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Entertaining by Meal: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Afternoon Tea/ Dinner Don't limit your business entertaining to just lunches or receptions. Afternoon tea is also a unique way to entertain. All meals present an occasion to entertain business acquaintances outside the office. Your phone doesn't ring (cell phones off, please) and there will be no interruptions which is a good time to discuss business. All business meals should be scheduled Monday Friday only. Breakfast The breakfast business meeting is a weekday priority. Breakfast should be reserved for persons you already know unless they are from out of town. Who can turn down someone when they are willing to get up so early just to meet with you? 45 60 minutes is plenty of time for early morning entertaining. It's especially convenient when you are traveling or meeting with an out of town client who is on a limited time schedule. Plus, breakfast doesn't break up your day. Most breakfast foods are easy to eat such as eggs, waffles or cereals. Avoid bacon and grapefruit which will splatter. Lunch When extending an invitation, no matter how well you know someone, never say 'let's do lunch. Its tacky and unprofessional. Lunch should be with persons already known to you and never last more than 90 minutes. The place you choose should be convenient for your guest vs. you. Stick with the grilled meats and salads and avoid messy soups or pastas. Afternoon Tea Its a nice way entertain or to meet with a client or business colleague but only for a first time meeting This type of setting is unique and therefore its not for everyone but it does make a nice impression. It's also very civilized allowing for more relaxing conversation, especially if you're meeting with an out of town client who may need a 'breather.' Tea can be just as productive as other meals and less of a hassle than breakfast or lunch because your food already comes prepared so there will be fewer interruptions. It's good to know the difference between 'Afternoon Tea' and 'High Tea." High Tea , also called supper, is what nannies feed little children. Afternoon Tea normally takes place between the hours of 3 - 5 o'clock. It includes coffee or tea, pastries and sandwiches and sometimes champagne. How can anyone be stressed over a scone? Further, as tea is served late in the afternoon, it's a good time to sneak out of the office and get home early for a change. Dinner The most productive business dinners are the ones reserved for special occasions when you really want to impress someone. Always include the spouse of your guest over dinner; it's only fair as you're taking them away from after work hours. Avoid Friday nights as it is considered the weekend. Dinner becomes a social, relaxing way to discuss business and a good time to get to know a business associate on a more intimate level. Remember the rule about drinking: more than one can be disastrous not only during the meal but for the drive home. Dinner with a client should never be a first invitation. It's better to engage in business dinners only when you know someone, have a set agenda and a real good reason for meeting after 6:00 pm. The exception to inviting someone to dinner on a first time invitation would be if the person is from another city and/ or they suggest the dinner. Don't try to prolong the dinner or wait for your guest to start yawning. Refrain from saying Wont you stay for another drink? They may say yes just to be gracious when what they really want is to be home. Be a closer. Think 10:00 p.m. news! You'll be out on a school night, so keep in mind that dinner should end no later that 10:00 p.m. allowing time for travel. What method you choose to entertain, its best not to plan meetings too close before. You don't want to be rushed and stressed thinking about your next stop and this may show in your mannerisms.
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Lisa M. Grotts |
