Planning and Holding a Business Dinner

Holding a successful business dinner can help build relationships that are great for your business. Planning properly though ensures that the best possible impression is made. Here are some tips on successfully planning and holding a business dinner.

– Plan carefully. Choose a restaurant which is able and willing to accommodate people on a special diet, such as gluten free or vegetarian. Otherwise you can put guests in an uncomfortable position. Also make sure that it is easily accessible, and that you have been there before, so that you know what you are getting- trying somewhere new is great, unless their service and/or food is not so great.

– Know your guests. Find out about your guests beforehand, so that you can carry on a conversation, and raise topics to help promote discussion and build a relationship. Social media can certainly help you with this information. Also come prepared with appropriate dinner conversation, such as current events etc, and the ability to ask leading questions if the conversation dries up. Ensure you speak to everyone at your table and remember names!

– Arrive early. Make sure you get to the restaurant early, so that you are there before the guests. Ensure the table is well positioned and you are not sitting next to a large group of loud people, or in the path of traffic. You don’t want guests arriving first, unsure of where to go. You can also use this as an opportunity to prepay. It’s awkward for a bill to come to the table, so provide your credit card beforehand, or pay away from the guests.

– Follow the ordering. Let the guests order first, and order as they do. ie if they are skipping the entree you can also, to avoid them sitting around waiting. Don’t try and match them for drinking though, especially if they are drinking too much.

-Remember your table etiquette. Don’t talk with a huge mouthful of food- remember to take small bites. Also, never blow your nose at the table, and keep your mobile phone turned off and away.

– Respect wait staff. Acting rude or condescending towards the wait staff may reveal a potential attitude that could carry to your workforce, and lose respect.
– Relate to your guests. You don’t need to only talk business- it actually may be appropriate to avoid work topics all together, and just get to know each other personally. Small talk can be good.

– Follow up. Take note during the dinner of what you need to do to follow up, or what you have promised to do.

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