Not too long ago we discussed the importance in getting out of your office to mix and mingle. Building a strong network is the best way to grow your business and advance your career. Now that you know how to meet and greet, it's important to take further steps to strengthen the friendships you've begun. The most traditional way is to take your new business contact out to lunch or dinner. It's as common to seal a business deal over a meal as it is in a board room. And stepping away from your office and your daily routine gives you the opportunity to mix business with pleasure. During a meal, you can discuss hobbies, families, sports and other interests your business acquaintance may have that do not come up as easily within the confines of the office. It's a great time to build rapport. But, beware; it's also a time when you can ruin the relationship. If the only restaurants you frequent sell hamburgers wrapped in paper or you choose a restaurant where your guest is allergic to everything on the menu, the meeting could be a disaster. Remember, it is still business, so prepare accordingly. Find a few restaurants you enjoy patronizing and become well known there. You will be familiar with the layout and staff and can request extra courtesies like a select table or special course. Tip the captain occasionally. Let him know who you are. Don't ask your guest to choose the restaurant. That is your job. Take into consideration the location of your guest's office. When extending the invitation, ask your guest if he has any dining preferences and try to accommodate him. Meet your guest in the front of the restaurant. When the maitre d' escorts you to your table, allow your guest to proceed in front of you and offer him the chair with the best view or with his back to the wall. You should take the aisle seat. If you will be late, call the restaurant and ask to have your guest seated and invited to have a beverage while he waits. Allow your guest to order first. It is a nice gesture to discuss what you will be choosing so that your guest, who may be unsure, will know whether he should order an appetizer and what price range to stay within. You may wish to order wine, especially if it is a dinner meeting. Order the wine after your guest has made his dinner selection. Only then will you know which will be most compatible with the meal. Traditionally, white wine is enjoyed with seafood and poultry. Red wine is enjoyed with red meat, game and pasta dishes with tomato based sauces. As the host, it is up to you to begin discussing business. Do so after rapport has been established and you've exchanged small talk. A good time to start is after your order has been taken so you will not be interrupted. It is also your job to decide when the meal has ended and to request the check. Tip the waiter between 15 and 20 % of the total bill. Don't discuss the bill or tip amount. Then, take your napkin, place it on the table and thank your guest for his company. Use the new information you've learned about your contact during the meal to foster the relationship. When you meet again, you can ask about some of the things he may have shared; his interests or projects he may have told you about. Work on becoming his friend because we prefer to do business with people we know and like. Call us for Business Etiquette Training and Business Etiquette Training Materials 973-857-6200 etiquette@corbyoconnor.com ©Copyright 2007. CORBY O'CONNOR ETIQUETTE & PROTOCOL. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS MATERIAL MAY BE REPRODUCED, STORED IN INFORMATION AND/OR RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS OR TRANSMITTED IN ANY WAY OR BY ANY MEANS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ELECTRONIC, MAGNETIC, DIGITAL, OPTICAL, LASER-BASED, MECHANICAL OR OTHERWISE,WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM CORBY O'CONNOR ETIQUETTE & PROTOCOL.