Outside Tech City and Medialand, many citizen consumers would argue strongly that big data, apps and algorithms are – not even gently – squeezing the joy out of life and many of its previously delightful human interactions (sorry geeks). Many people really do object to any company demanding a list of your friends before you can even log in to their webpage.
The idea of this series, over the next 10 weeks, is to explore the relevance and value of actual human relationships – client relationships – in the tech age media business. From the jolly good fellow, old boys' days, to how have things changed (oh, they’ve changed) and what next for developing the part of the business where, arguably, the magic actually happens.
Our series guide... Kevin GallagherThe protagonists are: austerity, driven by a new post-crunch sensibility; consolidation in the sector – many firms are headquartered in the US which brings Sarbannes-Oxley accounting regulations into play; and our delightful homegrown Bribery Act, leaving time and resources the lesser challenges really.The heady mix of perception and spectre of jail sentences for a generous bottle of bubbly too many seem to have applied a new set of heavy manners to the world of corporate hospitality. Too conservative an interpretation of these new rules means people actually say ‘you can’t buy me a drink’. FFS. Surely this is not the case? In the clink for a drink? Really?Media firms invest millions in their brands – pretty much squashed instantly by such an unempowered utterance as ‘you can’t buy me a drink’. Next week we call in the lawyers to get the latest insights and discuss the impact of the Bribery Act in the run up to its three-year anniversary on 1 July.We will also be picking up the phone to some agency heads to get their views on how firms can retain their street credibility as well as satisfy the compliance powers-that-be.Over the weeks, we will also focus heavily on how the junior staffers of today are forging the senior relationships of tomorrow as we find out what are the new frontiers of driving brilliant client relationships. We’ll also shout out some current best practice examples and strategies.As for the client entertaining bit itself, we will uncover some smarts to share about styling it out around the table – from engaging small talk to the requisite table manners. One thing is certain, developing high quality stakeholder relationships is critical to your own personal future career success, never mind that of the fortunes of your firm. See you next Thursday.
Twenty Rather Good Shouts
Taking a cross-rail approach to media London, enjoy the Mr. Sykes Modern Concierge twenty best suggestions for client dining. From the darlings of Paddington to the heros of Hackney and the Mayfair diamonds in between. This week, numbers 20 and 19.
20. The Chiltern Firehouse1 Chiltern Street, Marylebone, London, W1U 7JA
This excellent new restaurant has been subjected to the kind of opening hype and hysteria unheard of since the nineties, now with added social media. Tears have been shed and super model tantrums thrown at the rather democratic treatment of even the global A-list glitterati – most of them have been refused the day or time they called to book and sheepishly settled for an appreciated booking-at-all. (Word).The bad news is that it is worth it, crab donuts and all. We were blown away by the perceptible euphoria in the room, humans gleefully interacting between courses and selfies and tweets of delight about the food even before the calories kick in. Just happy to be there.We can promise you that client schedules will open to accompany you here for brunch, lunch, dinner, cocktails and even super late suppers. No one can promise you a table. Tell everyone you are not subscribing to the bull and have decided to wait until October to give it time to settle in.Here at number 20, but already No.1? Sound the alarm. As for Nuno Mendes? Women love men that can cook.
19. Polpetto11 Berwick Street, London, W1F 0PL
Still work in Soho? Polpetto is a great spot for 60-minute munches. Take your chance and rock up for lunch or, best, call precisely 14 days before your intended visit to bag the time you want. A favourite since the French House old days, Chef Florence Knight serves up delicious plates to share and taste while breaking bread over a get to know you lunch.Keep it casual at the marble topped aperitivo bar, with views through to the open kitchen supplying plenty to talk about and remember. Read elsewhere about the food, but this is small plate dining which helps keep budget and waistlines in control. A Venetian blinder.
