Lunch Management

Business lunch or business dinner is a way to build relationship with client, colleague or even prospective boss (during job-interview perhaps). When we want to have a business lunch or dinner we need to know the basic niceties at this business meal.

It is okay to have fun on the business lunch, but we have to know how much fun is too much. Remember business lunches and dinners, are not about fun - they are about business.

Here are some of the tips:

1. Prepared with well-informed small talk, always be ready to have a few casual, non-business topics in mind. People enjoy giving their thoughts on things that interest them, it can be on kids or family, sports or movies.
2. You should know your client's business and current trends in the industry, do some research before coming the business meal.
3. Be careful in choosing the right restaurant, too casual may caused your client may not feel valued. Too extravagant may lead them think that you are wasteful. If you are not sure then suggest the client to choose the place.
4. Whenever possible, meet at the client's office and accompany him/ her to the restaurant.
5. Always be kind to the waiter, anyone who is nice to you but rude to their server is not a nice person.
6. Better not to order alcoholic beverage even your client/partner offering it. Alcohol can lead incorrect judgment, instead just order something light.
7. Do not talk with your mouth full. Take small bites, so that you can quickly swallow if somebody asks you a question.
8. Do not ask for a date, people in a business setting can sometimes appear extremely friendly or open - but that doesn't mean they have the interest to meet you after hours.