Alberto is a great businessman who should not try very hard to close good business deals. Once, looking for new markets, he decided to start negotiations with a company that is based in India. After the first meetings in his office, he invited the Indian representative to eat at a typical Argentine place: a canteen in La Boca (he wanted to invite him to a grill, but his secretary warned him that the Indians do not consume beef, since they consider sacred animal cattle). He succeeded from that first date, and the negotiations continued.
Weeks later, his guest wanted to pay attention to him, inviting him to a lunch in a restaurant of ethnic Indian food. On the day of the meeting he enthusiastically arrived at the establishment, and after the usual greetings, he prepared to order. Alberto had never tried this type of food, and eager to ingratiate himself with his interlocutor asked him to recommend a dish. When the saucer reached the table, and he brought the first bite to his mouth, his face couldn't hide the disgust, he tried to cope with the impact, and continue eating. He thought that a good gulp of wine would help him get out that spicy flavor, but, as much as he drank, the taste did not disappear. He felt so uncomfortable, and was so concerned about not showing it, so as not to offend his host, that he lost the thread of the conversation, and forgot the purpose of the meeting.
Alberto's story ended well, but he was close to the shipwreck, it is important to know that in the business world, meals are just another ritual, and you cannot risk doing it wrong. The way that we usually handle ourselves at the table can be useful for a family or friends gathering, but it could make us lose a business, a promotion or a new job.
Acquiring the appropriate ways to handle a business meal is not simple; it requires education and self-awareness.
If you don't want that crucial meal to be memorable, but for the wrong reasons… we recommend:
- Whether you invite or are invited, I checked the menu beforehand, and select options. Find a restaurant that provides you with a variety of meals, and take into account the preferences or needs of your guest (what foods are not eaten for health or religious reasons). Avoid coming with a voracious appetite to meet, so you can focus on the conversation Eat a snack before the appointment. Choose a simple, easy-to-eat dish that does not cause stains, splashes, or that may leave food between your teeth. Be discreet in your choices as they talk about you. Do not drink excessively, try to drink slowly and slowly. Excessive alcoholic beverage causes embarrassing situations and can spoil a business meal. Keep good manners at the table: don't speak with a mouthful of food,Do not place cell phones or any other device on the table, it is impolite. Turn off your cell phone or leave it without sound, your appointment is supposed to be planned and that moment should be completely dedicated to who we have in front of us. The way you treat service personnel or manage stress when you are in a food, also indicates how you can act under pressure in your work. The best move will be to stay calm and laugh at setbacks. Don't do something that creates an awkward situation. Maintain a proper pace of conversation, start by talking about trivial things and then, during the main course, go to the topic of your interest. If you are the one inviting, remember to arrive a few minutes before, you can Verify that the table reserved for you is appropriate, and you can also indicate to the staff that you.it is who will pay the bill (the moment you order the coffee, excuse yourself with your guests and pay discreetly).
The next time you go to a business lunch remember to plan your meeting, don't leave anything to chance.
