9 Ways To Avoid Blunders At Business Lunches
Nowadays it seems like no one knows what manners are. It doesn’t matter what level of business you are in, you may have forgotten all of the things your mother taught you while you were growing up. Universities are, also, negligent in teaching their business students how to act at business lunches. Here are some things you can do to keep from making a fool of yourself.
A business lunch is not a social affair, it is business. Don’t show off, flirt, drink too much, joke around or ask a lady out. Don’t embarrass the boss. The last thing you want is for him to call the new client after lunch and apologize to him for the way you acted.
Don’t talk with food in your mouth. Many times when you are eating, someone will ask you a question. Wait to answer until your mouth is empty. Learn to take small bites so you can quickly swallow what’s in your mouth if necessary.
Make it a habit not to think of your client as anything more than a new client. No matter how much you enjoy yourself with the other person, it is totally inappropriate to arrange for a social encounter at a business lunch.
Be careful about asking someone you don’t know or whom you have only met once to meet you at the restaurant. To avoid the embarrassment of not recognizing each other, offer to meet the client at his place of business.
Always be kind and considerate to the person who is serving you and the other people in the restaurant. If you are rude or unkind to others, you may lose a client. Be prepared to respond correctly no matter what happens during your lunch.
Don’t discredit the other businesses like yours that are in town. Make sure your company performs to the best of its ability so that other people take notice. If you talk bad about the other companies, the client may become disgusted and take his business to your competitor.
Be a good conversationalist. When there is a lull in the conversation, ask a question about the other person or bring up a topic you think he might be interested in. People enjoy talking about things they enjoy. The entire meal doesn’t have to be about business.
Find out everything about your client’s type of work before you go to lunch. With internet at your fingertips, you can do a 15 minute search before you leave. It will make him feel more at ease if you have some knowledge about his type of work.
Even if you don’t have your glasses with you, and you can’t read the bill, don’t ask your client to help you figure out the tip. There is nothing worse than letting him know how much you spent to take him out to lunch. He can figure it out pretty well for himself if he wants to know.
A business lunch is a professional way to get to know a new client. The way you act and the manners you use will determine whether or not you keep a client. Avoid making a fool of yourself at business lunches, and watch your company grow.
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