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Command New Confidence at Your Next Business Lunch
6/7/2007
by Karen Litzinger, MA, LPC, Litzinger Career Consulting
Are you sure you are making the best impression you can at your business lunches? Do you ever get distracted or nervous about proper dining etiquette? Most entrepreneurs know that networking and relationship building are keys to business success. Business lunches are a common tool used for this purpose. Build your professional image by using good host behavior and dining etiquette through tips from Litzinger Career Consulting.
Hosting a Business Lunch
- The person who extends the invitation is typically considered the host and should pay for the lunch.
- Identify two to three restaurant locations near the guest location and invite the guest to choose.
- Provide a courtesy reminder to your guest the day before.
- Arrive at least 5 minutes early to greet your guest in the lobby or foyer.
- Arrange in advance with the wait staff for the check to be given to you.
- Offer the best seat at the table to your guest.
- Make introductions, giving brief background on parties involved.
- Offer menu suggestions or indicate your own interests to give the guest guidance for ordering.
- Facilitate at least ten minutes of small talk before beginning business discussions.
Dining Etiquette Table Manners
- Keep cell phone, purse, and paperwork off of the table during the meal.
- Turn your cell phone off during the meal, unless an urgent call is expected, and, if so, explain the possible interruption in advance.
- Maintain good posture with no elbows on the table while eating.
- Pass food or drink to the right if multiple people are at the table.
- Place your napkin on your chair when excusing yourself and to the left of your plate when done.
- Wait until the end of the meal to exchange business cards.
Eating Etiquette Tips
- Use your flatware from the outside in.
- Remember that your bread plate is to your left, and glasses are to your right.
- Taste your food before seasoning.
- Cut only one to two pieces of food at a time.
- Break off and eat one bite-size piece of bread at a time.
- Spoon soup away from you.
- Don’t talk with your mouth full…simple rule, but often not followed!
Whether you are networking, hosting a client, or attending a group function, make a polished, professional presence through knowing proper dining etiquette. Then you can relax and do business!
Karen Litzinger is the owner of Litzinger Career Consulting and has 25 years of experience in career counseling and job search coaching. She is a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. Karen conducts professional development seminars for corporations and nonprofits, including Dining Etiquette, Power Mingling and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator workshops. Karen can be contacted through www.karenscareercoaching.com, litzingerkaren@aol.comor 412-242-5342.
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