You get paid for getting things done.
Yet for many of us it is not building and planning that is the big challenge it is people skills.
If you can learn to build great working relationships the whole thing goes a lot better.
Building relationship with someone who you don't see every often is even more important.
The further the distance traveled the more value your must place on your time.
Every minute counts.
In order to make the most of your time take advantage of trust building time off the job.
This is a opportunity to learn the other person's communication style and dreams.
These will reward you later.
It is not hard just let the conversation flow.
The traditional way of social business outing is to the bar or club.
The challenge here is that when working with someone that your are not familiar with you might needlessly offend their religion or culture.
Your just need to keep your ear to the ground and response to the hints.
Where you plan to drink be ware that some hold religious conviction against drinking.
In addition some cultures don't drink as much as we do.
There is on need to offend anyone over a glass of wine avoid this by ask ahead of time.
You may wish to head for a restaurant instead, but remember all the noise and the occasional jerk who causes a big scene in a restaurant can put a damper on things.
If you have a more personal topic to cover this may not be the best place.
There is always home sweat home for building your relationship, but keep it professional.
Your business partner may be very skilled, but there is no use frightening him to death with your pet snake.
If your time becomes too personal it may be unfruitful.
You also may need to go over the menu remember that different area have different taste and other cultures don't always like our food.
The meal is uncomfortable from the beginning if your menu is not suitable.
Just ask that is the easy way.