101 The Business Lunch
You conduct meetings all the time and you eat lunch every day. What could possibly go wrong by combining the two?
The answer, as it turns out, is quite a lot. While they may seem straightforward and foolproof, lunch meetings can quickly spiral out of control and offer plenty of ways to spoil your good intentions. The following advice should help you avoid common mistakes.
Location, Location, Location. When it comes to business lunches, there’s more to consider than just the food.
“Some establishments just aren’t meant for business meals,” says Christopher Elliott at the Microsoft Small Business Center. “If you consult a restaurant survey such as Zagat’s, make sure that you also ask someone who lives in the area to vouch for your selected establishment. The ideal establishment comes with several booths where your conversations can neither be seen nor heard.”
Timing Is Everything. The lunch might be for business, but take care to know when it’s appropriate to actually get down to it.
“At an American business lunch, it’s considered inappropriate to get down to business before the waiter has handed you the menu,” Elliott says. “In other countries, you don’t talk business until the first glass of wine has been poured and the host offers a toast.”
First And Only. As host, you should always aim to be the first person at the restaurant.
“Arriving early will also give you time to check the table and the menu before greeting any guests,” says Michael McCann at The Business Café. “
The Best For Last. Regardless of how you feel the lunch meeting went, it’s always a good idea to end it as best as you can.
“The conclusion of a business meal is as important as its beginning,” says Elliott. “A verbal ‘thank you’ at the end is always appropriate. It should be followed with an invitation to reciprocate at a future date.”
WBJ Web Partners
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