Entertaining clients – be the perfect host

Whether you are the eternal wallflower or the life and soul of the party, when it comes to schmoozing your clients you are going to have to shine. Not everyone is comfortable with entertaining clients. But there is no getting away from the fact that it is a vital part of relationship building.

Face-to face meetings are the most effective way of strengthening your business relationships. But everyone knows that, therefore everyone is doing it. If you want to be remembered by your clients, be innovative, stand out from the crowd. That’s not to say you have to embark on an extreme sports hospitality regime – bungee jumping, wing walking and bobsleighing aren’t for everyone. But value your clients and they will value you.

So how can this be achieved? Simple. Listen to them. That’s it in a nutshell. A simple comment made during a routine phone call could give you a vital insight into what makes them tick; a favourite sport, hobby or restaurant. Make a note of it – they will be suitably impressed when you entertain them in a way that is tailored to them.

Whatever event you decide on you must ensure your clients receive 5 star treatment. Be innovative, tailor the event to your client’s interests (not yours), pay attention to detail and be the perfect host. Leave nothing to chance. By following these simple guidelines your clients will value you as much as you value them.

Kim Rix – CEO – The SaVVy Club^® – London’s first Boutique Events Club where members experience VIP Social Events unavailable elsewhere.

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Stress – What Is It?

The SaVVy Club^® is an exclusive social events club run for the professional executive. We always strive to bring you articles of interest and therefore we have invited Recovering Workaholics to contribute to our blog.

The first thing to understand is that stress in itself is not a bad thing. It is how we react to stressful situations that make the difference.

Stress can cause major health problems or in extreme cases be fatal. If you are experiencing any health problems brought on or made worse by stress or if you are feeling significantly unhappy it is extremely important that you seek professional health advice. You should always seek the advice of your medical practitioner before any significant change in diet or exercise routine.

Stress is sited as the cause of over 500,000 days of absence a year in the UK alone. It represents a huge cost in both economic and personal terms. In order to deal with it we must first understand what it is and what causes it.

Below are definitions for the word “stress.”

“Stress is a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that “demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize.” (Attributed to Richard S Lazarus)

“Stress (roughly the opposite of relaxation) is a medical term for a wide range of strong external stimuli, both physiological and psychological, which can cause a physiological response called the general adaptation syndrome, first described in 1936 by Hans Selye in the journal Nature “
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress_(medicine)

“An emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition occurring in response to adverse external influences and capable of affecting physical health which can be characterized by increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, muscular tension, irritability and depression.” http://www.achenet.org/resources/glossary.php

There is no doubt that people generally respond well to a challenge particularly if they are involved in creating or something they find exciting. Where those involved believe what they do matters, and they feel they have some ownership and control over their situation, there is a positive payback even when working extremely hard over long hours. We could debate whether the pressure involved in such situations constitutes stress.

Where stress is detrimental, people are often in situations where they feel they have little control, feedback is non existent or overly negative, failure, humiliation, lack of support results in the person feeling that what they do has little value or they themselves are not valued. Sustained exposure to such negative situations can have serious implications for the health and well being of the individual and ultimately for the organization as a whole.

Gina Gardiner, Recovering Workaholics, http://www.recoveringworkaholics.com

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The Rise and Rise of the Executive Job Board

The SaVVy Club® is an exclusive social events club run for the professional executive. We always strive to bring you articles of interest and therefore we have invited Goldjobs (the trusted senior executive advertising and networking job board and portal for executive positions) to contribute to our blog.

Online job boards have forever changed the way candidates seek and apply for new positions. However, despite many saying it would never work, the executive job board is now a permanent part of the recruitment landscape.

Job boards now attract candidates at every professional level. Senior managers and executives now consider searching for a new position online as an acceptable approach. As people become more ‘internet savvy’ and are comfortable searching online for everything from shopping to holidays, looking for a new job is a natural extension of this behaviour. But if you were an executive in a large corporate firm, would you really feel comfortable registering with an online job board, and trust that you will find your next position there?

Working in conjunction with executive recruitment firms, the Internet has proved to be an ideal business partner for unusual jobs at senior level. Rosalyn Rahme, Director of executive job portal Goldjobs, explains: “For example, Rolls Royce may be looking for someone who can liase with ports around the world, but who also comes from a jet propulsion background. Those are the types of roles where the Internet is absolutely invaluable. Whereas those assignments would have been refused in the past, they are now within the reach of our local head-hunters.”

Similarly the Internet is good for ‘usual executive jobs’. The Internet exposes the achievements, habits and professional background of the most senior executives. They are easy to find and easy to verify.

The online job market is becoming swamped with companies and executive search firms have now launched their own sites. However, Rahme believes that had the search firms consolidated originally, they would have a much stronger hold on the market than they do now: “The problem is that the real estate on the internet is becoming very valuable, and recruitment companies have diluted the market. Instead of paying to go on one or two job boards, they now have to pay more to go on many different ones. We’ve cut off our nose to spite our face; the consumer is only going to visit two or three job sites.”

The success lies in the team working behind the website: “One of the most important things for a senior job board is that the people behind it are very senior. If you have a good reputation, people will recognise that the team are very knowledgeable.”

More and more executives are turning to the web to find their next position!

Reproduced with permission from Executive Grapevine

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Top 6 Gourmet Treats for Special Occasions

Are you fed up working all the time? Do you find that you never have the time to organise something special for those important occasions in life like anniversaries and birthdays? Perhaps you just want to spend quality time with your loved one.

Well, to help you make the most of your time we have put together a list of the top 6 must-try gourmet treats. So no more excuses – what are you waiting for?

Burns Night Dinner

Some hae meat and cannot eat,
Some cannot eat that want it:
But we hae meat and we can eat,
Sae let the Lord be thank it.

That can mean only one thing – please be upstanding for the haggis! Why not join us for an exclusive 5 star Scottish evening to remember. This wonderful evening of fine food and camaraderie has been part of Scottish culture for about 200 years.

Dinner at The Fat Duck in Bray

Join us for this fast becoming legendary sensory journey of gastronomy.

Heston Blumenthal opened The Fat Duck in 1995. By 2004 it had gained 3 Michelin Stars and had cemented Heston’s growing reputation as a ‘culinary alchemist’. Never afraid to experiment with combinations of ingredients, he has brought us such delights and intrigues as snail porridge, salmon poached in liquorice gel and nitro-scrambled eggs and bacon ice cream.

Lunch at Claridge’s

What could be better on a spring day than enjoying lunch at the hotel that has been the epitome of English style since 1898?

Indulge in a little extravagance and join us for lunch at Claridge’s. The Reading Room defines Claridge’s as a luxury art deco jewel in London. This is a superb venue for intimate dining in a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.

Afternoon Tea at The Wolseley

Join us for a very English afternoon tea in the stunning surroundings of The Wolseley, Piccadilly.

The building was originally commissioned in 1921 by the Wolseley Car Company as their West End showroom. Drawing on Venetian and Florentine influences, its atmospheric interior boasts grand pillars, arches and stairways.

Dinner at Restaurant Gordon Ramsey, Royal Hospital Road

Enjoy an evening of pure indulgence with our luxurious visit to Restaurant Gordon Ramsey which captures the hallmark of true excellence combining contemporary elegance, an intimate ambience and unparalleled service.

Honoured with 3 Michelin Stars, its simple French cuisine is sure to surpass your expectations.

Sunday Lunch at The Narrow

It could be a tight fit but it will be well worth it. Why not come along and try out Gordon Ramsey’s latest offering.

Set in a Grade II-listed old dock master’s house with Thames views, The Narrow is a truly British establishment offering classic British dishes created with seasonal ingredients. Indulge in the warm, relaxed atmosphere and enjoy real ales and ciders, or champagne if you prefer!

The SaVVy Club^® – where Members enjoy a unique calendar of exclusive social events organised just for them where they can relax in the knowledge that everything is taken care of.

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The Merry Wives of Windsor

The original Globe may no longer be with us but Sam Wanamaker’s dream to bring The Globe back as a fitting tribute to the great Bard has thrilled audiences and brought the Shakespearean experience to life.

 

Each year we are treated to stunning performances of his work. This year amongst the well known titles is The Merry Wives of Windsor, a truly wonderful comedy first published in 1602.

 

If you are familiar with Shakespeare, you could well be forgiven for thinking that he was not only a great writer but also a precursor to the great Jules Verne when it comes to sci-fi style time travel. No, you didn’t blink and miss the scene where the cast travel to the centre of the earth, I was thinking more along the lines of the way Shakespeare anachronistically places the wonderfully colourful character of Sir John Falstaff in a contemporary setting of the Elizabethan era (circa 1600) when he previously appeared in plays about the medieval King Henry IV set around 1400! He has aged remarkably well.

 

It is a wonderful piece of penmanship and the only Shakespeare play that deals exclusively with the cotemporary Elizabethan era and in particular the prejudices of middle class England.  

 

An evening at The Globe is like stepping back in time. The surroundings and the artistry of the actors and production team create a real sense of history – something that should be experienced by all visitors to London.

 

The SaVVy Club^® are organising a truly memorable evening on the 5^th October 2008 – the final performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor. To find out more information call 01280 818782 or apply for your  Guest Pass. To see what other exclusive and stylish events we have to offer check out our forthcoming social events calendar.

 

Sally Ormond

The SaVVy Club^®

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Retreat and Refocus at The Mangrove

Vi Thomas was the lucky winner of our 6^th Anniversary competition. Her prize was a weekend retreat at The Mangrove. These are specifically for people who are looking for a change but don’t necessarily know what kind of change they want. The retreats are structured in such a way that they give you the opportunity to take a 360 degree view of your life. 

 

I must say that I was slightly apprehensive when booking to attend The Mangrove Retreat as I had all sorts of misconceptions in mind as to what it was all about having never attended something like this before. The founder of the Mangrove, Damon Newman was able to answer my many questions and by the end of it all, I was really looking forward to the event. One thing I do recall is telling my colleagues about the weekend retreat. It had been a manic week working on a national project within the Health Service and we were all looking forward to a lazy, well earned rest over the weekend….

 

Read Vi’s full review of the weekend at   http://www.savvyclub.co.uk/page/Review-of-The-Mangrove-by-Vi-Thomas

 

 

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Private Tours, Exclusive Tours and Director’s Tours

Here are a few events that we have on offer for your pleasure at the moment. We extend the opportunity for you to experience the magic of our bespoke social occasions.

Buckingham Palace Tour & dine at Mosimann’s
Would you like an exclusive look round Buckingham Palace after the Palace has closed to the public? This rare privilege gives you the opportunity to view the state rooms – of which there are 19 – which house some of the greatest treasurers from the Royal Collection. But what makes this event so special is that you will also be led round some parts of the Palace that are never open to the public by a Palace historian.

Champagne and Director’s Tour of Kensington Palace
Even with SaVVy standards, this event is one of the best! Set amidst the tranquillity of Kensington Gardens in the heart of West London, Kensington Palace has been a royal residence for over 300 years. This is your opportunity to enjoy the Director’s tour of Kensington Palace led by Nigel Arch, the palace Director. Champagne and canapés will kick off this historic evening as you explore the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria.

Experience the Glyndebourne Opera Tour – Hänsel und Gretel
Leave the hustle and bustle of City life behind and indulge in a magical black tie evening of Opera with The SaVVy Club® at Glyndebourne. Enjoy the privilege of top seats, a world class performance and first class company.

A Gastrotour of Borough Market with Celia Brooks-Brown
Do you love your food? Do you enjoy trying something new? Well, there is nothing that TV Chef and food writer Celia Brooks-Brown doesn’t know about food. Why not join her and broaden your food horizons with a unique insider’s view of London’s vibrant culinary hotspots.

What have you got to lose?
If you are a busy, professional individual who is interested in meeting other discerning busy professional individuals, then take a look at our social events calendar. If you would like to experience one of our events, call us today on 01280 818782 or apply for a Guest Pass or Membership.

The SaVVy Club^® – an exclusive club always delivering events that are intimate, stylish and memorable, allowing you to quickly meet a whole variety of people whilst exploring London’s finest places and enjoying the best and exclusive events.

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Two Gastronomic Extravaganzas

Are you a self-confessed foody? Are you passionate about fine wines and gourmet food? Well, we have just the thing for you – a choice of gastronomic extravaganzas.

Gourmet Weekend on the Côte d’Azur

Why not take this opportunity to extend your summer and join us at the superb hotel, Relais & Châteaux, in the medieval village of Mougins.

During your stay you will be guided by a fantastic Michelin-stared chef from the buying of fresh produce from Cannes market to creating your very own feast fit for a King. This coupled with wine tasting and a gourmet dinner at chef’s table will ensure a truly unforgettable weekend.

An Oxford Street Feast

Can’t quite spare the time for a weekend away? Well, you can still enjoy this culinary experience right here in London.

In an exclusive, fun location near Oxford Street, you will be led by an experienced chef in a gourmet cookery course. This is an ideal opportunity to flex those gastronomic muscles as you are led through an exclusive master-class. You will be amazed as the chef within you is released to create all manner of stunning dishes.

Would you like to experience the VIP treatment at a Stylish, Exclusive, Memorable Event organised and hosted by The SaVVy Club® ? For more events like these, claim your FREE London Social Event Calendar.

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Have you signed Mandela’s Birthday Card yet?

The SaVVy Club^®, London’s first boutique social events club invites you to support our chosen charitable causes The Mineseeker Foundation and The Sole of Africa.

The Mineseeker Foundation is dedicated to raising funds from Governments, commercial concerns and funding agencies to deploy its unique airborne mine field surveying and mapping systems and enable the eradication of land mines and, through The Sole of Africa initiative, return liberated land to food production.

The patrons of the Mineseeker Foundation and The Sole of Africa include Nelson Mandela, his wife Graca Machel, Queen Noor of Jordan, Brad Pitt, Sir Richard Branson and John Paul Dejoria.

http://www.thesoleofafrica.org.za/
http://www.mineseeker.com/

To celebrate his 90th Birthday we’re giving Nelson Mandela an e-Birthday Card and we’re asking for more people to sign it than ever before!!

Have you signed yet?

http://www.mandela90.com/

This is what other people have written !

very happy birthday)))
Submitted By: Romanchenko Elena (Female, Country: Australia on Tuesday, Jul 01, 2008 5:09 AM)

Happy Birthday Mr. Mandela, Through out your years of captivity you were an example of what a man could withstand in order to achieve fredom and respect. You became greater afterwards, forgiving those who imprisoned you. Freedom has no better ally.
Submitted By: Flenner Robert (Male, Country: South Africa on Tuesday, Jul 01, 2008 4:55 AM)

Happy Birthday, Mr Mandela! You have made us all proud to be South African.I hope you enjoy your birthday-look forward to next years celebrations!
Submitted By: Moller Sue (Female, Country: South Africa on Tuesday, Jul 01, 2008 4:31 AM)

Wishing you a happy birthday Mr Mandela, have one on me 🙂
Submitted By: Mansfield George (Male, Country: United Kingdom on Tuesday, Jul 01, 2008 4:06 AM)

Happy Birthday Mr Mandela!
Submitted By: MESARIC IVANA (Female, Country: Croatia on Tuesday, Jul 01, 2008 3:34 AM)

Happy birthday Madiba! I pray that you will live forever… South Africans of all colour owe you more than you will ever know. We love you.
Submitted By: Tuck Barry (Male, Country: South Africa on Tuesday, Jul 01, 2008 2:01 AM)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TATE MADIBA… THANX GOD FOR GIVING THE WORLD …YOU
Submitted By: THOKA PRECIOUS (Male, Country: South Africa on Tuesday, Jul 01, 2008 1:50 AM)

I love you President Mandela – Happy 90th Birthday!!!
Submitted By: Nalubwama Sophy (Female, Country: United States on Tuesday, Jul 01, 2008 1:43 AM)

Best wishes to one of the most compassionate and caring people on the planet. UBUNTU
Submitted By: Banwell Laurice (Female, Country: Australia on Tuesday, Jul 01, 2008 1:21 AM)

Have you signed yet?

http://www.mandela90.com/

The Times is asking, “what do you give the man who has everything?” Any ideas?.

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