by Sue Currie
http://www.shinecomms.com.au
© 2007
Networking, cocktail parties and business lunches
are an important part of our everyday working life. Being at ease
in these situations and behaving in the most appropriate manner
doesn't always come easily to everyone. It pays to perfect some
of these social skills if you're looking to get ahead in your
career.
The way we present ourselves especially in social
situations says a lot about us. We may come across as insecure
or lacking in confidence if we bumble through introductions at
a networking event. Our lack of table manners could raise the
eyebrows of the all-important client you're trying to do business
with. Perhaps having a few too many drinks at a networking function
is not a good idea especially if you end up telling a client what
you really think about him or her.
As business entrepreneurs, we're busily attending
functions, meetings and networking events to woo and win clients
and customers. We've learned sales and negotiating skills to help
secure business, proposal writing, marketing, publicity and a
host of other "tools" to help us in our business life,
but what about the softer skills or the intangible elements of
the work relationship that may help us land the deal?
Personal public relations can go a long way toward
achieving the success you desire in your business life. After
all PR is really "relationships" with your "public".
One way of achieving personal PR success is to
be aware of appropriate business etiquette. Most of us learned
basic table manners around the dining room table as we were growing
up but with our modern take-away, fast food lifestyle, some of
our earlier learning may have gone out the window. So let's look
at a few do's and don'ts for acceptable behaviour at a business
lunch.
- If you're taking a client to lunch you pay - the one who
is likely to benefit the most from the business should pay.
Leave your credit card with the cashier beforehand or politely
excuse yourself before the end of the meal and settle the bill.
- Shaking hands is the accepted greeting. If it's a male/female
lunch avoid the kiss on the cheek unless you know each other
very well. It's best to keep the relationship business like.
- Recommend the restaurant and if possible book a table in a
good position - away from the kitchen or restrooms. Have the
client in the best seat facing into the restaurant or toward
the view.
- Recommend food choices you may have had previously and perhaps
something that may be expensive on the menu so they feel comfortable
with that choice. Be guided by their choices. For example don't
order dessert if they are not having it and expect them to wait
while you finish off a piece of chocolate cake.
- Don't get drunk or drink too much. Also don't smoke if your
client doesn't.
- Don't wave your knife and fork around like a conductor, or
use the wrong utensils. Your bread & butter plate will be
on the left while your wineglass will be on the right near the
tip of your knife. Observe basic good manners, such as not talking
with your mouth full!
- Start the lunch off with some small talk first. Although
you are there to discuss business, bring it up after eating
the entree.
The idea of a business lunch is to build rapport
and a relationship with your client. It's not so much about the
food or wine but more about making them feel happy and comfortable
with the time they've spent with you.
NBA
Benefit Provider - VIDITalk
NBA
Resource Article - Nine
Tips for Office Celebrations
NBA
Resource Article - How
To Improve Your Social Skills
Reprint
of this article does not constitute an endorsement by the National
Business Association; the article is for informational purposes
for our members and viewers of our Web site.
