…to Improve Working Meals
- Learn how to improve your working meals with these quick tips
1. Prepare and organize yourself.
To make a good impression, ensure that all of your supporting documents are readily accessible, your talking points are well thought out, and you are dressed appropriately. Although held in a more relaxed atmosphere, this meeting should be taken seriously.
2. Do a test run.
If you are hosting this outing, try the restaurant at least once before your meeting to ensure that everything is as expected (ie. service, food quality, etc) – sometimes reviews aren’t entirely accurate
3. Put your phone away.
Turn it off and leave it in your car (a vibrating phone can be just as distracting as a ringing phone). The rest of your life can wait an hour until your meal is over.
4. Mind your manners.
Don’t put your elbows on the table, select your silverware from the outside in, and keep your mouth closed when you chew… basically, remember everything your parents taught you about proper etiquette at the dinner table.
5. Remember you aren’t there to eat.
Get a quick snack on your way to the meeting if necessary so you can focus on the meeting content instead of the meal itself – at the restaurant, order something easy to consume to remove distractions.
6. Wait until orders are placed to start working.
At the beginning of the meal, you will need to meet your server, consider the menu, and place your order; use that introductory time to become reacquainted with your guest and then ease into your serious topics after most of the interruptions have concluded.
7. Keep an eye on body language.
One of the benefits of an in-person conversation is the ability to observe the other person’s actions. Take full advantage of this benefit by watching for shifts in body language and adjusting your tone/conversation topics accordingly.
8. Take care of the check discretely.
The end of your meal doesn’t have to include an awkward fight over the check. Leave a credit card when you arrive (early) or excuse yourself to “go to the bathroom” (and pay the bill) during a break in conversation.
Robyn Davis - Owner, When I Need Help (WINH)
Robyn helps exhibitors improve their results at conventions and trade shows by providing on-site sales and marketing support, pre-/post-event consulting services, and convenient products. Contact Robyn to discuss your situation today!
