How to Conduct Business Over a Meal

There is no better place to conduct business than over a meal. However, offensive behavior, inappropriate gestures, and lack of savvy in these situations can be costly to the bottom-line of a business, your future career opportunities, and your new or existing social or business relationships.

Business eating is not just a business; it is an art! Leverage the ability to perform at a business meal with the same tenacity and detail as you would handle your guest’s business, and you will have the self assurance, that equals the confidence, which creates trust; the basis of business relationships. You close more business deals if your prospects like and respect you.

Keys to a successful meal include;

(1) To have a purpose.
(2) Never ask a guest where they would like to dine; the burden of choice is on the host, not the guest, and be sure to select a convenient location.
(3) Never, never, never, invite someone to a club that
permits discrimination...sexual, religious, or racial.
(4) No phone calls at the table (If you do, be aware that is announces that anyone who calls is more important than the real live person you have sitting next to you.).
(5) Take charge the moment the meal begins.

Six ways to lose a deal over a business meal;

(1) Table hop.
(2) Talk about yourself.
(3) Indulge in too much small talk.
(4) Eat too quickly or too slowly.
(5) Cellular phone conversation at the table.
(6) Arrive on the wrong day, time, or location.

Do not allow career-limiting behaviors to be the excuse for undermining that next big business deal or career opportunity.