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RSI Search Firm Industry Articles |
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Business Lunch Etiquette |
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Sealing the deal at lunch
Executives can make or break a business deal using effective
Business Lunch Etiquette techniques.
“Dazzling a potential client, business partner
or employers with your good manners and social graces
can result in a job offer or lucrative contract. Alternatively,
a lack of composure or proper table etiquette could mean
a missed opportunity.” warns Tracey Turner, executive
director of The Creative Group.
Turner’s offers tips for executives to using during
their next business lunch:
Enter gracefully
Don’t be late. Executives typically have a limited
amount of time for lunch, so tardiness can be extra offensive.
Greet your lunch date with a firm, warm handshake. Once
everyone is seated and your host has placed his/her napkin
on his lap, immediately do the same.
Know your way around the table
Familiarize yourself with a standard table setting. Beverages,
soup spoon and knives will typically be on your right;
forks and your bread plate will be on your left. The
rule of thumb, start from the outside and work in,
holds true when it comes to which utensils to use first.
If you’re dining in an especially swank establishment,
take a moment to brush up on the proper use of additional
accoutrements, such as fish knives, finger bowls, etc.
Order with care
Ignore your craving for the barbecue pork sandwich or
any other potentially messy dish. By sticking to easy-to-eat
items, executives will save themselves the embarrassment
of sauce dripping down your shirt. Also, don’t
order the most pricey entrée if you’re
not paying, and follow the lead of your host when it
comes to appetizers, desserts and other extras. It’s
best to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages,
even if your host orders one.
Give your host your undivided attention
Don’t start eating until your host has given you
a cue to do so, and try not to leave the table until
the meal has concluded unless it’s necessary. If
you must exit, leave your napkin folded on your chair.
Make sure your cell phone and pager are turned off before
you are seated. Never accept a telephone call while at
the table. If it’s an emergency, excuse yourself
and take the call outside the restaurant.
Be pleasant and courteous to the wait staff
Nothing is more disenchanting (or humiliating) than dining
with someone who is surly or rude to the wait staff.
That doesn’t mean you have to meekly eat the
wrong dish if it’s served to you, but you should
be polite to everyone you encounter. Behaving in an
inconsiderate or arrogant fashion will likely cause
a business associate to question whether you’ll
display the same attitude when working with him/her.
Take time to chat
Don’t delve into business until you’ve placed
your order. Instead, make conversation, and try to get
beyond the weather. Most people love to talk about themselves,
so ask thoughtful questions that aren’t too personal
in nature, and actively listen to your dining companions’ responses.
Remain calm
Despite all of your preparation, you may make a faux
pas during a business lunch. A fork could slip out
of your hand, or a piece of food could get stuck in
your throat. If something doesn’t go according
to plan, don’t let it fluster you.
Exit with ease
Once your host has finished and placed his/her napkin
on the table, you should do the same. Don’t ask
for a doggy bag – it may be frowned upon if you’re
a guest – and be sure to thank your host for
the meal.
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