Business lunch: etiquette

Here were these disappointing results of the test course "business lunch etiquette." We all failed at the first dinner. But from a business dinner it depends very much: your image as a business person, the company's image, which will be judged by your behavior, the success of important negotiations, entry into higher business circles, etc. It is therefore begin to take the popularity of such courses, affecting all.. aspects of a business dinner, starting with the fact, as is spaghetti without dropping them on his shirt, down to how to properly open the mussels.

I will try to briefly explain to you the basic rules that I learned in these courses.

If the invitation to the reception or lunch sent in writing, be sure the same in writing to express my gratitude, even if you are not going to go for it.

Carefully consider your costume

Even if the invitation says "everyday clothes", it still means "to wear a jacket and tie" for men and "in a business suit" for women. No jeans! If you would like to see you come in jeans, in the invitation to write "in sportswear."

If it is you invite someone to a business lunch, the restaurant you have to behave as if receiving guests at home. Therefore it is better to reserve the best table in the restaurant and read the menu.

We invited his duties

One of the main councils guests - not to come to the restaurant starving. It is better to pre-anywhere snack. You go to a business lunch is not, and to solve business issues and to establish a business relationship.

But even if you're going to eat something, you should do it right. And it is a science. Do you know what spoon puree soup is different from the normal soup spoons? We did not know. Nobody, not even Mary, several times present at the ambassadorial dinners. Now I know: spoon a little more than usual to puree soup. But still have to fork salad fork for the main course, fish fork, fork for cakes and other of their numerous relatives. Try to learn in advance the purpose of all these items. Do not think that your mistakes surrounding the experts to write off "a sweet spontaneity."

Nor should it be:

Discuss their dietary preferences and health problems, even if you have a stomach ulcer or an allergy. It is better to give up the dishes, without explaining the reasons.

 To complain about the service and quality of food.

Loudly call the waiter. Instead, try to meet his eyes and slightly nodding, beckoning to him. We should not try to make friends with the waiter, communicate to him officially.

Waving a napkin. Carefully expand it under the table and try to eat so that you do not have too much to use it.

Gain a spoonful. The soup should be carefully sip from the edge of the spoon, trying not to make any sound at the same time.

Leave traces of food on the glass. So every time before you take a sip, blot lips with a napkin.

 There once finished lunch inviting.

Proper shaking hands before and after lunch or during receptions - a separate issue. Handshake should be firm, but not strong. It should shake your hand twice - no more and no less. Serve cold hand - bad form. If it's cold outside, wear gloves. And during receptions hold a glass with a drink in your left hand to the right to remain free and warm.

In addition, in different countries have their own particular etiquette business lunches.

Japan

In Japan, the business lunch is often accompanied by the presentation of a small gift. The gift should be in the package, better paper pastel shades and without ribbons and bows. Handing it should be, holding in both hands. Give four and nine subjects (no matter what) - unfortunately.

India

Answer a direct refusal to the invitation here is considered very impolite and even insulting. It is better to give a "foggy" or non-committal response, such as, "I will try, if you do not hold up my business."

Arab countries

If you are invited for a dinner or reception, it is better to come later specified in the invitation time for 15-20 minutes. It is believed that any self-respecting person should make coming. If you arrive on time, the dinner host may decide that you too are interested in these business relationships, and then during the trades all the advantages will be on his side. And nothing ever eat or pass with his left hand!

China

The hospitality and courtesy - a mandatory feature of the Chinese. And if a business lunch and the hospitality of the host lunch surpass all your expectations, it does not mean that the deal is in your pocket. Quite the contrary! Often this method of softening failure.

To tell the truth, all attend the course on the day relieved when dinner was over. I'm still not sure that the guest who knows how to behave at the table, rather sociable, relaxed, interesting guests, not so well acquainted with the rules of etiquette. But I know one of them, I invited to dinner with an important sponsor, but someone on holiday barbecue.