Business Meal EtiquetteAlso known as Business Dining EtiquetteEntertaining for business involves around the business meal etiquette. Socializing with business associates can provide a chance to discuss opportunities in a more relaxed atmosphere. When food is served, good emotions are running and the mind is more open to potential partnerships and making deals.  Basic courtesies and professional behaviour apply to business dining etiquette. Though in a non office environment, one should always employ her best table manners, not have too much to drink, laugh too loudly, tell crude jokes, ask about your guests' personal life, be inappropriate and be overly casual, dress professionally or appropriately. Your professional image must still be in tact no matter what the social situation if the purpose is developing a stronger business relationship. Business Meal EtiquetteMeetings Held In RestaurantWhen do we employ business dining etiquette? Occasionally, your boss might call for a meeting in a restaurant with a few of your colleagues. Especially when every one needs a little break from constant ringing of phones, the noise from the fax and photo copier machines, and there is a traditional bonding ritual over a meal. Generally speaking, the person who organizes the meeting at the restaurant is responsible for the reservations. That does not mean that he/she is paying for the food or drinks. Good business dining etiquette means one should not assume. Everyone should be prepared to pay for their own order. If you are the one booking the restaurant, it is good business dining etiquette to make sure that the restaurant will be quiet or private enough for business to be conducted, which is the sole purpose of the meeting. Business Meal EtiquetteScheduling A Restaurant Meeting With ClientsBusiness Meal Etiquette - Business Dining EtiquetteMeeting AlternativesYou may have a breakfast meeting. It can be held in a cafe nearby the office, and they are between half and hour to forty minutes. They are particularly efficient to when you need to "squeeze a meeting in" when the rest of the day's schedule is already full. Alternatively, a lunch meeting in the corporate dining room is also very useful. The head of the meeting can cater some sandwiches and tea, or a mini buffet spread. If it is more formal, menus are handed out and attendees select their choices. Business dining etiquette Seating protocol: The most important guest sits on the right of the host and the second most important, on the left. The head of the meeting or host is responsible for the conversation and 'starting the meeting'. He/she is also responsible for facilitating the conversation so that it fulfills the business agenda. He/she also ends the meal by indicating he has finished the meal, rising and thanking everyone for coming. He/she sees the guests out. A tea meeting is also very efficient because it eliminates the traveling to and fro we experience for lunch meetings. It is generally expected that after a tea meeting which occurs from 4 pm or later, that everyone will simply head home. Like all business meal meetings, who pays depends on the relationship. If it is with a client, the host picks up the tab. If it is a meeting among co-workers, the check is split. Business Meal EtiquetteOther Business Dining EtiquetteBusiness dinner invitations are rare because they impose upon people's personal life and time. Dinner invitations are extended well in advance. They are either telephoned by a note is sent to their office. The nature of these business dinners are that they are more formal and no one should be late. You might also be interested in: Proper Business Card Etiquette  Return to the top of Business Meal Etiquette l Go back to homepage Tags: business meal etiquette, business dining etiquette, business meeting etiquette, proper business etiquette, business etiquette tips “A truly elegant taste is generally accompanied with excellency of heart.”
|
