Lunch with a client, potential business partner or new colleague can often be more productive than an office meeting. Getting out of the office and off the phone creates an environment more conducive to relaxing and candid conversation.
Get the Invitation Right
When inviting someone to lunch, be respectful of his or her time and
position. If inviting a superior you don’t know well, don’t risk being
presumptuous–you might opt for suggesting coffee instead.
Who Chooses the Spot?
If you’re inviting, offer up some suggestions and let your guests pick. If
they don’t care, it’s on you. You don’t want to bring a vegetarian to a steakhouse. If inviting
someone to discuss next year’s budget cuts, best to skip the meal at the most
expensive restaurant in town.
If your guest choses the place, don’t forget to
compliment her on the choice.
Time & Place
Get there early. Always know the set-up of the restaurant and make sure both
the venue and your table are right for your objective.
Some people suggest that if the meeting is a celebratory or casual
lunch with people you knows well, get a a table in a central area, closer to
the bar, where it’s typically more boisterous. If it’s a serious conversation
and you need get something accomplished, look for a quiet table in the
corner.
When to Talk Business
Don’t bring up business
until you have received your drinks and ordered your meals. Then, when business
talk commences, frame the conversation around your guest. Ask about her
business, what she’s working on and where she needs help. This will give you a clear understanding of context and provide a transition into explaining how you and might be of assistance.
Drinking?
If your company is
paying, you should probably skip the alcohol. If your client wants to
imbibe, let him order a drink. A good rule of thumb is to let your guests order
first, so they’re not inhibited by your choice.
Handling the Bill
There is an art to handling the bill. You want to be graceful about it. When
the check arrives, be nimble and reach for it swiftly–but keep looking your
clients in the eye if they’re speaking.
Don’t stare at the line items with anything like shock or
horror! On the othher hand, if there’s an error with the bill, excuse yourself to talk
to the waiter separately without making your guest feel uncomfortable.
When it’s time to pay, don’t disrupt the conversation, but
make eye contact with the waiter so that he picks up your credit card
quickly.
Turn Off Your Phone
Let me say it again, Turn off your
phone! Now is not the time to be checking your incoming email or
texting your colleague. I’ve seen some people pick up their phones between
courses instead of talking to others at the table. Turn off your phone.
When To End the Meeting
Be sure to limit it to about an hour, but be flexible to the client's interests. If she wants to visit a little longer that is fine, but don't forget your other responsibilites at the office. The business lunch should never last more than 1 1/2 hours. If it appears to be prolonged, excuse yourself by acknowledging how enjoyable the lunch was and that you would like to get back to the client at another time. Get a specific date/time if possible.
