Business Dining Etiquette can make or break a deal
March 13, 2013
Deborah O’Connor
March 13, 2013
Some of the most successful business meetings are conducted over lunch or dinner. Knowing how to dine with decorum can determine whether you get the contract for your company or the job of your dreams. If a potential client or boss sees that you can’t dine properly, they start to wonder what else you don’t know. Proper dining etiquette can establish your credibility and reputation. It sets you apart from the crowd and builds self-confidence as well.
Many employers want to see you in a social setting to see how you conduct yourself, as your job may require frequent dining with clients. If you cannot conduct yourself properly, it can affect your job. Here are some dining etiquette tips to help you dine with decorum.
If you are entertaining clients and want to avoid the fight over who pays the bill, there is a simple and proper way to handle it. Simply contact the maitre d’ and tell him you are hosting the dinner and want to pay the bill. Give him your credit card information and tell him you do not want the bill brought to the table and that you will settle up with him later. This is an impressive way to entertain clients.
If you are a lunch or dinner guest, there are definite rules to follow. Always arrive on time and call if you know you will be late. If you arrive before your host and are seated at the table, you must not touch, eat or drink anything until your host arrives. Enter and exit your seat from the right, and rise when a lady leaves the table. Remember, if it isn’t part of the meal, it does not belong on the table. Purses, briefcases, cell phones, ipads, keys, etc., should be under your chair. Be sure to turn your phone off. Nothing says, “You’re not very important” like a ringing cell phone.
Your host sets the pace for the meal. Do not begin until he or she does. If you are not sure which utensil to use, work from the outside in. Once a piece of silverware has left the table, it never touches the table again. Do not gesture with your silverware, and never, ever speak with food in your mouth. Always pass the salt and pepper together. Never blow on food if it is too hot, just let it cool off. Pause between bites and do not gulp your food. If you do not like something that has been served, don’t comment on it; simply don’t eat it. If you must leave the table, simply say excuse me, place your napkin on your chair, and leave. There is no need to announce where you are going. If you accidentally spill on someone, simply offer your napkin and insist on paying for dry cleaning. Remember, if you stay calm so will everyone else.
Successful business dining is not difficult and by following these suggestions you will stand out to your boss, clients, and peers. It will set you apart as a confident and credible host or guest and demonstrate your ability to plan and entertain with decorum.
Deborah O’Connor
Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at: [email protected]. www.successfulimage.biz
