You have a business lunch. How do you ensure that you appear professional and do not damage your image or that of the company?
In this digital age, a face-to-face meeting such as a business lunch is actually something that could be a thing of the past, because with web and video conferencing you can meet each other virtually and an online meeting also saves time. Yet the business lunch has its advantages. It is more personal than a virtual meeting, you share the same experiences with your lunch partner and you also have more control over the environment. Reason enough to make an appointment with the client or potential customer for a business lunch, but how do you go about this? How do you ensure that you appear professional and do not damage your image or that of the company?
A logical choice, but something that is often forgotten is the correct use of your phone. Just like in the cinema, turning it off may be a bit of an exaggeration, but at least make sure your phone is on silent and not on the table. It is also unprofessional to check your incoming email or messages from colleagues during lunch.
A business lunch should not be seen as an opportunity to try lobster for the first time in your life. In fact, lobster is in any case not recommended during a business affair because of the hassle. Don't take any risks, choose restaurants you are familiar with and make sure you recommend several places to the invitee. Perhaps he or she is vegetarian and you have just chosen a restaurant that is famous for its steak. An awkward choice that immediately puts you one zero behind. If you are the one who is invited, don't forget to compliment him or her on the chosen place.
There are three rules when ordering lunch. Rule one: never order anything for your lunch partner. Let him or her choose for themselves and, if necessary, ask if you can make a suggestion. Rule two: don't just order alcohol. Only do this if your lunch partner wants to celebrate something or if it is a common custom in the country where your lunch partner comes from. Rule three: avoid dishes that ask for trouble. Consider, for example, spaghetti (slurping), lobster (can explode) or spinach and broccoli (likes to settle between the teeth).
Never, ever use salt and pepper before you start your lunch. It sounds a bit like an exaggerated rule, but this action can literally ruin a business lunch. The use of salt and pepper for tasting insinuates that you quickly draw conclusions, you already assume that without salt and pepper the lunch will taste less. Confrontational for the person who selected the restaurant, which unintentionally makes you come across as someone who jumps to conclusions quickly.
Who pays decides, but with a business lunch it is more who decides who pays. In other words, the invitee should not have to pay the bill. Unless you have a business lunch with colleagues, then it is quite normal for the bill to be split. When the bill arrives, make sure you look at your lunch partner when he or she speaks and don't look shocked if the bill turns out to be a bit high.
It is appropriate and professional to send a brief follow-up via email the afternoon after the business lunch or the next morning. Thank the person for their time, insights and input and provide a brief summary of the points discussed and the next steps to be taken. Document these and other learning points in, for example, a CRM system, so that you are well prepared for a possible follow-up appointment.
Would you like to know more about etiquette during business dining? The Etiquette Bureau offers various workshops so that you leave an impeccable impression at the table.
