FIVE PROTOCOL POINTERS FOR BUSINESS DINING

The purpose of business dining events is to relax and enjoy the food, correct?
Not correct.  When dining or socializing in a business context, it's never about the food.  When attending business dining events, you are on the job.  The goal of business dining is to create a positive connection that will lead to a business relationship. Even in today's relaxed social climate, it remains true that promotions or negotiations have been lost due to poor table manners and lack of comportment and confidence in a business dining situation.

Check your Knowledge of Business Dining
 Yes or No:

1. First impressions count.  It's better to dress a notch above your client than a notch below them.
2. As a host of a business meal, one of the first questions your should ask your guests is how much time they have.
3. The product presentation should occur before everyone orders their meal or after dessert.
4. Regardless of gender, when your guest arrives you should open the door and let them go first, and permit them to follow the maitre'd first.
5. If you invite a potential new client for lunch, it is your responsibility to handle all the details and pay the check.

Question 3 is the only 'No' answer.
The product presentation should occur after everyone has ordered, and should last about ten minutes.