Finessing the Business Meal.

#Craft of connecting in business world is very crucial and when we know that connections are very important , why not connect with some business contacts over the business meal?

Away from your board rooms and from the clutches of technology if given a chance to meet your client a new contact and build connection over the meal, will you be up for this business meal?

Or 

#You feel that you cannot show up to the meal with confidence?

#If you answered “ Yes” don’t worry  or lose sleep as  bunch of key rules  below will help you show up with confidence at any business meal so be it a power breakfast, brunch , office party or a  classic 13 course classic French meal, you would be able to ace them all.

#Let us understand what are few important pointer,one needs to take care, so let us begin

#Arriving

As a host ensure you are arriving early on the day of the meeting. So that you can secure the best table and greet your guest on arrival.(Do not forget the firm handshake)

If possible Pre-sign the receipt and include the tip for the waitperson.

#Purse & Briefcase

Having arrived now the question is where shall you keep your purse/Handbag or briefcase.the answer is simple ,it goes on the floor not on the way for sure, just keep it  close to your chair, ladies do not hang it on the chair or place it behind.”It goes on the floor”

#Digital Companion

The most important companion without which we cannot imagine our lives is our cell phones and I- phone however it is highly recommended to switch your cell phones off and also make sure they don’t even reach the table.

We are equal

Remember it is a business setting and you need to leave the gender aside so please do not pull out someone’s chair for them as they can do for themselves.

Be a guest

If you are a guest please be a good guest and follow the host.

#Napkin

When you are seated, take your napkin and place it in your lap or if you are attending a very  formal gathering, where there is a definite host or hostess, wait for them to place their napkin in their lap first, and you follow them like a good guest — simply unfold it and do remember to unfold it quietly below the table and remember it is a napkin and hence it should not be used like a tissue at all.

Another rule about tehnapkin is that once you’ve placed it on you lap,it should never touch the surface again until you have finished your meal., if you have to be excused for some reason in the middle of the meal you may do so by placing your napkin on the chair.

The 'rest' and 'finished' positions

Place your knife and fork in the rest position (knife near the top of plate, fork across middle of plate) to let the waiter know you are resting," Pachter writes.

"Use the finished position (fork below the knife, diagonally across the plate) to indicate that you have finished eating."

Inedible food

#Do not spit it into your napkin.

Be very careful when you actually give an order for meal however if you have prdered and you have that inedible food in your mouth and you are in the conversation, do excuse yourself to fix the situation and you use the restroom for this quick fix. In other cases  you may use your thumb and index finger to remove the morsel and then make sure to wipe your fingers with the napkin.

#BMW Rule

I remember reading this wonderful mnemonic that has certainly helped me and I am sure it will benefit you too.

BMW in dining etiquette stands for "bread, meal, and water," so remember that "your bread-and-butter plate is on the left, the meal is in the middle, and your water glass is on the right," 

Utensils turn

Well it must be little difficult for most of us to know all the utensils use as it is not taught in school or at home in our growing up years, however it is never too late to learn and with practice it might turn into a habit our second nature so let us add the dash of silverware and utensils knowledge too.

Remember two simple rules here ; rule number one is  “Start on the Outside and Work Your Way In” and the rule two here is “ Forks go to the left of the plate, and knives & spoons go to the right”

And yes another thing  to remember is that most of the time the utensils above the plate are the dessert fork and spoon, although these may sometimes the dessert fork or spoon can be placed parallel or diagonal on the plate .

#Finger food

Bread is finger food , so tear small pieces with your fingers and butter them (with your butter knife) as you go — do not bite off a piece of bread and do not butter a whole slice of bread at one time. If the butter is located on a central dish, take a portion of it and place it on your bread plate.

#A-La-Carte

It is always good to go for food that is easier to eat and hence if you go with a regular Buffet or a set meal which is offered, it may sometimes be messy to enjoy every item of that set meal, so it is always good to go with A-La-carte, where you can order separate items as per your need and comfort.

#Discussing Business

Business meal doesn’t mean that as soon as you sit down you start talking business please  respect the social setting and begin with  social conversation with your guest after you have been seated; wait until your beverages and initial courses are served and eaten  before beginning business conversation.

Well, these are just few tips from my end today and to know more you have to wait for my upcoming book titled "English & Business Etiquette" so to get your copy,don't forget to register by sending an email to me @ vinumanhotra@gmail.com.