Article Category: Career Advise
By The Creative GroupMuch can be decided over such a small meal, make sure you're prepared for success. They say there's no such thing as a free lunch, but if you play your cards right, business conducted in a restaurant setting can hold rewards far beyond the cost of a meal. Dazzling a potential employer or client 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.
That being said, you shouldn't be too self-conscious during your next working lunch. While it's wise to be aware of the basics--such as which side the bread plate goes on (the left)--the experience as a whole will determine your level of success. How smoothly did the conversation flow? Did your host feel at ease in your company? Were you able to convey your points in a friendly way?
Here are some tips that can help you seal the deal during your next business meal:
Enter gracefully
Don't be late. People typically have a limited amount of time for lunch, so tardiness can be extra offensive. Other tips? Greet your lunch date with a firm, warm handshake. Once everyone has been seated and your host has placed his/her napkin on his lap, immediately do the same.
"Never accept a telephone call while at the table. If it's an emergency, excuse yourself and take the call outside the restaurant. "
Know your way around the table
Familiarize yourself with a standard table setting. Beverages, soupspoon 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, you'll save yourself the embarrassment of sauce dripping down your shirt. Also, don't order the most pricey entrŽe 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 absolutely necessary. If you must exit, leave your napkin folded on your chair. Make sure your cell phone and pager are turned off before you're 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. Instead, pardon yourself, smile and continue the conversation. Your ability to handle a glitch with grace will make a far deeper impression than any minor blunder could.
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.
As schedules become more hectic, the business lunch continues to grow in popularity. In a recent survey of financial executives commissioned by our firm, nearly half of respondents said their most successful business meeting outside the office was conducted over a meal. Dining out is a great way to get to know your professional contacts on a more personal level and to turn a potentially humdrum meeting into a more festive occasion. Bon appetit!
Article furnished by The Creative Group, a specialized staffing service placing marketing, advertising, creative and web professionals on a project basis.
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