Business lunches can be a good opportunity to get business done. If you have an upcoming lunch meeting, here are some tips to help it go smoothly.
- Remember that a business lunch can be any time of the day. Even though meetings over meals started as business lunches, meaning the middle of the day, many business meetings take place during breakfast, dinner, or even afternoon coffee.
- Have an agenda and objectives for the meeting. It can be easy to get off-track when meals are involved. Make sure you have an agenda and clear objectives for the meeting. That way, you can be sure to cover everything needed during the meal.
- Stay focused on business, even in small talk. Many people let their guard down when they are in a restaurant or at a meal. Treat the meeting as you would a meeting in a conference room and keep your conversation professional and business-focused.
- No alcohol. Alcohol may ease anxiety for some people, but it can also lower your inhibitions. Not only that, it can be perceived as unprofessional in lots of business settings. Regardless of what others at the table do, save your drinks for another time.
- Keep your table manners professional. Everything you do at a business lunch should be professional, including how you eat. Use your napkin, do not talk with your mouth full, and use silverware.
- Listen more than you talk. Conversations should go both ways, but no one likes it when someone does all the talking. Let others at the table guide the small talk and be sure to respond to what they say to show you are engaged in the conversation.
- Know who should pay for the meal. The general etiquette is whoever initiates the business lunch is who picks up the check. If you invite a colleague or client out, you should pay for the meal. However, if they insist on splitting the check or paying for it, let them.
Whether you are trying to close a deal or simply brainstorming with a colleague, a business lunch is a good business opportunity. Make sure you master your behavior at these meetings to help ensure they are successful.
