Business Lunch Etiquettes
Author: Naz Daud

More business has been done in a restaurant than in any other
place imaginable. People need to eat and if they have money to
spend, why not bring the two together and invite your potential
customer to a business lunch?

But how does one make sure that the process of eating and
discussing business do not get in the way of each other?

Here is a little handy guide to the rules and etiquettes of
successful business lunches:

1) Turn up on time and well dressed.

2) Have a set agenda and do not let your guests know anything
about it beforehand unless they have requested it or the
situation demands it.

2) Take control and go somewhere where you enjoy the food.
Don't ask your guests where they would like to eat but make sure
you take them somewhere nice, clean and just as important,
convenient for both parties. It is a good idea to take your
guest to someplace that you are well known and respected.

3) Always eat slower than your guests. They will then not feel
rushed to finish their food. Do not talk with your mouthful. If
you absolutely utterly love food, then it might be a good idea
to have a sandwich before you meet.

4) Starters are a great idea if you have something complicated
to discuss. The time between ordering and the food arriving is a
great time to get to know each other and sell your product or
service.

5) If you have the time, do not order the main course until you
have finished the starter. This gives you even more time to
market your widgets.

6) Switch your mobile off! What is more important than trying
to win more business? If possible ask your guests to kindly
switch their mobile off aswell.

7) Do not drink too much! If you must have alcohol then one
drink before the meal is sufficient. Are you there to discuss
business or get drunk? In a similar vein limit the amount of
alcohol that your guest drinks so that you can have a proper
discussion.

8) Common manners apply here as in every situation. Do not eat
too much and if you feel like burping or whatever… ask to be
excused… and make your way to a private area out of earshot. Be
nice to your guest and your waiter.

9) If your guest offers to pick up the tab do not argue. This
means that you will more money to spend on other potential
customers. If you can not afford to pay pretend that you have
accidentally left your wallet at home. I have never used this
idea myself, but many people have successfully practiced this
last tip on me.

None of this is rocket science but I have seen so many people
get it wrong that it is unbelievable. Using common sense and
logic in choosing the right venue and how you handle yourself
once the meeting begins can make all the difference to closing a
sale or losing the deal.


About The Author: Naz Daud - CityLocal Business & Franchise
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