6. The Host’s Responsibilities
Issue the invitation
Make reservations
Confirm the morning of
Determine seating
Set agenda
Lead the conversation
Take control of the bill – ASAP!
7. The Guests’ Responsibilities
Arrive on time
Call restaurant if delayed
Allow the host to be the host
Ask what host recommends
Order from mid-range of menu
Send a thank you within 2 days
Reciprocate if appropriate
20. The Napkin
Put in your lap as soon as you sit down
Fold goes toward you
Dab your mouth, don’t wipe
Where does your napkin go …
when you leave the table
during the meal?
when you are done with your meal
and ready to leave the event?
22. How Do You Remove Unwanted
Food From Your Mouth?
23. Food Service
Food is passed around the table left to right,
just as you read.
Waiters should serve you
on the left and remove
food from the right.
24. Business Dining No Nos
No boardinghouse reach
No talking with your mouth full
No grooming at the table
No pushing away your plate
No turning glasses upside down
Avoid messy foods.
Why chance it?!
26. Before the Event
Why am I going?
Who else is going?
What will we talk about?
27. Why Am I Going?
Never go with the purpose of getting new clients.
Pushy
Desperate!
Go to start or deepen relationships
Prepare
Goals
Questions
28. Who Else Is Going?
Get the attendee list
Decide who you most want to meet
Call them in advance
Invite customers/clients/associates to go with you
29. Goals
Write them Down
Meet 3 people I don’t know
Introduce Steve, my co-worker, to Sharon, my client
Personally meet Bill Winston
Re-connect with Tracy Patterson
30. What Will We Talk About?
Prepare questions in advance.
Provocativequestions
Open-ended questions
High-energy questions
Be a Journalist
What do you love most about your work?
What’s the biggest mistake people make when ..?
How did you get into this line of work?
What’s the most notable trend in your industry?
31. Handshakes
The No Nos
Two Handed or Covered
Limp Handshake
Finger Squeeze
The Bone Crusher
36. Just for Women
Forget the Purse!
Jacket with Pockets
Check Your Handshake
Don’t be Offended
37. Just for Men
Check your Handshake
Always offer a Handshake to a Woman
Holding chairs, doors, coats for women.
Should you do it?
38. Breaking and Entering
Avoid Groups of Two
Approach Groups of 3 or More
Position yourself Close to the Group
Give facial feedback to
the conversation
When you feel included, join in
Be open to others who want in
39. Breaking and Entering
May I join you or is this a private conversation?
Excuse me for interrupting, I’ve been wanting to
meet you.
Circulate every 8-10 minutes.
40. Moving On
When you have just finished a comment, say:
Excuse me it’s been lovely talking with you
Will you excuse me, I see someone I need to say hello
to.
I don’t want to monopolize your time. I know there are
a lot of other people here who would like to talk with
you.
Let’s continue this conversation over lunch. Can I call
you to arrange something?
41. Business Cards
Always bring plenty!
Establish rapport first.
Ask for theirs first.
42. Dos and Don’ts
Do Don’t
Introduce yourself to strangers Stand alone waiting for someone to talk
to you
Circulate freely
Cling to one person the entire night
Approach groups of 3 or more
Approach groups of 2
Spend 8-10 minutes with each Monopolize one group or individual’s
person or group time
Introduce others to those you know Let two strangers look at each other
Eat and drink moderately awkwardly
Have specific goals for being there Overindulge – you’re not there to eat!
Go just because it’s free food and drink
Offer your hand to each new person
Snub anyone by not offering a
Thank your host prior to leaving handshake
Sneak out the door without saying
goodbye
44. Questions
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