Do you have good "business table manners?"
My last blog post drew parallels between business development and dating/marriage/divorce. As with the start of any relationship, you can learn a lot about someone based on what and how they eat. Chew on this...
- Pizza or lobster? Like selecting a place to eat, collaborating with your "date" on options is always the polite thing to do. If you're engaging with a new client or business partner, discussing options, allergies, and budget is an indication that you care about their preferences and limits.
- Be nice to the serving staff. The people who do the heavy lifting in business deserve respect and reasonable treatment. If they screw up, do not make a scene in public.
- Don't be a boor (or a bore)! The business equivalents of bad dining behavior including berating your companion in public, haggling over small bills (who ordered the ice tea?), and droning on and on and on without taking a breath. Going missing for long stretches or checking e-mails mid-conversation are also signs that you're not fully engaged.
- Avoid the bad clams. If something smells or tastes funky, roll it up in a napkin (metaphorically) and don't feel compelled to chew on it.
- Be willing to try "new food." Experimentation leads to innovation. Mix up your business circle too (aka your "dining companions") as it may lead to lively conversation and inspiration.
- Let's split the check! Gratitude for a job well done or a long-term client relationship is always appreciated.
May every new business deal be a feast of prosperity -- and earn you a seat at the VIP table (and not a grapefruit in the kisser).
LINKS WE LIKE:
The wrong way to end a relationship
Food you can eat with your fingers
Table manners circa 1950's -- SO RETRO! Can you imagine if Chuck was texting at the table?