Ruby Slippers Posted July 13, 2012 Posted July 13, 2012 I've been dating this guy for a month, and things are going well. Our last date was him taking me out for my birthday, and giving me a really nice present. Our next date is tomorrow. I got an invitation to go the anniversary cocktail party for the company of one of my clients next weekend. This is a very important business relationship, so I'm definitely going. I met with the president a while back and they signed a large contract with me. Provided this goes well, they will most likely sign an even larger contract next time. I would like to invite the guy I'm dating to make an appearance at this cocktail party with me. I think it would be fun, and quite frankly, I could make an even better impression with him by my side. My question is: Have we been dating long enough for me to extend this invitation? For the record, we've already talked about coordinating out-of-town trips together next month, with a little overlap in a city in the middle. If logistical factors work out with his friend who'll be hosting him, he said he wants to make it happen.
FitChick Posted July 13, 2012 Posted July 13, 2012 Keep your business and your personal life separate. Yes, you can meet when one of you is traveling out of town, but at a restaurant or hotel. Do not meet their business prospects or vice versa. No one wants to be a fifth wheel and the client might be hesitant to talk about certain things with an outsider present. The only exception might be if you were in the same business and he could use the event to network.
Ninjainpajamas Posted July 13, 2012 Posted July 13, 2012 No Keep your business your business and your pleasure your pleasure, I don't see why you would want to invite a guy into the mix that you've just been dating...but that seems to be a lot of what women like to do, hurry up and throw the guy into the mix before they even know him well enough. As far as things being said, saying is easy...doing is another thing altogether, so I wouldn't move along so fast based on promises. I've known so many women that did this because they thought everything was great and would last and they aren't even with those men anymore...I'm really not sure what the hurry is, but they seem not to be able to help themselves. You won't have to answer any questions now or in the future...and especially since it's business related I think it's wise to be able to be free and mingle rather than walking around with an anchor that keeps you out of conversation, or at least as freely. Very important business relationship and some random guy they've never met is supposed to improve relations somehow, a better impression how? crazy. 2
Author Ruby Slippers Posted July 13, 2012 Author Posted July 13, 2012 Very important business relationship and some random guy they've never met is supposed to improve relations somehow, a better impression how? crazy. He and the president have a lot in common, he's in a very closely related field, he's crazy smart, and he's fun and sociable. It's a cocktail party on the patio to celebrate their success, so I assumed the atmosphere would be fun and light. And what's more fun than a cute, cool guy at your side? I would think it's fine to take him along whether we stick together long term or not - what's the problem with bringing a fun date? Also, I've already had an intense business brainstorming session with this guy, and he helped me with a totally new type of project that is exactly his expertise. We couldn't have done a satisfactory job without his input. I could have turned the project down, but he was happy to help, and we were curious about trying this type of work. And we spend a good bit of time pretty much every time we see each other talking business. We're both very committed to our careers and achieving financial freedom, and talking about how to do it most effectively comes up all the time. But I take your point that it is early. I'm fine with going on my own, and you might be right that I can "get more done". I'm sure there will be many more such opportunities in the future.
Imajerk17 Posted July 13, 2012 Posted July 13, 2012 A month in, you're sleeping together he got you a gift for your birthday... I'd see absolutely no problem with it. I can't possibly see that scaring anyone away. That's how worlds merge by the way--you see your partner in new environments. Have fun!
january2011 Posted July 13, 2012 Posted July 13, 2012 How will you introduce him? Can you still remain professional if you break up and he maintains contact with the President/your client? And do you trust him to add value by his presence rather than detract value? I think that the upside of inviting him is that he is another business professional, he's presentable, he knows how to talk in these settings, he might actually help you to do more business by singing your praises to the other people at the party (you can't schmooze everywhere at once). If it were a sit-down event, then I'd err on the side of caution and not invite him. However, since it's a wander-the-room and network type of event, you don't have to be joined at the hip --> divide and conquer. As long as you are sure that you will get a positive outcome and he won't embarrass you, then I don't see why you shouldn't invite him. But obviously, it's on the understanding that he behaves himself and you both need to maintain a professional image.
Imajerk17 Posted July 13, 2012 Posted July 13, 2012 I'm assuming that this is a party where bringing SOs is normal, by the way. 1
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