| As much as fifty percent of business is conducted | | | | you at a business dinner. |
| over the business lunch or dinner. That is a lot of | | | | As the host, you can make suggestions to your |
| opportunities to make deals or blow them! When it | | | | guest if they are not sure what to order. Let your |
| comes to business dining, there are a few important | | | | guest order first, then you order something in the |
| topics beyond rudimentary table and restaurant | | | | same price range. If you are more interested in the |
| etiquette that can stand in the way of deal-making. | | | | deal than the meal, order anyway. Do not leave your |
| Prepare | | | | guest with the awkwardness of eating alone. If your |
| Prepare your business objectives before you arrive, | | | | guest orders a salad, order one, too, even if you |
| and have your talking points ready. You want the | | | | only take one or two bites. |
| conversation to go smoothly, so do not attempt to | | | | Avoid entrées that are difficult to eat in |
| memorize a script. Remember to actually ask for the | | | | public, like barbecue ribs or spaghetti. Go for the |
| deal, if that is your objective. | | | | penne pasta instead. Also, make sure that everyone |
| Call Ahead, Arrive Early | | | | stays on the same course; you do not want to be |
| Call ahead to reserve a good table, and arrive early | | | | still on your salad while your guest is ready for the |
| to greet your guests at the door. As the host, it is | | | | entrée. |
| your responsibility to pay for the meal. If the meal is | | | | When it comes to ordering wine, the best wine is a |
| somewhat casual, a guest might insist on paying. It | | | | matter of taste, not cost. If you are clueless about |
| creates awkwardness at the table when the guest | | | | wines and want to look like a class act, show the |
| and host are fighting over the bill. You can avoid an | | | | menu to the wine steward, and indicate that you |
| unpleasant situation and have a smooth transition | | | | want something "from this area." "Your guests will |
| from mealtime to departure by offering your credit | | | | not know if you mean the region or the price," |
| card when you first arrive. | | | | suggests Maria Everding at the Etiquette Institute. Be |
| Seating Arrangements | | | | sure to not overindulge in wine - drinking one glass |
| The client is the most important person at the dinner, | | | | over an hour's time will keep you out of trouble. |
| and, if you intend to actually discuss a business deal, | | | | There is so much to learn about business dining, but |
| do not allow them the most scenic view in the | | | | these suggestions can get you started on savvy |
| restaurant or the opportunity to observe other | | | | dining and deal-making. There can be a lot at stake, |
| patrons. These can prove to be distractions for the | | | | so use everything you learned as a consultant or |
| client with which you may not be able to compete. | | | | professional - all of your sales, negotiating, body |
| With that said, if you are dining with a group, be sure | | | | language, image, etiquette and dining skills and |
| to seat the decision maker at your right hand so that | | | | experience should come into play. |
| you can easily conduct business. | | | | As always, practice makes perfect. Learn from every |
| Introductions | | | | dining experience so that you can be closer to |
| When introducing business guests to each other, say | | | | perfecting the next one. |
| the name of the person to whom you want to show | | | | When in Doubt, Hire a Professional |
| deference first. If you are dining with civilian business | | | | Consider hiring an image and etiquette consultant to |
| people, everyone is a Mr. or a Ms. (not a Mrs., unless | | | | work with you to define your business dining |
| you know she wants to be referred to in that | | | | objectives and to help you put together the attire to |
| manner). Titles and honorifics can get a little tricky, so | | | | influence the perceptions of your clients and |
| do your homework and become familiar with the | | | | prospects. |
| various forms of address to avoid embarrassment. | | | | You are now equipped with the knowledge and |
| Ordering | | | | information to create a business dining experience |
| Remember that business is not discussed until the | | | | that can clearly reflect your high level of |
| ordering is done. In some cultures, business is not | | | | professionalism. Read this article before your next |
| discussed until the meal is over. If you are dining with | | | | business dinner or lunch and you will be equipped with |
| someone from a culture that is unfamiliar to you, do | | | | the business dining skills that will bring many rewards. |
| some pre-work to understand what is expected of | | | | |