A business lunch with clients can be a valuable opportunity to build rapport, showcase your expertise, and advance your goals. However, it also requires careful planning, preparation, and etiquette to avoid awkward or unprofessional situations. Here are some tips to help you make the most of a business lunch with clients.
The first step is to select a suitable place for your business lunch. You want to find a balance between convenience, comfort, and quality. Avoid noisy, crowded, or cheap restaurants that might distract or annoy your clients. Instead, opt for a moderate, reputable, and quiet venue that offers a variety of dishes and caters to different dietary preferences. You can also ask your clients for their suggestions or preferences, and make a reservation in advance to secure a good table.
Whenever possible, arrive 30 min. early and scope out the best table. Beg, plead, bribe, whatever's necessary to get the staff to let you have that table. Seating is an far too often overlooked component to a successful dining experience, in business and pleasure.
Before you meet your clients for lunch, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you will communicate it. Prepare a brief and flexible agenda that outlines the main points you want to discuss, the questions you want to ask, and the actions you want to propose. You can also do some research on your clients' background, interests, and needs to personalize your conversation and show your interest. However, avoid being too pushy or salesy, and leave some room for casual and friendly talk.
Absolutely agree. Preparation and personalization are key to a successful business lunch. It's essential to strike a balance between addressing business matters and building a genuine personal connection. Having a flexible agenda ensures the conversation flows naturally while still achieving the desired objectives.
During the business lunch, you should follow some basic etiquette rules to make a good impression and avoid any faux pas. For example, you should arrive on time, dress appropriately, turn off your phone, and greet your clients warmly. You should also let your clients order first, avoid messy or smelly foods, and pay attention to your table manners. Additionally, you should be polite and respectful to the staff, avoid controversial topics, and thank your clients for their time.
One of the main goals of a business lunch is to engage your clients and build a rapport with them. You can do this by being attentive, curious, and friendly. You should listen actively to what your clients say, ask open-ended and relevant questions, and show empathy and understanding. You should also share some personal stories or anecdotes that relate to your business topic or your clients' interests, and use humor and compliments to lighten the mood and create a connection.
Employ the Depeche Mode WAIT formula: Enjoy the Silence, Why Am I Talking. It's okay to linger and not fill every quiet gap with sounds. Dale Carnegie once attended a friend's party and ended up sitting next to an elderly guest. He asked one or two questions and let the person speak for hours, long into the night. The next day he and from his friend, who told him the guest Mr. Carnegie spoke to raved about him afterwards, saying, "He was such a good conversationalist!"
Another important goal of a business lunch is to showcase your value and expertise to your clients. You can do this by highlighting your achievements, skills, and solutions that can benefit your clients. You should also use stories and examples to illustrate your points and demonstrate your credibility and authority. However, you should avoid being boastful or arrogant, and focus on how you can help your clients solve their problems or achieve their goals.
After the business lunch, you should follow up with your clients to thank them again, summarize the key takeaways, and propose the next steps. You can send a personalized email, a handwritten note, or a phone call within 24 hours of the lunch. You should also include any relevant information, documents, or links that can support your discussion or proposal. Moreover, you should keep in touch with your clients until you reach a mutual agreement or decision.
On your way out, snag a card from the restaurant, preferably a postcard if they have one. Then send that as a "Thank You" note, reminding them of your wonderful meal together.
When possible, order food that requires utensils. Why? Eating a sandwich, tacos, or some other meal with your bare hands creates a much too informal appearance. Of course this all depends on the agreed upon venue, length of acquaintance, and other details, but for a first meeting, when you anticipate shaking hands afterwards, stick to the fork, spoon, and knife (or chopsticks).