Business Etiquette
go a long way in making people feel appreciated. Proper Dining Etiquette for the Business World In a world that is fast paced, it seems business luncheons have become a mainstay in conducting business. In transacting with a client, the lunch is still a meeting. One that requires planning, taking care of details, and making sure the lunch is as pleasant as can be, which includes showing proper etiquette and manners. Though it may seem that our eating habits and table manners would go unnoticed in an every day eating environment, the business luncheon pays close attention to the details. One shows great poise in the office, in the planning meeting, and when giving a presentation and therefore, the poise should be extended at the business luncheon. When a professional conducts a business luncheon, they should extend an invitation to the client. Inquire about any food preferences and about any particular restaurants they may prefer. You do not want to make any assumptions as to what the client or customer may prefer. It is seen as thoughtful and courteous when giving your guest the choice to make any recommendations. If your guest has no preferences, have a few names of conveniently located restaurants. It may be best to have been to these restaurants before suggesting them because you do not want to seem unfamiliar with the ambiance. This way you can suggest several of the menu items and the maitre d’ will probably recognize you. After you have inquired about the preferences, the next thing to do is make the reservations. When making the reservations, put them in your name, inform the reservation person that it is a business lunch and request a quiet table (one that is not near the kitchen, washroom, or cash register). Now on the day of the lunch, arrive on time and wait for your client in the foyer and greet them there, not at the bar or table. If you are going to be late, out of simple courtesy call the restaurant ahead of time and let them know you will be late. Every table in a restaurant has a power seat. This power seat faces the audience and lets you or your client fully see everyone seated at the table. It is customary to give this seat to the client because the power seat faces the audience. The power seat comes from a military lore, in which the general would never sit with his back to the door or to the main body of the room. When ordering, it is a good idea to order something you are familiar with and not to order something that is heavily spiced, too exotic, or food that is too messy. Another thing to be aware of is how many drinks to order. It may be customary in a social setting to have a few drinks during your meal, but at a business lunch you should keep the drink to one. Because, after all, it is a business [next page]