It’s never about the food

Many of these related scenarios are apt for this discussion as many persons in the corporate world are faced with similar real world experiences with little guidance as to the unwritten codes.

Business meals are never about the food. It is important to understand that these events are utilized for the purpose of establishing and developing a business relationship, sealing a corporate deal, in commemoration of a deal, or any other related circumstance. In terms of deciding whether you offer a business luncheon or dinner, it is advisable that business dinners should not be the first meal with a client unless the client’s location facilitates some measure of flexibility, or the client specifically requests this. Business dinners are ideal to cement existing relationships.

Lunch remains the ideal meal to entertain clients or to establish new business contacts. You are safe to begin your business discussions after the appetizer is served. Similar to any standard business meeting, the agenda for the business luncheon discussions should be clearly thought out before, so as to maximize the time spent with the client. It is NOT advisable to wait until the dessert to begin looking at the crux of the business meeting.

The person who extends the invitation pays for the meal. It is always advisable to avoid having the check brought to the table to avoid the discomfort. This can be easily managed by the establishment of a corporate tab, or with a simple visit to the restaurant’s wait staff before your luncheon to state that the check will be managed after the meal and away from the table.

If the event is a more formally styled business dinner, then more than likely a toast will be offered, in this case, to get the group’s attention, the host simply needs to stand with his/her glass in hand. There is no need to hit the glass. If the toast is being offered in a more relaxed atmosphere or public restaurant, then the toast may be offered whilst seated. The person being toasted also remains seated.

After the person offering the toast gets the group’s attention, there is no further need to keep your glass in the air; it can be discreetly set back on the table until it is time to raise the glass whilst inviting others to raise their glasses as well. Once you have said your words, when approaching your final formal words, it is then appropriate to invite others to join you in raising your glasses. A sip of the drink is standard, not consuming the entire content of the glass. The person being toasted does not drink. The guest of honour being toasted usually returns the toast to the host, thanking them for their kind words, whilst thereafter proposing a toast of his/her own.

In Europe, the corporate tea is the new power meal; likewise, in Trinidad and Tobago we have seen the advent of the quick coffee discussions. These corporate “meet – ups” often provide a more cautious alternative to avoid the consumption of wines and spirits during the business lunch

Next week: Telephone Etiquette, the SSSCA Model

Nicole Dyer Griffith, 221-0199 or ndgccmarketing@outlook.com.