In today's fast-paced global world, timeless people skills are more important than ever — and becoming more scarce. You need to stand apart to get ahead.
This column will showcase business situations and how to leverage them. The goal is to inspire trust, forge relationships and advance professionally.
We start with the business lunch. Many business transactions are either strengthened or shattered during lunch. When you demonstrate attention to detail at lunch, it could translate into showing you'll have the same savvy in business dealings.
Here's some tips on a successful lunch:
• Email the day before to confirm and exchange cellphone numbers.
• Observe "The 15-Minute Rule" — arrive 15 minutes early to meet the wait staff; learn names and select a good table; review seating (the most important person sits to host's right); and review order of ordering. (First, person of honor. Second, ladies. Third, gentlemen. Last, host orders.)
• Arrange for the check in advance so it is never presented at the table.
• Stand in the waiting area and personally greet guests and offer easy "small talk."
• Do a "time check" with your guests and honor their schedule.
• Suggest looking at menus to get ordering under way and share uninterrupted time together.
• Match dining companion course-for-course; it's not necessary to match alcohol, but consider anything but tap water.
• Eat when your guest eats and focus on the speaker, not your food.
• When holding glasses, use the first three fingers and avoid "The Death Grip!"
• Taste before seasoning your food, to avoid being viewed as rushing to judgment.
• When it comes to the bread, break off one bite-sized piece at a time; "you touch it, you own it!"
• When it comes to table talk, engage with those seated on either side; contribute, be inclusive.
• Write down personal information discussed and use it in subsequent communication to advance relationships.
• Send "Thank you" notes either as an email or, my favorite, the timeless "thank you" note. Remember repetition is reputation. Enjoy this time getting to know the other person who has invested their time with you.
• And don't send food back, ask for "doggie bags" or share food.
Follow these simple rules, and lunch will pay for itself.
Judith Bowman is president of her own consulting company. Visit her website protocolconsultants.com to learn more.
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