The Power Lunch
Can you imagine how much more you could accomplish over a business lunch
if you weren’t worried about which fork to use, or who should sit
where, or how much to tip? Polished professionals recognize that clients
and higher-ups may not always notice whether or not you use the right
fork – and they may not really care – but they will notice
that you conduct yourself confidently and appropriately in every dining
and business situation. Understanding the technical aspects of dining,
and knowing what behaviours are expected, frees you up to focus on the
client, and the business at hand.
Follow these steps if you want to feel confident and wow your client.
· Arrange with the restaurant for a quiet table with plenty of
room, and certainly not a table near the kitchen. Confirm with the restaurant
the day before the lunch to ensure your reservation is at the time you
had arranged.
· Do a little research, or plenty, depending on the client, about
the company and its operation. The better informed you are, the easier
it will be to follow their thought processes. Pretend you are being considered
for a position with their company, and find out all you can without hiring
a private eye.
· Arrive at the restaurant 15 minutes early and familiarize yourself
with your surroundings. Arrange that the server not bring the bill to
the table, but rather that you will settle the bill with them once your
guests have left.
· If time is of the essence, pre-ordering for your group can give
you time to converse and accomplish the business at hand. Always check
with your guests about any allergies or food preferences before ordering.
· Be waiting at the door to escort your clients to the table.
Have a seating arrangement in mind. Remember that making your guests welcome
and comfortable is as important as being prepared. When the lunch is over,
rise out of your seat, walk guests to the door, shake hands and thank
them for their time.
· Have an agenda to follow and leave room for questions and discussion.
This will show the client that their time is valuable and that you are
highly organized. Do not talk business before the meal is complete unless
this has been pre-determined beforehand. Your meal should be enjoyed and
conversation should be positive and appropriate. This is the time you
spend developing a relationship and getting acquainted.
· Remember to turn off all cell phones and pagers. The most important
people are the ones sitting in front of you. If you answer a phone call
and discuss other business in front of them, the deal may be over before
it begins.
· No matter how many times you ask, “Do you mind if I smoke?,”
most people will tell you they don’t. Most of them are just too
polite to say so. Smoke outside, in the lounge, or wait until you get
back to your car. If your client smokes, ask what they would prefer and
reserve accordingly.
· Send a thank you note to each of your guests. Thank you notes
are not just for the host of the meal, but also for the client who spent
the time listening to your ideas. (Hopefully you were listening to their
ideas, too.)
· Save comments about the quality of service or the meal and discuss
them with the manager after the guests have departed. Not only do guests
not need to hear your concerns, but also the awkwardness felt around the
table during negative behaviour will leave a bad taste in everyone’s
mouth … and it won’t be from the food.
· Once you find an establishment that provides excellent service,
wonderful food, and staff who are respectful and trustworthy, make it
your regular meeting place. Exceptional dining experiences linger in the
minds of potential clients and will give you the chance to concentrate
on being an efficient and confident host.
Guidelines for Mannerful Meals
1. Do not answer your cell phone or pager during meals. If you must take
a call, leave the table.
2. Do not talk with your mouth full and always chew with your mouth closed.
3. Try not to cause a scene if you spill or burp or do something unsightly.
4. Do not put elbows, cigarettes, purses, sunglasses, clothing or cell
phones on the table, ever!
5. Try not to touch your hair or face while you are eating.
6. Sit up straight with your knees together and feet flat.
7. Try not to let your utensils touch the table or linen after you have
used them.
8. Pace yourself so that everyone finishes at the same time.
9. Leave the table if you have to blow your nose, sneeze or pick your
teeth.
10. Be sure to keep the conversation on “appropriate topics.”
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