What could be better than taking time out from the workday to lunch with a friend? Away from co-workers, deadlines and office gossip, you can relax and say what you want. No office politics; just good friends getting together for an hour to eat, chat and relax.
Business lunches can be more complicated. It depends on what the lunch is for and who is attending. Also, where are you meeting, what are you eating and who is paying? A simple hour lunch needs some thought and preparation.
First of all, why lunch? What is the purpose of the meeting? What will you be discussing? Serious meetings with contentious topics are best held in private behind closed doors. Meeting at a restaurant suggests a relaxed, friendly meeting. The location should fit the mood and intent of the meeting. Lunches at a nice restaurant in a relaxed atmosphere are perfect for building relationships and making customers or prospects feel good.
If you invite someone for lunch, you should pick up the check. Check your company policy for business expense reimbursement before you make a reservation. Unless you’re willing to fit the bill for the best steakhouse in town, shop the internet for reservations and check menu prices. You can ruin a successful lunch when your credit card is denied or the company won’t reimburse you for the double lobster tails and filet entre that put the bill over $200 each.
If you really want to impress, do some research and find out what type of food the client or customer prefers. Is he a vegetarian? Vegan? On the Atkins diet? Only eats carbs, nuts and seeds? You can impress at lunch by choosing a restaurant that fits the other person’s food preferences. Or do they really enjoy take out, eating at a local park or city square? The food may not be as impressive as the care you took to find out the person’s preference. Customize lunch to the topic, purpose and your guests’ menu preferences.
Lunches are all about conversation. Do you get to the point or spend some time with small talk? How personal is too personal? Your guests can get so relaxed and feel a connection that they start sharing their life stories, like a divorce, financial problems or business situations. It’s best to listen and then keep a professional distance. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first lunch or 10th, personal matters are best left out of the conversation.
If you’re coming from work, dress shouldn’t be an issue. Dress professionally, in line with your guest and the time of day. Dress codes have changed since men wore suits and ties every day and women wore suits or dresses and high heels. You can still be fashionable and professional. Err on the side of dressing formal. Leave the jeans, sandals and tank tops for the beach or mountains.
The end of the lunch shouldn’t be a contest for the check. It’s best to establish who’s paying the bill at the outset. A “this one is on me,” is all you need. Don’t suggest you split the bill. Don’t linger too long before picking up the check once it’s delivered. It may look like you’re stalling so your guest picks up the tab. Better yet, arrange to have the waiter deliver the bill to you at the table.
With a little planning, business lunches can be just the thing to impress a client, close a sale or just make a new business relationship. Handle yourself well at a lunch interview and you may get the job. At least you’ll have a nice meal at a restaurant and get a break from the daily routine.
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