9 Ways to Avoid Blunders at Business Lunches

Sadly, very few people, from the lowest workers to the top executives, know the ins and outs of etiquette for business lunches. Simple things that their mom probably taught them when they were growing up at home have been forgotten, and business universities are apparently not teaching business etiquette. Here are some tips to give you confidence, and help you avoid the typical blunders. Remember that a business lunch is just that, business. It's not a time to flirt, drink heavily, joke or ask a girl for a date. The last thing you want to do is embarrass your boss in front of his business guest so that he has to call and apologize for your actions later. Don't talk with food in your mouth. Many times when you are eating, someone will ask you a question. Wait to answer until your mouth is empty. Learn to take small bites so you can quickly swallow what's in your mouth if necessary. Don't take for granted that the client is interested in a social encounter with you. Even though you may enjoy each other's company over a business lunch, it is not the time to ask for a date. When you are going out to lunch with a new client or someone you don't know well, offer to meet him at his office. You can go together to the restaurant. This will prevent you from being embarrassed if you don't recognize your client at the restaurant. Be kind to the waitress and the other people where you eat. If you are kind to the client and rude to the restaurant workers, it will leave a bad impression with your client. No matter what happens, even if the waitress spills something on your new suit, respond in a kind manner. Never talk bad about your competition. Do business in such a way that your company will outshine all of the others. If your client does business with the other company and you bad mouth them, he may feel that you are bad mouthing him, as well. Allow your business to speak for itself. Be a good conversationalist. When there is a lull in the conversation, ask a question about the other person or bring up a topic you think he might be interested in. People enjoy talking about things they enjoy. The entire meal doesn't have to be about business. Find out everything about your client's type of work before you go to lunch. With internet at your fingertips, you can do a 15 minute search before you leave. It will make him feel more at ease if you have some knowledge about his type of work. Even if you don't have your glasses with you, and you can't read the bill, don't ask your client to help you figure out the tip. There is nothing worse than letting him know how much you spent to take him out to lunch. He can figure it out pretty well for himself if he wants to know. Business lunches are a great way to promote your business and pick up new clients. Avoiding common blunders will set the stage for a future business venture, and help you build your company on a firm foundation.