Sealing The Deal Over The Business Meal
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Business -> subcategory Sales.
Sealing the Deal Over the Business Meal
Building Relationships Through Dining Etiquette
Conducting business over meals has been a trusted practice for centuries. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, sharing a meal can strengthen client relationships, close sales, and seal deals. But it’s not just about business acumen?"your dining manners play a crucial role too. Here are essential guidelines to ensure a successful and enjoyable business meal.
Host Responsibilities
As the host, you're in charge of ensuring everything goes smoothly and your guests feel comfortable. This includes everything from sending the invitation to settling the bill.
Planning and Invitations
- Plan Ahead: Allocate a week for scheduling a business dinner and three days for lunch. Confirm the date to avoid cancellations or rescheduling, which can appear disorganized and waste your client's time.
- Choose the Right Restaurant: Opt for a known venue where you're familiar with the quality of food and service. This allows you to stay focused on the meeting rather than the meal.
- Consider the Ambiance: Ensure the setting is conducive to conversation. A quiet atmosphere is essential for meaningful discussions.
- Communicate with the Restaurant: Inform the staff that you’ll be dining with clients and that you’ll handle the bill. If you’re trying a new place or hosting out-of-town clients, speak with the maître d’ to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Confirm Appointments
The day before a breakfast meeting or on the day of a lunch or dinner, confirm with your clients to prevent any misunderstandings or mix-ups.
Arrive Early
Get to the restaurant ahead of time to finalize details. Use this opportunity to quietly give your credit card to the maître d’ to avoid any awkwardness when the bill arrives.
Seating Strategy
- Prime Seating for Guests: Allow your guests the best seats with views, taking the least desirable spot yourself.
- Strategic Positioning: Sit at a right angle when with one client. For two clients, sit with one across and one beside you, to keep the conversation flowing naturally without appearing like a spectator.
Ordering and Meal Flow
- Guide the Ordering: Let guests order first, suggesting dishes if needed to indicate a price range. Match the number of courses with your guests to maintain a comfortable dining flow.
Discussing Business
- Timing is Key:
- Start discussing business early during breakfast.
- At lunch, wait until after ordering to begin.
- For dinners, focus on building rapport and introduce business topics post-main course.
- Adapt to Your Relationship: If you know clients well, small talk is less necessary. With new clients, balance getting acquainted with discussing business.
- Judgment: Use your discretion on when to dive into business, balancing not starting too late or too early.
Managing the Meal Duration
Be mindful of the time without checking your watch visibly. Aim for about an hour for breakfast, an hour and a half for lunch, and wrap up dinners within two to three hours.
Handling Problems Gracefully
Mistakes happen?"whether it’s poor food quality, a rude waiter, or noisy neighbors. Handle issues discreetly by excusing yourself to talk to the staff rather than ventilating frustrations in front of your guests.
Alcohol Consumption
Limit alcohol intake. While drinks are common at business dinners, moderation is important?"aim for one or two glasses. If guests are drinking heavily, discreetly ask the server to slow down on refills.
Your conduct at the meal sets the tone for your professional relationship. By focusing on these details and prioritizing your guests' experience, you'll leave a positive impression, potentially leading to successful business outcomes.
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© 2005, Lydia Ramsey. All rights reserved.
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