The business of hosting Make your business dinner a success
Posted by peter88
from the Business category at
14 Jul 2011 11:11:44 pm.
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Such a reality means those trusted to host a business dinner are under a lot of pressure. However, hosts can take several steps to ensure their business dinner is likely to be remembered for all the right reasons and not the wrong ones.
Invite early
When hosting a business dinner, it's best to give prospective or existing clients at least one week's notice. Anything less than a week will seem too last-minute and might give clients the impression, whether true or false, that a host and his company are disorganized and sloppy. When taking a client to breakfast or lunch, the invitation can be extended with less than a week's notice, but no less than a few days in advance.
Make it work for you
When extending a dinner invitation to a client, hosts must be certain the night works for them. Canceling or postponing a dinner makes clients feel like they aren't a priority while also giving them the impression their hosts are disorganized. Before extending the invitation, be certain there are no scheduling conflicts the night of the dinner.
Make a reservation
Nothing is worse than taking a client to dinner and having to wait to get a table. Once the invitation is extended, make a reservation. Even if the client cannot make it, it's possible to cancel the reservation. When choosing a restaurant, look for one with an established reputation, and preferably one you have patronized in the past. Avoid restaurants with loud music or ones that are considered trendy, as such locales are often louder and less conducive to conversation.
Another thing to discuss when making the reservation are the seating arrangements. If the restaurant is known for its views, reserve a table with a great view and make sure the clients get the best seats at the table. Clients should not be looking at the wall or sitting in a busy location, such as outside the kitchen or near the bar or restroom.
Pay in advance
Not all restaurants will allow it, but when making the reservation ask if it's possible the pay the bill prior to the dinner. Ideally, the bill should not come to the table. However, if the restaurant won't allow the bill to be paid in advance, grab it once it's left on the table and then quickly look it over before paying. Never argue over the bill when hosting a client for dinner. If need be, save the receipt and call the restaurant the following day.
Confirm the dinner
The day before the dinner, call the client and confirm the date. If the client cannot make it, don't get flustered. Simply extend another invitation to a date that's yet to be determined and cancel the existing reservation.
Be the first to arrive
Hosts should arrive first and never leave a client waiting. Upon arrival, give the maitre d' your credit card. Don't be afraid to tell the maitre d' you are there for an important business dinner and consider tipping in advance. It might just lead to more attentive service throughout the night.
Be nice with the staff
Being rude to the restaurant staff or complaining loudly about the service or food will likely turn off the client. Be polite with staff and, if need be, excuse yourself from the table and discreetly discuss with the server any problems with the service away from the client and the table.
Go easy on the alcohol
Fans of the AMC television series "Mad Men" might feel the best business deals are those consummated over a couple of bottles of scotch. Though that might have been the norm in the 1960s, such an approach is largely outdated. A sipping drink, such as a glass of wine, is most appropriate, and limit yourself to one or two glasses. If the waiter is liberal with the refills and the client is taking full advantage, don't be afraid to excuse yourself from the table and discreetly ask the server to stop refilling glasses or offering another bottle.
Get down to business
Let the client talk about business whenever he or she chooses, but if business doesn't come up wait until after the main course has been completed to bring it up.
Hosting a business dinner can be stressful, but hosts can follow a formula to ensure clients get the right impression while having an enjoyable night out.
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