ABSTRACT
Turning down a free drink is just rude, pure and simple. If someone offers you a drink, never, ever turn it down, even if you have no intention of drinking the free cocktail. You don't have to take it down with two gulps, but if someone is kind enough to spend their money on you, let them. Think of it as a gift, you wouldn't hand a Christmas present back to someone who took the time to purchase and wrap it for you; a free drink is a gift you should accept. In the business world, you will be offered “free drinks” early and often; you should never turn these down either. There will be times when you won't want advice or training; force yourself to take it or at least listen to it. There will also be no shortage of opportunities to observe and learn from your colleague's styles and strategies; these are bonus drinks as far as I am concerned. You can learn just as much from your colleagues' successes and mistakes as you can from your own. All of these opportunities to drink for free should be capitalized on and put into your bank of knowledge for later use.
