Don’t be the cause of someone else feeling uncomfortable while you’re dining with them. When it comes to a business meal, you’ll want to bring all your knowledge of proper dining etiquette to the fore. After all, if you’re seeking to leave a good impression and establish a long-lasting relationship, you’ll need to work on your table manners right away.
It goes without being said that top-notch service is an art form in itself, and here at our St. Louis car service, we strive to provide each and every customer with a safe and comfortable ride every time. In fact, because we understand just how important good manners are to ensure a long-term relationship, we’ve provided you with the steps you need for a successful business meal:
Setting the Right Agenda
Sitting through a successful business dinner isn’t about luck. In fact, it is more likely due to everyone being on the same page with the same ideals. With that being said though, it’s crucial that you know the agenda of the evening. Are you looking to bond with a prospective client or talk in detail about a business deal in the making? Once you have this figured out, you’ll be home sweet home.
It’s Still Work
Balancing a business dinner doesn’t have to be a headache. Although it’s true that it is a combination of networking skills and knowledge of how to handle business meetings, you can treat it as an extension of your workday. Simply put, get comfortable with the people on your table but not too comfortable that you put them off or forget the purpose of the meal in the first place.
The Food is Secondary
In order to fully concentrate on the business dinner at hand, don’t go starving. No one will want to talk much to a person who’s bent on cleaning out their plate. Instead, eat a little something before the meet up to stave off hunger. Another thing you’ll want to take note off is avoiding messy foods such as crab legs, ribs and pasta as that can cause more frustration than warranted.
Get Ready to Talk
Nowadays, it’s common to communicate just for the sake of getting things done or conveyed, but when it comes to a business dinner, communication is key to establishing relationships and deals. Show genuine interest in others at the table by preparing a few questions to ask them at the right time. You’ll also want to have a broader knowledge of a range of general topics to keep the conversation flowing smoothly.
Take Note of Your Body Language
A person’s body language reveals much about them, and it’ll be the same for you too. Because it’s an important part of ensuring the conversation is progressing in a smooth manner, you’ll want to convey attentiveness by sitting straight and looking directly at the person you’re talking or listening to. You’ll also want to remember your other table manner such as chewing with a closed mouth and keeping your elbows off the table.
In business, image and presentation are everything. When preparing for a business meeting, reliability, a professional appearance, and timeliness are crucial to making the right impression on stakeholders, colleagues, and clients. Count on our St. Louis limo rental for your next business meeting. We understand your need for punctuality and a professional image, and we can offer you the attention you require.