FOR A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS LUNCH IN A FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE

Quite simply, if your customers enjoy themselves, they will remember you with great sympathy in the future.

Relationships are essential in business and the fact that people remember you and have fond memories of having lunch or dinner with you creates all kinds of benefits and opportunities for the future. A meal is not just the sum of the food ingredients.

The experience, the atmosphere, the service, the choice of dishes, etc. all contribute to creating memories. A good rule of thumb is to avoid choosing a restaurant that is too big, too noisy or too fashionable.

Are you sure people don’t notice you at the table? Well, think again!

People keep an eye on how you behave, especially in the corporate world. Whether you’re having lunch with a potential business partner or you’re invited to your boss’s business meal, respecting table etiquette is a social obligation.

But this is not always the case, as people meet during a meal to find out more about a person. And believe it or not, your behaviour at the table largely reflects your professionalism and social manners.

Now you’re wondering how to avoid making a mistake at your next business meal? We support you! There are a few things to remember that we have shared here

Whether you invite someone to lunch or they invite you, plan to be standing inside the entrance about five minutes before the scheduled time. Take into account that you may not know where you’re going and parking may be a problem.

Whether a host or guest, if you’re going to be late for any reason call as soon as you realize you will be delayed.  That way the others won’t worry that they had the wrong day or time, or the wrong place.

Put your mobile phone in silent mode

In business meetings, you need to be attentive to what others are discussing. Resist the temptation to check notifications, especially when your host is present. Activate the silent mode rather than leaving it on vibrate or putting it away, if possible.

Wait until your host is seated first

Staying on your feet until your host or boss is seated is a kind gesture that people notice. If there is no host, be patient so that the oldest person at the table is seated first.

Place your napkin immediately

Remove your napkin after sitting down and carefully place it on your lap. If you have to leave, for example to receive a call, never put the napkin back on the table. Instead, put it on your empty chair if you plan to return.

Fill up other people’s cups before you have

But you don’t have to serve. When a table shares a common pitcher of water, add some to your glass only after checking the others’. It is a polite gesture to fill other people’s glasses before your own.