Business Dining…. YIKES!

Written by Judy W Bell on June 11, 2010. Posted in Business Etiquette

National Business Etiquette Week

Few things in life scare people more than public speaking or eating a meal in a professional setting! The “Corporate Dinner” or “Lunch Interview” frightens people.

Below are some guidelines to help make the meal go more smoothly and allow you to make a good impression:

Guide to Business Dining Tips…

Do not drink alcohol. Even if the other person is drinking, you should abstain. Period.

Order a menu-item that is relatively easy to eat. No messy finger-foods (aka BBQ RIBS) at the business meal.

Skip the spaghetti with red sauce if you are wearing a white shirt or blouse.

If the meal is a formal evening affair, know your eating utensils before you go. Avoid the dinner table confusion of multiple forks and spoons. Know what to expect ahead of time.

Mind your manners. No talking with food in your mouth. Take small bites so you can swallow quickly if you are asked an important question.

Have some professional questions in mind to keep the conversation flowing as well as some non-business conversational material to fill uncomfortable periods of silence.

Always be polite to the waiter. Bad manners are never acceptable, but they are especially not acceptable in a professional setting.

Remember… careers can be built or destroyed on business etiquette, manners, and poise. Make sure you have career-building moments! For Executive Coaching please call us at 901-757-4434.