Hosting a Business Meal: 5 Etiquette Tips
By Rachel Wagner
From The Savvy Professional, February 2010
The etiquette for hosting a business meal is a vital skill for savvy professionals. For starters, it strengthens the image of you and your company. And not only that, your hosting skills help to put your guest at ease. When your guest feels comfortable, it’s easier to build rapport and strengthen the relationship. And, that’s critical for the growth and success of your business.
A host is like a general. It is his or her job to ensure that the business meal goes smoothly. Here are five ways you can stand out as a gracious host:
- You choose the restaurant. Do not ask your guest where he or she would like to go. This decision belongs to you. Do take into account the location of your guest’s office and their cuisine likes and dislikes. Be sure to make a reservation.
- Do confirm the time and place with your guest the day before or morning of the business meal. It’s easy for someone to jot down the wrong date or time in a planner or in Outlook.
- Arrive 10-15 minutes before your guest so you can secure a good table. Choose a table that allows for privacy. Avoid a table too close to the kitchen or restroom door. And be sure to let your guest know where to meet you—at the table or at the entrance. This alleviates either of you waiting in the wrong place and thinking the other is late.
- Give your guest menu suggestions to show the limits of your hospitality. For example, you might say, “The prime rib is their specialty.” Or, “I think I may have the seafood trio.” The guest need not order your suggestion, but it gives him an indication of the price range from which to choose.
- As host, you should take care of all expenses. This includes the meal, tip, coat check, and valet parking. A savvy host will pre-pay. The server simply runs your credit card before your guest arrives. Then, you step away briefly at the end of the meal to add the tip and sign the bill. This alleviates any awkwardness by the bill being presented at the table.
When you develop and refine your business meal hosting skills, you will enhance your own professional image and that of your organization. Your guest will appreciate your graciousness and the time spent together.
Rachel Wagner is a certified corporate etiquette and international protocol consultant and founder of the business etiquette firm, Rachel Wagner Etiquette and Protocol. She trains leadership teams on the topics of business and dining etiquette to polish their professional presence and the image of their company. Rachel is active with the American Society for Training and Development and the National Speaker’s Association. She is author of a popular e-zine, The Savvy Professional, and is frequently quoted in the media. She can be reached by phone at 918.970.4400 or by email at Rachel@EtiquetteTrainer.com. Website: www.EtiquetteTrainer.com.
