Rules to follow in Business Entertaining Etiquettes

Entertaining associates clients and customers forms a crucial part of an executive work life. Agenda may simply be discussing business. Venue may be  varied  like a  board room  meeting, breakfast, lunch, dinner in a  restaurant, club,  or officers mess, a game  of golf course or at home.  To succeed in a business it is important to understand the etiquette of entertaining in your dining room

DO & Don’ts

Immaculate professional attire & appearance are absolutely necessary/imperative.

Pay close attention to your clothes, shoes, grooming, hairstyles and accessories. When in doubt, it is letter to err in conservative sensibilities.

Be on your best behavior always. Be positive. Be conscious and respectful not just with the guests but also others around you.

Pay attention to your body language, maintain an erect posture.  Smile naturally and have comfortable eye contact with people. 

Send invitation in time, Telephonic invitations to be followed by written ones.

Reconfirm the details either in the morning or prior evening.

Include advice on dress code. Ensure you   adhere to the dress code.

Keep the preference of your guests in mind when deciding the menu/restaurant.

Study the cultural variation and make it a point to accommodate their needs, customs and preferences.

Select the restaurant you are familiar with.  Reserve the table in a desirable   location to afford max privacy.

You should be first to arrive at venue and greet the guests.  Welcome everyone with a warm handshake and smile.

Address your guests by formal names like Mr/Mrs/Miss.  Never by first name   until invited to do so.

Introduce your guests to one another by mentioning their full names job and position.

Remember meeting etiquette is like stage lighting.  People only notice when it is bad.

In a social scene do not directly jump in and start talking shop.  Build support in casual conversation.

Find out guests interests, hobbies first while steering clear from controversial topics like politics, religion personal finance or gossip.

Take cues from your guests as to how comfortable   they are with getting personal.

On purely social evening try to keep business conversation to minimum.

Be a good conversationalist by engaging everyone. Be a good listener and encourage people talks about themselves.

If you have to toast a guest prepare a short humorous one, and do it while standing up.  Never drink while you yourself are being toasted.

If it is sit down  meal, never  sit down  until all guests  are seated,  As the host your  guest expect you to start eating first.

Wait till everyone is served before starting. Don’t delay unnecessary either.

Observe proper dining manners not burping, chewing with your mouth closed and not talking while food in your mouth.

Keep your elbows off the table, use the napkins and proper cutlery.

If circulating around, keep your drink/ food into your left hand so that right hand is always free.

Appear organized calm and in control.  Mishap are bound to occur, resolve it deftly, apologies for the faux pass and move on with confidence.

Make sure your guests are having good time in a relaxed atmosphere.

Host alone foots the bill. Make arrangements to pre pay the bill or settle it discreetly.

 
In the end thank   your each guest separately and see them off at the door.  Try to make it a personalized token gift with a message