Climbing the Ladder

Do you know proper business dinner etiquette?

If Woody Allen is correct and 90% of life is just showing up, then the other 10% is acting like you know what you’re doing when you get there. This would certainly apply to business dinners, where etiquette and social grace can potentially affect your career path.  The following are some tips on how to act when dining with business partners and associates. 

Arrive early

If you are meeting your host or guests at the restaurant, plan to get there about 10 minutes early. Arriving late is not fashionable in a business setting. Punctuality impresses. 

Remember the basics

Basic table manners are essential. Breaking them can be the most damaging thing one can do during a business dinner. So just a quick refresher: place your napkin on your lap, chew with your mouth closed, do not burp and keep your elbows off the table while people are eating. 

Eat up

Often, the actual food can be overlooked during a business dinner. Nerves can often affect one’s appetite or the conversation could be of such importance that the food becomes an afterthought. But eating is important, especially if your associate is picking up the tab. It can be considered as rude or a sign of disinterest if one does not eat their meal. 

If you are a guest at the dinner, do not order one of the most expensive items on the menu, unless you’re told directly or indirectly that it’s OK (for example, if your host suggests the prime rib).

Limit alcohol

Drinking during business dinners is fairly common, but keep it to a minimum. It’s important to retain full control of your faculties. Depending on how you handle alcohol, limiting yourself to one or two drinks will allow you to relax a little while maintaining a professional air. Getting drunk at a business dinner is the quickest way to diminish your stock with business associates.

Say thank you

This is another obvious courtesy, but one that, if overlooked, can put a damper on the evening and any impressions gained during it. Be sure to thank your host for a delicious dinner and a pleasant evening.

Have you ever watched someone commit a serious business dinner faux pas? Tell us about it!