| There is nothing more uncomfortable than
sitting across the table from someone you are trying to impress and not knowing what fork
to use. Or, as a guest, wondering what part of the menu you should order from or when to
make a toast. Or, what to do if you found yourself with a huge piece of gristle in your
mouth?
Years ago, as a novice fundraiser I sat between two
VIP’s from separate corporations. One was drinking my water and the other was eating
from my bread plate. I had many options – none of them good. Should I drink from the
next person’s water glass? Should I skip the breadbasket? Should I tell them? What a
dilemma! How we handle uncomfortable situations is what set’s us apart.
A Successful Business Meal Requires Thought, Planning and
Attention to Detail!
Your dining skills will be observed and evaluated as you
carry on a professional conversation with an existing client or as you attempt to build a
relationship with a new client.
So yes, table manners really do matter! They provide an
opportunity for your client to see a polished, poised and sophisticated executive versus
someone who is uncomfortable, awkward and ill at ease. Therefore, it should come as no
surprise that dining, unless done well, could be disastrous to your reputation.
10 Business Dining Etiquette Tips to Avoiding a Dining
Disaster During Dinner with a Potential Customer
1. If you were the one to extend the invitation, you take
care of everything from the valet to the tip. As the host (or the invitee) you are
responsible for making sure that every part of the business meal goes smoothly, from
beginning to end.
2. Give your client an indication of what he or she may
order by making suggestions. The key is to familiarize yourself with several menu items
and demonstrate your knowledge by offering tips on what are the favorites and specialties.
3. Drink from your own glass. A sure way to negate your own
professionalism is by making the mistake of drinking from your client’s water glass
or eating from their bread plate. Your drink will always be on the right and the bread
plate is on the left side, above your dinner plate.
4. Remove any foreign object from your mouth by covering
your lips with a napkin and removing the object with your index finger and thumb. If you
feel too uncomfortable, excuse yourself from the table and take care of the removal in the
privacy of the restroom, away from the table.
5. Salt and pepper are married. Always pass the salt and
pepper together, even if your client only asks for salt. This small skill shows the savvy
client that you have some form of dining training.
6. Try a bit of everything on your plate unless you have a
food allergy. You will come across as juvenile if you eat your steak and potatoes and turn
your nose up at the peas and carrots.
7. Do not monopolize the conversation. Show a genuine
interest in getting to know your client better by asking thoughtful questions about
“safe topics” such as sports teams, hobbies, movies and other general interests.
Avoid personal questions that may make your client feel uncomfortable.
8. When leaving the table during the meal place your napkin
on your chair and push the chair back under the table. It is not important to announce
where you are going, especially when it is the restroom.
9. Closing a deal is not your primary focus. Use this time
to promote good will rather than attempting to make a sale. Remember, your focus is on
building the relationship – and that’s why you should also follow up in writing
with a quick thank you note that thanks your prospect or client for his or her time.
10. Review some difficult menu terms. Quiche Lorraine is
not pronounced “Quicky Looraine” and Prix Fix is not an expensive sports car.
Remember, your behavior at the dining table is a good
indicator of what your client can expect in an important meeting or merger. Taking the
time and effort to hone your dining skills is an investment in your future success. |
