Information Session on Business Meals Alex Nikolai Eric Zeitler DJ Parez Chase Straseske

What Will Be Taught Why business lunches are held and are vital for success What to do at a business lunch Adjusting to cultural differences

Interviews Give people a good idea if they would work with that person. Etiquette is often make or break for being offered a position First impressions are important

Change of Place At a business it is one person’s home court Control of environment Allow for equal footing Different venue often boosts creativity

Start and Maintain Relationships Network! Network! Network! People do business with people they like

Business Lunches Lead to Success You will move up the job ladder more quickly For every dollar a company spends on a client, they stand to make $17! It is much easier to make a sell.

Organizing Business Meals Host You are responsible for the meal running smoothly You are responsible for your guests feeling comfortable

Establish A Purpose Celebrating an accomplishment Welcoming new clients Award employees Shows you care about what you are celebrating The purpose will have an impact on who attends

Select A Date and Time Pick a date that works for you After what you are celebrating 2-3 hours for the entire dinner

Create A Guest List Know who you want to invite Knowing a general number will affect the location Make it known who can come and who cannot It will be embarrassing if a guest brings an uninvited guest.

Choose A Location Somewhere familiar Has a variety of options Rely on recommendations from co-workers

Visit the Venue Know the atmosphere Find an area to reserve Be aware of anything guests should know about Not to loud, but not to quiet

Create an invitation Timing What is included in the invitation Allow 4-6 months when inviting out-of-town guests 3-4 weeks for a business luncheon 2-4 weeks for a cocktail party What is included in the invitation

Invitations cont. Reminder Cards Ten day to two weeks prior to the event Refreshes people’s memories Changes to the event

Plan A Menu Have guests inform you about allergies or diets Have all courses on the menu If no menu, suggest options so guests know the price range

Have A Menu At Each Plate Common courtesy So everyone knows what to order

Create A Seating Chart Have name cards at seats Seat people next to each other with common interests. Have the guest of honor sit next to the host It is the job of the host to make sure everyone is comfortable

Arriving Good dining etiquette and impressions start when you first arrive at the restaurant As the host you want to arrive 30-45 minutes ahead of time DJ will talk more about the arrival of the host

Dress Formal Semi-formal Informal Men- Tuxedo Ladies- Long or mid-length evening dress Semi-formal Men- Dark business suit Ladies- Knee length or mid length evening gown Informal Men- Polo-style shirt Ladies- Blouse with slacks

*Set the tone and take control* Hosting - Arrival When arriving at the restaurant, position yourself within sight of the door Escort guests to the table As soon as everyone has arrived, sit down at the table *Set the tone and take control*

Hosting - Meal Fold napkin into your lap as soon as you sit down Offer suggestions on what to order Appetizers, alcohol, price range Encourage communication between attendees Begin eating as soon as everyone is served If in a larger group, wait for a majority Keep your napkin in your lap until you decide that the meal is over

Hosting – The Bill Handle the bill discreetly Always tip the wait staff a minimum of 15% Waiter/waitress Bartender Wine steward Remember to tip coat attendant and valet

Hosting – Conclusion and Follow Up Thank all of the guests for coming After all guests have left, thank the wait staff As a follow up, send out “thank you” notes to attendees Encourage them to attend future gatherings

Meal Etiquette – Before the meal Wait for the host Sit after the host sits Fold napkin into lap after host does Silence all communication devices Order quickly and concisely Remember that others are waiting for you Use suggestions from the host

Meal Etiquette – During the meal Understand the types of utensils Work from the outside toward the inside After using an item, put it back in a central location If you pass something around the table, offer to the left then pass to the right When leaving the table, keep napkin folded over your chair until you return

Meal Etiquette - Eating Sip soup with spoon, rather than putting spoon in your mouth Tear bread into pieces as you eat, buttering each piece rather than entire roll Cut food as you eat it, rather than cutting all of it at the beginning Remove food from mouth discreetly, using your napkin

Meal Etiquette – Other Tips Use your napkin every two or three bites Always swallow food before drinking Do not blow on food to cool it off Understand what to talk about *Follow host’s queues*

Always Remain Professional

Hostile Work Environment A hostile work environment exists when an employee experiences workplace harassment and fears going to work because of the offensive, intimidating, or oppressive atmosphere generated by the harasser.

Remaining Professional Understand Research Get to know Execute Different cultures? Know the questions to ask

Questions?