How to Make a Great Impression at a Business Meal: Etiquette Tips

Dining is a large part of the business world today. If you are doing business of any sort you are probably involved in entertaining or being entertained by someone. There are some guidelines unique to the “business meal” that may differ from a social situation. Knowing these guidelines can help insure a more comfortable meal and allow all involved to concentrate on the business at hand

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. • Be specific about where you will meet a guest, at the entrance or at the table. The entrance is preferable, but if you wait at the table do not disturb anything on the table until your guest arrives.

2. • When your guest arrives, stand and direct them as to where you would like them to sit. Guests should be given the best seat, looking out into the room or the seat with the best view. The business world is gender neutral. Women should stand for all introductions just as the men do.

3. • Put your napkin on your lap to unfold. Do not shake it in the air. When leaving the table temporarily, place the napkin on your chair. When leaving the table for the last time, place it on the left side of your plate. Do not use it for a handkerchief.

4. • Offering menu suggestions can help your guest with their choice. Order the same number of courses so as to finish at the same time. Pace your eating. Eating too fast or too slow can be a problem.

5. • If you are unsure as to what fork to use, the rule is, start from the outside and work in. Courses served correspond with the placement of flatware. When in doubt, wait and watch someone in the know.

6. • Keep personal items off the table such as; purses, glasses, cell phones etc. Purses should be placed under the chair out of the way of the servers. A small purse can be placed on your lap under your napkin.

7. • Refrain from doing anything at the table that you do in the bathroom. This includes; applying lipstick, picking your teeth with your finger nail or a toothpick, fixing your contacts, blowing your nose vigorously, combing or fussing with your hair. Remember people are eating.

8. • Taking care of the bill ahead of time can save any questions at the table, especially for women hosting men. Give your credit card to the waitress before your guest arrives and sign on the way out the door. No bill needs to be brought to the table.

9. • Avoid talking on a cell phone at a dining table. Turn your cell phone off as a courtesy to all diners. If you are expecting a call that cannot be postponed, tell your host ahead of time. Use the vibration feature and excuse yourself from the table to return the call. Many restaurants are now requesting no cell phone use in their establishment.

10. • A hand written thank you note is a mark of distinction at any time. The individual who was entertained should write the note themselves. Sending the note within 24 hours is ideal. It should not be done by an assistant, even if you are the CEO.

Tips & Warnings

• If your last formal meal was in college and it included pizza and beer with no silverware, you may want to brush up on your dining skills. Professionals with flawless table manners have a decided advantage in the business world. You may need more than hard work to get the promotion. You never know who you might have dinner with someday. Oscar Wilde said, “The world is my oyster, but I used the wrong fork.” Do you know your forks?

[dtwelloh]

on 9/6/2008 Boy, you really give some very good advise.
Thanks 5 stars.