It is often said that “Breaking bread is an important part of a business relationship that leads to trust and long-term success”.
No doubt, brushing up on your table manners is a non-negotiable when preparing for a business meeting with other professionals. More often than not, these lunch/dinner meetings test your social skills and may actually help determine if time, effort or money will eventually be invested in your proposal.
Let’s dive into these tips to ensure that you ace your next business meeting:
1. Timing is key
Be punctual. You do not want to leave an impression that you do not care about time. Also, pace your eating according to your dining companions. Do not conclude your meal too early or make them wait too long for you to finish.
2. Pick the right table
If you can, choose a table that won’t make you feel cramped and uncomfortable. A table in a quiet corner may also reduce distractions.
3. Don’t attend hungry
Remember that food is not the primary focus of the business lunch or dinner. Having something to eat before the meeting will help keep your hunger in check, and reduce the urge to overindulge.
4. Stay focused on the conversation
Being aware of what to eat or skip is crucial, in order to stay focused. Avoid anything that is difficult to eat, time consuming, or slow to digest, and above all, do not seal your meeting with a stinky, sticky or oily goodbye handshake!
