Strictly no smoking and drinking in doing business.

They said 'smoking and drinking' helps to build better business relationship. Is it true?? I'm a non smoker and a non drinker but I have been doing business for the past 45 years and still could conduct business pretty well. 

I remembered 30 years ago when I was a rookie life insurance agent, I tried all ways to meet prospects, made them to be my friends and later sell them my products. There was one occasion when I was introduced to a millionaire at a lunch, where he was entertained by his business associates. Over at the grand table, his guests and the boss were all drinkers and heavy smokers. I was introduced to them as an agent selling life insurance. One of them offered me his cigarette as a welcome gesture which I politely rejected. He was caught with a surprise! I had to tell him that I don't smoke. The next minute the boss offered me a glass of brandy and suggested that I had to drink it 'bottom up' before I could be considered to be their friend. Oh My God! That glass of brandy was never my taste. I took up the courage to tell them that I don't drink too. They were laughing heavily. Their remarks, "How can a salesman don't smoke and don't drink???"  I tried to apologise and to seek for their forgiveness. 

Finally the boss said... If you don't drink but if you could allow me to pour half the glass of brandy over your head, I would still accept you as a friend with us". 

I was not angry but rather I was desperate with his rules. Without hesitation I offered my head to let him pour the drink over me, because I was serious to prove that truly I wasn't a drinker. That arrogant man did what he said and I allowed him to do it with a smile without anger shown. All of them became my friends and they accepted me as a man who doesn't smoke and drink.

Today after 30 years, my good friend the boss who is now at 80 has retired from his business. He has a mild stroke and could hardly walk. He has stopped drinking and smoking. And all those friends, business associates and suppliers have forgotten him now. And I'm the only salesman who still visit him whenever I passed his place. Each time when I dropped over at his shop, I could see in his eyes that he was very happy to see me again. A salesman who doesn't smoke and drink but yet could still remember and to cherish our true friendship. Yes! I will always remember his pouring of brandy over my head.

Food for thought - First the man takes a drink; then the drink takes a drink; then the drink takes the man.

Japanese Proverb