Business Dining Etiquette - How Not to Look Cheap

If you planning on entering the business world will find that you will have to take prospective clients out to dinner quite often in which case, you should be abreast on the etiquette of business dining. This means a lot more than just knowing which pair of shoes and what color tie to wear to dinner. But speaking of ties, dress is the first item on your list of what to address when planning a business dinner with an existing client or a potential client.

Dress for Dinner
Many upscale restaurants require a coat and tie. There can be nothing more embarrassing than showing up in casual wear and being asked rather indiscreetly to wear one of the stock coats and ties.

When dining with a client, you can never go wrong with a smart, well fitting and well ironed jacket with a crisp shirt and a silk tie. A neat little tie clip or a tie pin, will not only make you look suave and sophisticated, it will also help you keep your necktie from falling into your dinner.

If you are invited to a black tie business dinner, you will need to don a tuxedo. In this case, you will need a bowtie.

Make Reservations
Find out a little about your clients favorite cuisine and take them to a restaurant that has the best reputation in serving that particular cuisine. This is not the time to check out the new, eclectic Sushi bar that everyone is talking about. Stick with a traditional choice in a business dinner and save the stepping-out-on-a-limb choices for a date. Choose a restaurant with which you are familiar and is ideal for a business dinner. Make reservations, request a good table and dont forget to inform the restaurant that this is an important business deal.

Wait for your Guests
If you happen to arrive early, wait for your guests to arrive. Dont get caught sitting in the bar, half tanked when they get there, tie askew and jacket off. Wait in the lobby for your guests and go with them to the table with the Maitre d. If you have never tipped a Maitre d in a restaurant before for a good table, now is the time to do so. You will be surprised at the choice of table you can get for a mere $20 tip.

Exercise Dinner Etiquette
Allow your guests to order first. If this is a dinner, you may want to start with cocktails and then order food. Go easy on the cocktails though. You do not want to imbibe in alcohol too much at a business dinner - this is not a frat party. One drink is plenty. Be sure to make sure your guests are content with their drinks before ordering.

Exercise Good Table Manners
Place your napkin on your lap. Use the right cutlery. Pass the bread to the right before taking any yourself. If you have to get up during the course of the meal, put your napkin on your chair and ask to be excused.

Apologize for the interruption if you get a phone call and take it outside. Having a cell phone conversation at the dinner table with clients is about the rudest thing that you can do. Put your phone on vibrate and, if there is an emergency, excuse yourself to take care of it briefly.

Have Money for the Bill
When everyone is satisfied and you have asked if the dinner and food was to their liking, then ask for the bill. Make sure that you have enough money on your credit card or debit card if you are not carrying cash to pay for the bill. Not having the money can ruin any potential deal for you.

Remember that you are the host and it is up to you to see that they have a good time. Dress smartly, wear a suit and tie and be sure that your guests get everything that they need and are satisfied. By following these simple rules of etiquette, you can impress your clients and clinch any business deal.

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