Business dining etiquette is crucial and can help you make a tremendous impact in your business meeting.
It is often said that respect begets respect. This only goes to show the importance of the practice of business etiquette whether you are dealing with long-time or new-found clients as well as with your other business associates.
The corporate world is a host to a wide range of possibilities. Nowadays, many business opportunities no longer transpire within the four walls of the office. Many professionals conduct transactions over meals. Some of them are done while playing golf, during some special business functions, and during some entertainment events. Needless to say, the restaurants are among the common venues where contracts are signed and business deals are closed.
Here are five essential business dining etiquette tips that you should observe to set yourself up for the most successful outcome.
Arrive Early
Prior to the actual meeting itself, you have to come up with a schedule.
- Is it going to be at breakfast time?
- Is it at lunchtime?
- Or will you have dinner instead?
Whichever schedule you settle with, what is very important is that you arrive at the venue earlier than your client does. Don’t let your client wait for you. Being on time, preferably ahead of time, is a sign of courtesy and respect. By arriving early you have more time to get settled, to use the restroom, to check your documents, to warm up with your dialogues, and anything else you need to do before your meeting.
Research
There are instances when it is the client who suggests the venue of the business meeting. If the place is unfamiliar to you, it is vital that you do your own research.
Check out the website of the restaurant, make phone calls, or ask other colleagues for directions and any other helpful tips regarding the venue.
Some restaurants are hard to find or the parking might be a little tricky. By asking around or doing a “dry-run” before you’ll be prepared and won’t be caught off guard.
It will also be helpful if you check out their menu beforehand, so that you already know what to order for yourself. Doing so will save you from wasting too much time. Your guest, however should not be rushed.
To Drink or Not To Drink
Before the business meal itself, it is best to determine if it’s appropriate to order alcoholic beverages. If you are not sure, ask others who know the individual. Of course, you have to know your own responsibility as you drink. More so, be sure that you know your own capacity to tolerate such alcoholic beverage. As a “safe” rule-of-thumb, it’s best to refrain from ordering alcoholic beverages for breakfast and lunch meetings. During dinner meetings it’s more acceptable to order a bottle of wine, that is if your guest will join you. If your client or associate is not at all a drinker, then skip it.
Small Talk
What are you supposed to discuss for the meeting? You may start the conversation with some hints about sports, travel, business trends, current events, entertainment, etc. Small talk helps to set the mood of the business meeting. As soon as you feel that your guest is already settled, then it is appropriate to discuss the purpose of the meeting.
The Check
You may or may not be paying for the meal. However, there are times when the total amount of the meal may exceed that what you have previously expected. In times like these, your extra cash can save the day. It’s also worth mentioning that even though it is infrequent, not all restaurants accept credit cards or check payments!
Business dining etiquette is something that develops over time and you need to integrate it into your own style. Watch others, see what stands out – good and bad – and incorporate the good into your business dining etiquette SOP (Standard Operating Procedure). Proper manners impress clients and associates, you’ll come across as having charisma, and encourages long-term business relationships.
What business dining etiquette tips have work well for you?
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