The Value Of Entertaining

At RPM we’ve built our reputation not just on what we know but on who we know and how we connect them. Our team is made up of seasoned veterans from across the betting and gaming space, bringing decades of combined experience and insight to every conversation, deal, and introduction. But if you take a glance at our social media, you might be forgiven for thinking we just spend our days dining out and drinking champagne.

And to be fair, yes, there’s a lot of that. From private boxes at Royal Ascot to dinners with clients and drinks after conferences, entertaining is part of the rhythm of life at RPM. But behind the photos and pints is something much more intentional: a business development strategy built on relationships.

In many sectors deals are sealed after months of formal negotiations. However, the betting and gaming industry operates slightly differently. It’s a fast-paced, relationship-driven environment where trust is the key to unlocking new opportunities.

To those on the outside looking in, the entertaining side of what we do might look like nothing more than wining and dining, a few flashy events, and plenty of good times. But there’s much more to it than that.

Entertaining can in fact be a powerful business tool that delivers measurable value across industries. Here’s how:

In traditional business settings, everyone’s on their best behaviour. But entertaining creates a more relaxed atmosphere where people can be themselves. That openness helps trust develop more naturally and far more quickly than it does across a meeting room table.

It’s not just about one-on-one conversations either. Trust is often reinforced in group settings, where the dynamic shifts. When senior execs see their peers engaging with us, sharing insights, striking deals, or speaking candidly, it sends a powerful message, showing that we’re not just welcome at the table, we’re already helping to shape the conversation.

Sharing a meal or a drink encourages more honest, open dialogue. Clients and prospects are more likely to speak candidly about their challenges, goals, and decision-making processes, insights that can prove invaluable when it comes to offering the right solution at the right time.

Entertaining isn’t just for new business. It’s also about nurturing existing partnerships. A shared experience outside of a work context can strengthen bonds, increase loyalty, and keep your business front-of-mind when the next opportunity rolls around.

Some of the best business ideas come when you’re not actively trying to sell anything. A passing comment, a shared interest, or a casual introduction can spark a conversation that leads to a major deal. These chance moments rarely happen in formal meetings, but they happen all the time over dinner.

Your competitors might offer a similar product or service, but relationships are where you can stand out. Taking the time to entertain shows clients that you value their partnership, not just their purchase order.

No one wants to feel like they’re being sold to. Entertaining strips away the transactional element and allows a genuine rapport to build. When people enjoy spending time with you, they’re more likely to enjoy doing business with you.

Being present at industry events, hosting clients at memorable venues, and creating standout experiences all contribute to how your brand is perceived. It shows you’re active, connected, and respected; someone people want in the room when deals are being made.

With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to make the most of entertaining. Whether it’s catching up with long-standing partners or meeting new faces in the industry, these moments play a meaningful role in how business gets done.

Our sales team, the familiar faces you’ll spot in our posts, understand this better than anyone. They’re not just showing up to socialise. They show up to listen, to introduce, to connect, and to spot opportunities others might miss. More often than not, those opportunities turn into deals.

Because at the end of the day, entertaining is a key part of how we do business. As clichéd as it might sound, people buy from people. People they like, respect, and, most importantly, trust.