Imagine you are out to eat with two of your biggest clients, and you have several hours over a business lunch to show them a good time and convince them to remain clients of your company. Scenario 1 includes you eating like a slob, ignoring the traditional business dining etiquette. Scenario 2 includes you following the etiquette, taking on a classy and poised presence. Which scenario sounds best for such an important business lunch? Regardless, your manners at a business luncheon could make or break an important deal. Your before dinner, ordering and paying behavior should be polished and professional.
Before Dinner
In addition to practicing effective manners during the meal, you must take every step possible and show good food etiquette before the meal, too. These points include arriving on time, calling ahead if you're going to be late, waiting 15 minutes for late dinner partners before calling them, not placing anything on the table (cell phone, purse, glasses, briefcases), folding napkin and placing in lap when you sit down, waiting for everyone to arrive before ordering any part of the meal, according to University of Delaware. As you can see, proper etiquette before dinner can be just as important, serving as a first impression and often as important as the meal itself.
Food Etiquette
Business dinner etiquette is not practiced as often today as it used to be. Some would see this as an excuse not to practice it, but you should see it as an opportunity to shine even more at business meetings. Your clients want to do business with professional people, and your dinner etiquette can add a lot of class to your image. Remember the solids on your left, liquids on your right principle. Forks, butter plate, napkin on your left; glasses/cups, knives, spoons on your right. Use your utensils from outside to the inside, according to University of Delaware. Meal etiquette includes break your rolls and butter each one separately, stir soup to cool instead of blowing, quietly bring any issues to the waiter's attention, when you're done eating quietly place your fork and knife on your plate at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. There are more, but these are the major points.
Ordering
Ordering is subjective to the situation. When you have a doubt about what to do, follow the lead of the host, and if you're the host, don't worry--your client will most likely follow your lead. Be confident and secure in what you're doing, though. According to University of Delaware, you should not order the most expensive item, and your order should be communicated simply and in the least confusing way possible. Typically you should avoid ordering alcohol, but this depends on your host.
Paying the Bill
The key in effectively paying the bill is communication. If it gets awkward and silent, that's a turnoff to your client. Prearrange how the bill is going to be paid, getting it out of the way early so you can down to business. When handed your part of the bill, check the accuracy of the bill and tip as you should--20 percent for moderate service, 25 percent for excellent service.
Tags: University Delaware, according University, before dinner, business lunch, dinner etiquette
