Be mindful of your customers’ time

Be mindful of your customers’ time

Keep an eye on the time, but don’t let guests see you looking at the clock. Breakfast should generally last an hour; Dinner an hour and a half. Finish your business lunch in two to three hours, no more.

Endure all misfortunes with mercy. Despite all the attention to detail, something can go wrong. The food may not be what you expected, the waiter may be rude, and the people at the next table may be loud and uncontrollable. Whatever happens, make sure you’re not the one who loses control. We apologize for discussing any issues with staff. Your guests will feel uncomfortable if you complain to them or in front of them.

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink during a business meal. Lunch with three martinis is now a thing of the past. However, cocktails and wine are always part of a business meal. Since alcohol can have the same effect as truth serum, limit consumption to one or two drinks. If guests drink a lot and you are having difficulty, apologize and discreetly ask the waiter not to refill the glasses or offer another cocktail.

Your behavior while eating determines your professional success. If you pay attention to detail and go above and beyond to make your customers happy, they will expect you to run their business the same way. Soon you’ll be able to have them eating out of your hand.