It's just not etiquette - March 2007

The business lunch - how to navigate with confidence!

Today more than ever we are securing clients, new jobs and even romances over a bite to eat. We take clients to breakfast, lunch, coffee and even dinner to discuss business and strengthen relationships. Your social etiquette skills can be a major factor in your success in business today.

Advertisement

It is more than knowing what society dictates about the rules of dining, it is about the experience, dare I say it again, and it is about creating a lasting impression!

I strongly suggest that you develop a relationship with some great restaurants. Become acquainted with the manager or the maitre'd, and I guarantee that you will receive great service and your guests will also feel well cared for.

When you invite someone to lunch, you are the host and it is expected that you will take care of the bill. In saying that I always recommend that when making the reservation you check which cards the restaurant accepts. Be prepared, there is nothing worse than taking a new client to lunch and then realising that your Diners card is not accepted, and you have no other means to pay for the bill!

When you are the host there is no excuse for being late. I suggest arriving at least 10 minutes before the reservation time, and then you are ready and waiting to receive your guest. This is also a great time to organise with the maitre'd to take your card and organise when you would like the bill settled. I usually excuse myself and sign the bill away from the table. This makes the whole bill paying exercise effortless and the client does not feel uncomfortable when the bill arrives. You as the great host have taken care of everything!

If you are familiar with the restaurant you are able to make recommendations to your guest when ordering. Be sure to order things that are easy to eat. Leave the tricky food for when you are dining at home!

Try to stay away from things that are too messy, or too crunchy. Stick to meals that are easily eaten with a knife and fork.

One of the most common questions I am asked is "should I drink alcohol when at a business lunch?"

This is something that you should gage by the culture of your business and also your guest.

If your guest is not drinking alcohol I would strongly recommend that you also should not partake. However if your client would care for a glass of wine with their meal, it is a sign of good manners to also drink with them, but only one or two glasses maximum!

A good tip is to have a glass of water as well as a glass of wine so you can continually alternate your drinks to keep you on track.

So when do we start to talk business? There are many different opinions out there; I would suggest that you may lead into your business perhaps after the first drink is served, whether it is a glass of wine or something softer!

A great lead in is to make a casual toast, something like" here's too a great business association", it then is a natural progression to start to talk about the business at hand.

Most importantly you must mind your manners, do not forget the simple rules, your bread plate on the left and your wine glasses on the right.

Do not start to eat until all of the meals have been served. Your napkin is placed on your lap, not tucked under your chin!

It is good manners to always offer your guest first the salt and pepper or bread or to fill their glass with wine or water, but do remember only to fill a glass that is empty and only fill it a third full.

It is ok to ask the waiter to fill the glasses in this way, but of course in a pleasant way, there is no need to be rude to wait staff. I find this the most deplorable thing one can do, it impresses no one!

After the lunch I always send a hand written thankyou note even though I initiated the luncheon, I find this a great way to continue the business discussion and move forward with our association.

Most of what I have discussed it not new to any of us, it comes down to common sense, but sometimes we all need to remember the little things that make a difference. Our business at June Dally-Watkins has grown incredibly over the last 10 years due to employers realising the importance of customer care and building business relationships. I have just finished reading a book and there was a great quote that I believe sums all of this up,

"Your product will bring me into your business, but how I am treated will decide if I shall remain"

Jodie Bache-Mclean Director June Dally-Watkins Education & Training Australia Dallysmodels Management p 07 3221 1183 f  07 3221 3943 w www.jdw.com.au