Close the Deal, Save the Grizzlies – Why hanging out with Andre Agassi can help you land that big account and save money on your taxes.

The next time you’re entertaining clients or trying to win new ones, it could help to give a little — at a charity fundraiser. Often these affairs offer entertainment that the old wine-and-dine can’t hope to match. Many include auctions for donated items not available elsewhere, and some attract celebrities and sports figures. One such event is the Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children, an annual benefit concert with performers such as Elton John, Stevie Wonder, and Faith Hill.

Outings like these make an impression that lasts longer than the memory of the priciest five-star dinner. Last fall Joshua Aaron, president of Business Technology Partners, a New York City-based IT services firm, took one of his major clients to a day at Shea Stadium that benefited children’s welfare programs. The two men received baseball uniforms and played ball with retired Mets and Yankees such as Rusty Staub and Joe Pepitone. Says Aaron, "My client had a phenomenal time." Plus, he was able to share in the good feeling that comes from aiding a worthy cause.

Tickets can be pricey, but the cost could actually help your bottom line. Tax deductions for meals and entertaining are limited to 50% of expenditures, but if you go to a fundraiser, the charitable contribution portion of your bill is usually 100% deductible. So, if you take clients to play in the San Francisco Zoo’s annual golf outing next month, you can deduct everything above $300 per person, the normal cost of the golf round, food, and a goodie bag. Plus, you can save some endangered grizzly bears.

From: Inc. Magazine, April 2005 | Page 68 By: Larry Olmsted

Full Story: http://www.inc.com/magazine/20050401/t-e.html

(If taking your clients to one of these events is a little beyond your scope, consider any number of local not-for-profit organizations and their fund raising events. What better way to develop client relationships than hosting a number of them at a local event where they can rub shoulders with the other "movers and shakers" that you associate with. Win-win all around. Even better is to build a strong relationship with an organization that you can publicize in your press releases and assist in their social benefit activities. The organization will provide your company both a strategic benefit as well as a "feel-good" quality that goes a long way with current and potential clients. Great example is the long-standing Home Depot and Habitat for Humanity relationship. What not-for-profit organization would be a good fit for yours? If you’d like a list of possibilities try: The Montana Non Profit Association http://www.mtnonprofit.org/ – Russ)