of cake you forced down just because your client wanted dessert! Bringing a coworker (or boss) can be a very wise move, especially when you know your client is going to want something you don’t care for.

One executive ended up in a restaurant that was too noisy. We’ve ALL been to restaurants that are USUALLY just fine for a business lunch, but on the day WE are there, there is a baby shower going on at the next table or some other type of large, noisy party. We can’t prepare for EVERY distraction, but try asking your maitre d’ for a quiet table when you make your reservation. (Of COURSE you are going to make a reservation!)

NEVER Pay for a Business Lunch with CASH!

One of my guests asked, “What if your client wants to pay for lunch?”  I went into great detail in my book on how to avoid that situation by slipping your credit card to your server the moment you are seated. Not only does that help to avoid the fight over the check, but it also identifies YOU as the host of that party. This is an especially helpful tip for women when taking men to lunch. In many restaurants, servers still tend to give the check to the man. Ladies – take note! And you definitely want to pay for lunch with a credit card. Paying with cash can create a sort of “Let’s all chip in” or “Can I get the tip” atmosphere.

Alcohol … excessive alcohol, that is, … is the #1 cause of distress at business lunches! People have too much to drink or they are simply drinking a little on an empty stomach. Either way, they get drunk and it’s not long before their behavior gets sloppy. Chris said he brought a sales executive with him to a client lunch. The executive had too much to drink – and Chris ended up having the VP of his company call the client to apologize. I believe there is no quicker way to LOSE YOUR JOB than by getting drunk in front of clients. TAKE IT EASY!

It’s not a sin to eat a little something before you go. And – if you are attending a mixer at 5PM and lunch was at noon, you WILL BE drinking on an empty stomach. Park yourself by the food table when you first arrive. Remedy the situation. THEN, you’ll be free to mix and mingle with a drink in your hand without ending up on the floor! Besides, it’s impossible to eat, drink, AND hand out business cards! I keep a bag of nuts in my car, just in case I get hungry in the middle of the day or for any other time I’m not able to grab a quick bite.

How can you stop someone from drinking too much?  This is a bit touchy, but it’s a great chance to collaborate with your server. Excuse yourself to the restroom, find your server, and tell them to CUT OFF the supply of alcohol to your client! Let them be the bad guy. They can also cut someone’s drink enough to render it fairly harmless. If you suspect your client may be on their way to getting drunk, order appetizers and get your server involved. Have them weaken the drinks so you’ll have the chance to get your client to eat. And NEXT TIME, invite that client out to breakfast. It will be a lot easier for them to stop drinking if they never get started.

Lastly, if you slip and fall, injuring only your pride, just stand up, brush yourself off, and carry on! I always ask if ANYONE in the room has NEVER spilled a drink. I’ve yet to see a hand go up. We are human, floors are slippery. Don’t wear shoes you can’t walk in – THAT should help slightly. Then, watch your step. I’m not saying you’ll never fall again, but being prepared WILL help!

I want to send out special thanks to everyone that I got to meet in OC. I’m here for you if any other questions come to mind. And if YOU have a situation for which you would like to have my opinion or my advice, just ask!

Executives PREFER Face-to-Face Meetings

FORBES Insights‘ latest report shows that executives prefer face-to-face meetings. Wow – As “The Queen of the Business Lunch,” I could not have put that better myself. The reasons why they preferred IN PERSON, face-to-face meetings? There is no comparison:

• To build STRONGER, more MEANINGFUL business relationships (85%)
• Ability to read body language and facial expressions (77%)
• More social interaction, ability to bond with co-workers/clients (75%)
• Allow for more complex strategic thinking (49%)
• Better environment for tough, timely decision-making (44%)

Complaints about technology-enabled meetings were that they often resulted in disruption and delays. The ONLY reasons anyone said they preferred technology-assisted meetings were bottom-line, such as saving time, money, or location flexibility.The choice is yours: STRONGER, MORE PRODUCTIVE business meetings or technical difficulties?

As a Business Relationship Expert, I discovered a long time ago that those relationships that were built over a business lunch, an outstanding networking event, or even a round of golf lasted forever. We bonded. Apparently, I’m not the only successful executive who knows that, although I may be the only one who wrote a book about building business relationships over lunch (“The Art of the Business Lunch: Building Relationships Between 12 and 2″).

A compromise can be reached, too, by holding smaller meetings with an assist from technology. But to build long-lasting, solid business relationships, seize some face time!

BTW, the Ritz-Carlton weighed in on the report to reach out to business travelers by offering “Meetings Within Reach,” a value-added opportunity for organizers of on-site seminars, executive retreats, and other corporate events. Their message is “It’s not extravagant IF it produces results.” I’d like to give special thanks to Bruce Himelstein, Ritz-Carlton’s senior vice president of sales & marketing. He acknowledged that technology can never replace the “traditional methods of dealing with people in person…” I rest my case … there is NO Substitute for QUALITY “Face time.”

Notice: I am currently seeking annual contracts with companies who would like to send me out to speak to their clients on the importance of quality face time and how to build productive business relationships. E-mail me to explore the possibilities.

Use Caution When Sending a Big E-mail Blast!

Do you work with a DATABASE? I do – and in my attempt to UPDATE my newsletter list, I made a mistake that upset a LOT of people! Lauren Bloom, attorney, author, and speaker, wrote a book called “The Art of the Apology,” and I think I need her help!

As you may know, I have a wonderful, FREE, e-mail offer called “7 Steps to Networking Success” which I set up years ago at Robin Jay.com. If you sign up on my home page, you will receive the best of my networking tips that will support my status as a Business Relationship Expert! I get great feedback from it and I know it has helped a LOT of people!

Order Lauren Bloom's Book: The Art of the Apology - You never know when you might need to apologize!

Okay, Robin…cut to the chase! I imported 2500 names (from my list of about 3,000) to new database software. WHILE I was on the phone with the guy from the software company, he asked, “Is this campaign ready to go?” I said, “YES … but I need to modify the first page.” Can you believe that between the “YES …” and the “But” – he hit SEND!!!?!?

Needless to say, my “Welcome to my new newsletter” went out as “Thank you for signing up for my 7 Steps to Networking Success program!” Many people were upset – understandably – as they had NOT signed up for a new, 7-part email program!!!

Oh Lauren – I can’t take it back! Of course I sent customized notes to EVERYONE who was upset, sent them a FREE e-book, and apologized profusely. The LAST thing I EVER want to do is annoy people with unwanted e-mail! But the people on my list are ALL people who had given me their card! Either they have heard me speak, met me at an industry event, or somehow “opted in.” It’s been so long since I’ve been in touch, I can see why they might not remember me! They had been getting my newsletter (the last one went out in JANUARY!) I was just trying to switch over things to expedite my mailings. Ay-yi-yi!

It has become glaringly apparent that people are WAY TOO STRESSED! The feature I LOVED about my software is that it has a “double opt-in”system. If you receive something from me and you don’t want it, just do nothing. You won’t hear from me again UNLESS you click the link that says “OKAY!” But people did not read down far enough to see that. It also offers a huge UNSUBSCRIBE link at the bottom of every e-mail. I would think professionals would be savvy enough to know that! Instead, they took the time to send me ugly e- mails! (When all they HAD to do was NOTHING – simply nothing.) Wow – I’m so SORRY! My only crime is wanting to stay in touch and keep my contacts updated.

Apparently, many of us have have lost our sense of humor along with our tolerance. I URGE you – if you are so stressed that you are snapping at someone that you know – even vaguely – when they are TRYING to help you to become more proficient at networking – PLEASE take a break! Sip a latte, enjoy a night out, or have a massage!

I get so much e-mail I don’t want – and I hit the JUNK folder or the DELETE key. Life is really so much simpler than we make it! I apologize again! I hope you are enjoying your day. And, if you need to apologize to anyone for anything, tell Lauren I sent you.

Join me, Sat. June 26th, to discover how YOU, too, can become a successful entrepreneur!

JOIN ME – “The Queen of the Business Lunch™” when I am one of the featured panelists at the Entrepreneur Panel and Book Signing Community Event in West Summerlin, this Saturday, June 26, 2010 * Time 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Three out of four people would like to be an entrepreneur!

Teen Entrepreneurs of Las Vegas invites you to an open discussion with successful entrepreneurs who will share the stories of their success,answer your questions, and sign their books. Find out how I became a Speakers Bureau President, Motivational Speaker, Award-winning Author, and Publisher!

Join me for this afternoon of celebrating the Entrepreneurial Spirit

“Find your passion amd live your dream”

WHAT BUSINESS WOULD YOU START IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE?

I will be joined by Brenda Ward, Marit Macchia, Regina Ruf, Leslie Gomez, Angelique Daniels, and Will Pettaway.

This fabulous event is sponsored by: Teen Entrepreneurs of Las Vegas and Body Spa West

LEARN HOW WE DID IT … LEARN HOW YOU CAN DO IT, TOO!

at Body Spa West @ 8751 West Charleston Las Vegas, NV 89117.

For More Info: call 702- 885-3011 or visit: TEOLV.ORG

A Gift Bag - Always a Great Attention-getter!

You are ready to invite a really BIG client out to lunch. You have the perfect “power lunch” spot picked out. You have your corporate expense account ready to roll. You just can’t figure out the best way to invite a client to lunch. You are not alone!

Seems many executives choke a bit when it comes to inviting a client out to lunch … and the bigger the client, the more anxiety about lunch. It’s really easy to invite a client to a business lunch – and you are only limited by your own creativity. I’m saving the VERY best method till the end – but don’t skip ahead. If you do, you’ll miss some great ways to get creative!

Imagine an executive’s secretary walks into his or her office around 11AM,

You call THIS lunch?!

and sets a shiny gift bag on the exec’s desk. “This came for you just now.” Inside the shiny bag, the executive finds a brown paper bag. In the bag is a square, sandwich-sized container with a VERY dull sandwich inside – perhaps two slices of plain white bread with a single piece of American cheese between them or a classic PBJ, and an apple.

Written on the outside of the lunch bag in black marker, a note reads: “You call THIS lunch? Meet me at The Palm next week for a steak! ~ Robin Jay.” Your business card is stapled to the top of the bag. Really … who could resist an invitation like THAT?!

A stunt like this is over-the-top – but wouldn’t YOU love it if someone went to that much trouble to invite YOU to lunch?  I know I would!

If you want a more subdued method for asking a client to lunch, a written invitation can work, though be careful you don’t come across as desperate! Sometimes, in today’s fast-paced business world, catering to old-fashioned methods might make you seem out-of-date; send a quick text message invitation – “When can I take you out to lunch?” – and you might seem insincere or uncaring. It can be challenging, indeed!

You can always just pick up the phone ~

There is always the phone call. Be direct … and be friendly. Now that I’m an entrepreneur, one of my pet peeves is people calling who 1. Don’t identify themselves IMMEDIATELY, and 2. Don’t get to the purpose of their call directly. If I don’t know you, why would I want to go to lunch with you?

Remember W.I.I.F.M.!!! What Is In It For ME?! I don’t get to socialize with my dear friends as much as I would like – so for me to make the time to have a lunch with a stranger, there had better be a good reason.

“Breakfast is the New Lunch”! …or shall I say, “Coffee is Quicker”!

A coffee date can be "Outta This World!"

If you want to BUILD a relationship with someone by asking them to break bread with you, you might have an easier time getting them to say “yes” by making it easy FOR THEM. Coffee is fast. Meet them near their office.

BEST OF ALL: The VERY BEST way to invite a client to a business lunch is to find someone who PERSONALLY KNOWS YOUR PROSPECT. Ask THEM if they wouldn’t mind setting up a lunch date. Tell them lunch is on you. This “Middle Man” of sorts knows both of you. They will probably be delighted to help you arrange a meeting. And – of course – they will get to enjoy a wonderful free lunch!

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS: Network, network, network! EVERY time you attend a networking event, you will meet at least 10 people who each know at least 10 people … and so on. Ask around. Find someone who knows the people you want to get to know.

Remember: An INTRODUCTION is the VERY best way to meet someone new. If you can arrange an introduction, asking clients to lunch will be the easiest thing you’ve ever done.

"The Queen of the Business Lunch" Gets Trademarked!

Well, it is about time! “The Queen of the Business Lunch™” is FINALLY trademarked! Robin Jay is the OFFICIAL “Queen of the Business Lunch”! You may be wondering what it takes to earn such a title. I’m here to answer your questions!

I hosted more than 3,000 client lunches during my years in advertising sales – though I’m quite sure that is a conservative estimate. My guess today would lean more toward 4,000. During that time, I saw my sales increase by more than 2,000%! That told me that I was doing SOMETHING right. I was compelled to share my tips and techniques with the world … and so I wrote “The Art of the Business Lunch.”

A lot has happened since I began this journey of sharing ways to build better relationships in business. First, most people are actually AFRAID to have lunch with me! Can you imagine? As a Business Relationship Expert, I can see why. But relax! There is no need to fear. The book has been printed. I am no longer looking for extreme examples to write about (Oh – except for my BLOG – where you may just get a mention or two if you misbehave during a business lunch with me!)

The Art of the Business Lunch - A MUST-READ for Business Owners & Sales Professionals

Seriously, the book is a fine example of the BEST behavior you can exhibit. Unfortunately, many of the anecdotes came from MY own MISTAKES! Sure, I’ve said the wrong thing at a business lunch. Of COURSE I’ve spilled my drink at a client lunch. And those times when I got back into my car only to discover food in my teeth? OMG! I hate that! Why didn’t someone TELL ME? But why make all those mistakes yourself when I’ve already made them FOR YOU!!! We don’t need to reinvent the wheel.

The secret to an outstanding, successful “power lunch” is to be prepared. Visit my video channel on YouTube to view some of my tips. Here’s one of my favorite videos that explains WHY the business lunch is SO IMPORTANT!

The best drinks in Las Vegas are here...

I haven’t written a dining review in a while and I’m well overdue – since it seems I’ve been out socializing…drinking and eating a LOT lately…for business AND with friends! When I’m out and about and just loving a place, I want to share it with my readers. I have a few places in Las Vegas that I absolutely adore. They are consistent, the service is outstanding, and they are perfect for what I want at the time.

Whether I’m meeting a client for happy hour, taking clients or friends to a business lunch, or just building relationships, having a list of the best restaurants in Las Vegas handy makes scheduling networking and socializing events much easier.

I had dinner recenly with Mitchell Davis, owner of ExpertClick.com and the Yearbook of Experts. I use Expert Click to send press releases. Mitchell was visiting Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show and was staying at the Rio. He suggested we have dinner at Gaylord’s Indian Restaurant. When I saw a list of specialty drinks that featured a cardamom martini, a black raspberry martini, and an elder fizz, I couldn’t resist. I love Indian food and especially the exotic flavor of cardamom.

I ordered a cardamom martini, which was masterfully blended by Jozef. Jozef is an artist; he keeps fresh ginger and cucumber, cardamom pods which he grinds up on the spot, fresh nutmeg…and many more special ingredients lined up at the back of the bar.

Gaylord's @ The Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas

For weeks, I thought about that delicious martini. I craved another one and talked about it so much that within a few weeks, my friends and I were at the small (REALLY small – just six seats!) bar, ready to see if it was as amazing as I remembered.

Phil Robertson, president of Common Sense Consulting, and Mike McGettigan from Langan had grown tired of hearing me boast about this heavenly cocktail. They soon concurred, however; this martini is heaven on a stem. Jozef went all out and – knowing he had some aficionados – created several amazing drinks for us.

With his incredible array of fresh ingredients, Jozef was ready to make whatever we wanted. He put some “secret” ingredients into our first martini; watching him work was better than watching a television cooking show! He took extra care and worked hard, and finally presented us with the much anticipated blends.

We drank them slowly, savoring their fresh, unique flavors and some lively conversation. I can’t recommend this little treasure enough – but make sure you go when Jozef is working. The food at Gaylord’s is the best Indian food in Las Vegas, but why not go when you can have a cardamom martini, too?!

Another consistent, delicious getaway is Grape Vegas at Town Square. It’s a fun, cozy spot with a great happy hour. Their wine list is impressive. General Manager Jennifer Gaydeski and Manager Kevin Mahony each stopped by to make sure everything was wonderful…and it was.

One of the aspects I really like about Grape is that it’s a kid-free zone, which is as it should be. Even though the space can get noisy – especially during a Friday night happy hour – it’s nice to know that it’s adults only. Kids, BTW, are allowed on the patio. The restaurant displays the somewhat exotic artwork of Las Vegas artist A.D. Cook on the walls, and it is not necessarily anything you’d want to explain to a child. It’s subtle and beautiful, but naked breasts abound.

I recommend you sample their menu of treats while you enjoy your happy hour. One of my favorites is a flatbread with fig, prosciutto, and brie – outstanding! And Grape also has some great hummus and sliders – always yummy. I think, however, charging 50 cents for sauce for the sliders seems silly; I’d like to see the management change that. I’d rather pay 50 cents more and have the sauce come with – agree? It’s like paying $50 for a prix fixe dinner, roquefort dressing, 50 cents extra!

Bottom line? I wish we had more fab places like these two gems in my neighborhood of Henderson. So far, my favorite place in Henderson is my own kitchen! Enjoying your own home, cooking, and atmosphere makes finding a great venue out that much harder. But, wherever you go, don’t forget the most important ingredient: Great FRIENDS and stimulating conversation!

If you’ve ever heard me speak, then you know that my favorite airline is Southwest (SWA). WHY? Because they offer the BEST Customer Service EVER! I speak on building relationships, making people feel special, and the entire customer service experience…and SWA gets it RIGHT!

Sure, a business lunch is great for accomplishing those goals, but we’re not always able to have lunch with clients. Sometimes, it’s the every day experiences that help to define your level of Customer Service.

I recently flew FIRST CLASS on another airline – only because I wanted a red-eye to Ohio. The much-aligned “Cattle Call” of Southwest (which I think is one of the most excellent, well-organized plans for boarding…in fact, many other airlines now copy SWA’s “line-up by number” plan), and subsequent in-flight service I’ve experienced with SWA has been consistently better than the so-called “First Class” service of this other airline!

But I particularly enjoy sharing a memorable experience I had on an SWA flight from LA to Las Vegas – after a VERY long day. I got up around 4AM to speak on The Art of the Business Lunch & Networking at a luncheon in Southern California. I flew in for the day….and by the time my presentation was over and I was at LAX, I just wanted to get home. Watch my video to see why I LOVE SWA!