Top Ten Tips - Business Dining Etiquette
By Tip Diva | Jul 14, 2008
Categories: Activities, Adult, Alcohol, Behavior, Drinking, Drinks, Eating, Etiquette, Food, Interview, Job, Manners, Office, Restaurants, Tips, Websites, Work
Business dining is not like grabbing beers and burgers with your best friend. It has its own rules of etiquette:
- Always Wear A Suit - No matter what kind of lunch or dinner you’re going to, wear a business suit unless specifically told not to. Remember, jackets can be removed if it turns out to be casual dining. If you were invited by someone else, follow their lead.
- Show Up On Time - Make sure you show up on time to the restaurant. It is impolite to keep the rest of the group waiting, especially if there’s a reservation. If you’re inevitably running late, make sure you call the restaurant or the person you’re meeting and let them know as soon as possible.
- Know Proper Dining Etiquette - Make sure you know proper dining etiquette, starting with placing the napkin on your lap. Ball State University has a great page on proper business dining tips.
- Turn Off Your Cell Phone - Make sure you turn off your cell phone (or put it on vibrate) before the meal starts. People do not like their conversations interrupted.
- Stay In Step - If you’re the guest, follow the host’s lead. Wait until the host is seated, then sit; wait until the host eats, then eat. When you’re deciding what to order, don’t go for the most expensive item on the menu - stay moderate. If you’re having trouble, just ask the host, “Everything looks delicious! Do you have any recommendations?”
- Watch What You Drink - If the host orders an alcoholic drink, you may order one also - but stick to one drink. You don’t want to victim to the effects of alcohol, which can potentially ruin your meal. Do not order an alcoholic drink unless the host does.
- If You Invite A Client, Make Sure You Know The Restaurant - Where you bring a client will make an impression, so make sure you pick a good restaurant - and don’t just rely on Zagat ratings. Ask multiple people, preferably co-workers in the same industry, where you should go.
- Stay Away From “Hot” Topics - Sometimes conversation does get casual, but don’t get too casual. Especially avoid conversations centered around politics, religion and any other potentially inflammatory subjects. Leave derogatory, ethnic and other offensive jokes at home.
- Know A Country’s Customs - Dining in certain countries dictate certain dining rules. Your best best is to check out all the articles over at Getting Through Customs, written by Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands authors Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway.
- Thank The Person - Always thank the other person, no matter if you were the host or guest. If you were the invited, make sure to send a handwritten thank-you note afterwards.
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