There's nothing like a controversial food to split marriages and divide nations. Cast your vote for dishes you can't stomach.
PowerPoint? Ready. Tie? Stain free. Venue? These Mumbai meeting spots will impress
Businessmen Jishnu Sen and Vinit Phatak give up some insider tips on where they take clients to win them over.
The Club at the Four Seasons in Worli is currently the most exclusive place to do business, if you can swing a membership. Better still, get the boss on the case. When doing business in Mumbai, convenience of location takes top priority.
Then comes privacy, discreet service and food.
Underestimate food at your peril. If your clients or contacts don't eat well, that animated PowerPoint presentation you labored over isn't worth the screen it's projected on.
A five-star hotel is generally a safe bet, but sometimes imagination or ambiance can earn you extra credit. Two Mumbai-based businessmen with different work styles share their takes on the best places to do business in Mumbai.
The Local Vibe Business DealJishnu Sen is the COO of advertising agency Grey India who chooses a meeting place based on the client. He once made a presentation to Nike on a basketball court.
“When I am doing business with a foreigner, I take him or her to a place that gives them a unique India experience -- Leopold Cafe in Colaba [+91 (0) 22 22828185], Chowpatty Beach, the Taj Mahal Hotel [+91 (0) 22 66653366] or Britannia [+91 (0) 22 22615264],” he says. These locations never fail as topics of discussion as well.
Sen suggests Point of View, the rooftop lounge at the ITC Grand Central hotel [+91 (0) 22 24101010] in Lower Parel, "to do business in Mumbai surrounded by a great view and calming ambiance."
“Indigo restaurant in South Mumbai [+91 (0) 22 66368999] remains a favorite, as it positions the person as important. Kebabs and Kurries [also at the ITC Grand Central] is where I take anyone who wants to eat Indian food."
The High Brow Business DealVinit Phatak, Managing Director, Invision Projects Pvt. Ltd has more staid needs given the nature of his business -- the telecom, marine and aviation safety industries.
“After having several meetings at each other’s offices, I prefer to finalize the deal in a neutral place," Vinit says.
"Currently my favorite place is The Club [+91 (0) 22 24818000] at the Four Seasons Hotel [members only]. The conference rooms have great views and after the work is done, you can step out to the bar for a celebratory champagne or single malt. Then step down to one of the restaurants at the hotel or go to the Blue Frog [+91 (0) 22 4033 2300] nearby to finish off your day doing business with an expensive dinner and live music.”
