Drinking is an integral part of socializing, especially when you’re trying to climb the corporate ladder. Wining and dining important clients can pose a problem when you’re trying to maintain your sobriety. However, there are other ways that you can avoid alcohol and still close the deal.
Networking Events
Networking is important to any successful business. It’s a way for you to connect with customers and other individuals that may be in need of your services. It’s also a fun and socialized setting that may be held at a bar or restaurant. Unfortunately, many of these events are centered on drinking. If you’re a recovering alcoholic, you may find this problematic. This could prove even more of a challenge if you’re at the early stages of your sobriety and you might want to avoid these types of events altogether.
If you’re at a point where you can stand to be around individuals who drink, you can stick to non-alcoholic beverages while others indulge in alcoholic beverages. Tonic and a lime, sodas and club soda are other alternative drink options that are satisfying and questions won’t be raised because you still look like you’re indulging. It will also help you maintain a clear head when the others have consumed alcoholic beverages beyond what they can tolerate.
You can be the designated driver and take responsibility for getting everyone home safely. If you have already been charged with or worse been convicted of a DUI it is even more important for you to maintain your sobriety because the penalties for second time offenders can be quite steep. The website of a prominent Tampa DUI lawyer states, “In Florida, a second DUI conviction on top of your first within five years results in jail time of up to nine months.
You could be fined up to $1,000 and lose your driver’s license for at least five years. Your vehicle could be impounded for up to a month.” These types of penalties could ruin your life not to mention your career.
Business Lunches and Dinners
Other important events in climbing the corporate ladder can include wining and dining your biggest customers and employees. The reward for a job well-done is typically followed by good food and alcoholic beverages. It’s also important to retain loyal customers and clients who have made your business the success it has become today. If you’re trying to maintain a sober existence, you may find the alcohol at the lunches or dinners to be tempting.
Focus on the real purpose of these meetings and remember it’s the client or superior who you want in a relaxed state, but you must be at the top of your game to get that next deal or the promotion that you desire.
Holiday Work Functions
Year-end parties are a way for businesses to thank their employees. Unfortunately, overindulging in alcohol can pose a number of problems for the employees and owners of the businesses. Many companies are now looking for ways to avoid drunken holiday work fiascoes. You can offer alternative places to hold your company party that won’t involve booze such as a hockey game, play or concert.
Find New Activities
If you find that you can’t be around alcohol at this point in your life, you can find other ways to reward your associates and customers. There are activities and places where alcohol isn’t permitted, and you need to focus on these areas. The gym, sporting events and plays can be enjoyed and rewards your customers for their loyalty and commitment. You can also send gift cards and certificates to customers thanking them for their business. They’ll still get to enjoy a meal on you, but you won’t have to risk any alcohol related incidents.
Achieving greatness at work and maintaining your sobriety can prove challenging. With a little thought, abstinence and mental toughness, you can find alternative activities that allow you to meet your needs without the use of alcohol.
Valerie Stout Cyrus is a freelance writer who frequently researches DUI issues. She has found that Tampa DUI lawyer group, Katz and Phillips, P.A, has successfully represented individuals with multiple DUI charges.
Photo credits: http://www.flickr.com/photos/itupictures/8096600805/