Business Lunch Do’s and Don’ts
Yesterday, December 21st, Clarissa Cruz, graciously quoted me in an article she wrote for Inc.com regarding the do’s and do not’s of the business lunch. One of her key questions for me was “Who pays? And how can the bill be handled discreetly? My response: The person who does the inviting pays. The most polished way to handle the bill is to take care of it in advance.
In addition to the four tips offered in the article, here are three more to consider:
- Choose a restaurant whose atmosphere is conducive to discussing business.
- Make sure your guest has the best seat–the one with the most appealing view.
- Don’t be a “jack-in-the-box” constantly jumping up and down and leaving the table to take phone calls or check messages.
For more tips on business dining, order a copy of Lydia Ramsey’s Little Book of Table Manners – 85 Tips for Dining for Success. As a special bonus if you order between now and December 31st, you will also receive a copy of my article, “Seal the Deal over the Business Meal.” When you follow my suggestions for business dining, you’ll find yourself more confident of your role as host or guest, able to concentrate on the business at hand and not worrying about which fork to use.
Hire Lydia to work with your staff to improve customer service and employee relations through the use of those priceless and often over-looked soft skills called manners. Lydia is the “unstuffy” business etiquette expert who helps individuals and organizations add the polish that builds profits. We’re talking about your bottom line here.
Since 1996, countless people have benefited from her wisdom through keynotes, seminars and conference breakout sessions. Her Southern charm and sense of humor have made her a sought-after speaker and consultant.
Based in Savannah, Georgia, Lydia is available for national, regional and local speaking and training engagements. She has suitcase; will travel.
Contact her via email at lydia@lydiaramsey.com or call 912-604-0080. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter and visit her website, lydiaramsey.com.