BUSINESS ENTERTAINING 

Business and life are all about connecting with humans, and since the beginning of time "parties" have been the world's greatest connectors. Throw great parties, and your opportunities in the world will expand exponentially. This is a universal truism. 
A party may be a dinner party, a cocktail party, a wine tasting, a charity benefit, a golf tournament, a corporate celebration, a cookout, a 5k after-party, or the annual holiday bash. Everyone, even the most boring people, love a good party, and your job is to be known as "the one who throws the great parties." 
Throwing great parties helps connect you to the rest of world in a hundred ways you can't even imagine before you begin your adventure. Being the perfect party host simultaneously enhances your standing in your company, in your community, in your industry, with your friends, with your spouse's friends, and with all of the prospects, recruits, and acquisitions you wish to attract. 
But, unfortunately, most people have never been taught how to throw a great party. They fail miserably simply because no one ever gave them the rules. I only now know the rules because I have learned by trial and many, many errors. A few years ago I sat down with a group of friends and business partners, and together we created a David Letterman spoof "Top 10 Rules for Throwing a Great Party." Since then, this valuable summary has been passed among many companies and even made it around the internet, hopefully enhancing many fun events. I have included a detailed explanation of the 10 Rules in my upcoming book, "Just One More," but here I wanted to review just a few of the items in case you are planning a fun Fall party or a big holiday season event. 
First, we must have good music. Music is the most powerful variable for setting the correct mood or vibe, but most hosts normally consider this most-critical item only as an after-thought. To have everyone fondly remember your event, employ live music whenever possible. Whether a pianist for the dinner party, the guitar singer for the summer cookout, or the incredible band for the holiday blow out, this enhancement sets your events apart. People will always rave about the live entertainment as they tell everyone they know about your fabulous event. 
Second, pay attention to exclusivity. People always want most the things they cannot have. After noticing many "party crashers" at our corporate and community events, we decided to have a little fun by raising the bar of exclusivity. We installed guest lists, sent ticket invites, and even employed very large gentleman as "faux" front doormen. People then sent in their RSVP's quickly, sent requests to ask for an invitation, and even bought us drinks at the Bistro in attempts to get on the list. When you restrict who may attend, "everyone who's anyone" wants to ensure they get an invite! 
Third, ensure the proper quality beverages are served. The rule is: Never serve guests liquor of a lower quality than they would drink in their own home. How many thousands of charity events have you attended where they want you to write a large check, but you are standing in line for 20 minutes to order an Aristocrat Vodka? If serving wine, have someone who knows make the proper selections. For the cookout, spend the extra $5 on the premium beer. Always have a nice non-alcoholic selection for the amazing designated drivers. For the nice events, serve top-shelf liquor, or don't serve any at all. Always have a fun specialty drink like cosmopolitans, apple martinis, or mohitos prepared for the "less-regular consumers." Also, if more than a few couples are in attendance, never perform the bartender duties yourself. Your job is to focus on your guests. 
Fourth, be a fabulous host. Ann Landers once wrote that the #1 job of the host was to have a fabulous time at their own party. I believed that she was speaking directly to me! Most hosts spend the evening refilling the cheese tray, cleaning the red wine stain, and worrying that no one is having a good time. But, the perfect host understands that the entire party takes their cue from them. If the host is laughing, dancing, and socializing, then everyone else feels they also have permission to have a great time. People want to be around happy, energetic, fun people. Be that host! 
Fifth, always have a staff. For large events this will be covered by caterers and event managers, but for small events still ensure that you have assistance in place, because, again, your job is to have fun with the guests. The two neighborhood babysitters are amazing coat check girls, and they really appreciate the tips. The guests enjoy not worrying about their purse all evening or rummaging through the guest bedroom to find their coats at the end of the night. The two college boys next door can make a small fortune as parking valets. I have them wear white shirts, and I give them a 10-minute etiquette lesson. The guests love not worrying about parking or walking in those heels. 
For larger events always notify the local taxi or car services ahead of time, so they are aware of the business available from your event and will remain close. Have cards at the front for people to call for a car, or have the coat check girls arrange this for them. Above all else, ensure everyone arrives home safely from your fabulous event.. 
Sixth, Dress up. Have fun setting the tone that your events are special, and people should expect to dress up a little more than usual. Include "Cocktail Casual" on the invitation, or if a holiday party even make it "Black-tie Optional." Give your friends an excuse to dress up and enjoy a fancy night out. Set the expectation that your events are always first class, and people will follow suit. 
Business and life entertaining is not rocket science, and it doesn't have to be expensive. But, it does require planning and attention to detail. With proper execution, you will soon begin building an enviable rolodex of new business contacts and neighborhood friends. People will remember that they met their new CPA, real estate agent, or husband-to-be at your party. You will build a tremendous network of people who know that you were the one who made the connection. They will know that your parties are the must-attend events, and they will also ensure to invite you to every party and function they host. Your calendar will be quickly filled with more and more opportunities. 
Life is short, so have fun. Invite a few people over, have a great time, and grow it from there. Get off Facebook and Instagram, and actually invite everyone over to your place. This is where real life is experienced. You will be rewarded in ways you never imagined. 

-- Fuller Warren, the 30th Governor of Florida, was asked for his thoughts on whiskey. He replied, "If you mean the demon drink that pollutes the body, desecrates family life, and inflames sinners, then I'm against it. But, if you mean the elixir of Christmas cheer, the shield against a cold winter chill, or the taxable potion that puts needed funds into public coffers to comfort little crippled children, then I'm for it." 

* The above Post contains excerpts from Jeff's upcoming book, "Just One More: The Wisdom of Bob Vukovich," Ash Press, Spring 2019 release. 

*For more information on Jeff's Books, Blog, and Legal Challenge, please visit www.jeffmartinovich.com

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