Seal the deal at a business lunch
Conducting business at the table is a ritual that has existed for centuries. Inviting customers to breakfast, lunch, or dinner has long been an effective way to build relationships, close a sale, or complete a transaction. These business lunches are essentially business meetings. Knowledge of your product or service, as well as your good manners, is crucial to the success of the meeting. Too many people risk their happiness because they don’t follow proper dietary rules. Here are some basic rules that will make using the
enjoyable and profitable.
Know your responsibilities as a host. You are responsible. It’s up to you to make sure everything goes well and your guests feel comfortable. You have to take care of every detail, from inviting people to paying the bill.
Plan ahead when sending an invitation. Allow one week for a business lunch and three days for lunch. Make sure the date is right for you. It may seem obvious, but if you have to cancel or reschedule an appointment, you risk appearing disorganized and disrespectful of your clients’ time.
Choose a restaurant you know, preferably one where you are well known. Now is not the time to try out the new hotspot. When you have confidence in the quality of food and service, you can focus on your business.
Consider the atmosphere. Is it suitable for conversations and discussions? If you and your customers can’t hear each other over the noise of guests and food, you’re wasting time and money.
When booking, let staff know that you will be dining with customers. If your hosts suggest a new restaurant (they may be hosting guests from out of town), call ahead and speak to the head waiter. Explain that you are having a big business dinner and will be picking up a check.
Confirm appointments with clients the day before if meeting for breakfast, or the same day if meeting for lunch or dinner. Things happen and mistakes happen.
Arrive early to secure last minute details. This is the perfect time to hand over your credit card to the maître d’ and avoid the hassle of receiving the bill.
Watch the seats. Your guests should have the best seats, namely the ones with a view. As a guest, sit in the least desirable seat: the one facing the wall, the kitchen or the bathroom.