The Perils of Business Lunch - BBC News

Camilita Nuttall says it was the business lunch from hell.

It was the first time that she and a new contact had met in person.

Ms Nuttall, a UK motivational speaker, says the man gave no explanation for turning up half an hour late at a London restaurant, and then proceeded to talk purely about himself.

To add insult to injury, she says he then told her that she wasn't qualified to run her own business.

And all this while he ordered the most expensive main course, and told Ms Nuttall that she'd have to foot the entire bill.

"It was the worst," says Ms Nuttall, 42.

Perilous menu

First things first, a business lunch isn't going out for a bite to eat with your mates from the office - that's socialising with colleagues.

It is instead a business meeting, usually in a restaurant, and typically with someone from another organisation, or at least someone who doesn't work in your team.

And the conversation will include business matters - be it talk about a sale, agreement or understanding that benefits both parties.

Lots of things can go wrong during a business lunch

You might think that going for a business lunch is a simple thing, but it is in fact beset with a whole menu of potential perils and pratfalls.

From the choice of venue, to what food you pick, whether you order alcohol, and how you share the bill, any number of things can go wrong.

Talking politics and religion is almost always a complete no-no, but what if an innocent chat about current affairs quickly turns to President Trump, Brexit or Scottish independence?

We asked some etiquette experts and business coaches to guide us through the minefield.

'Avoid messy food'

The first issue for someone organising a business lunch is the choice of restaurant.

"You need to find somewhere with a careful balance of ambience," says Jenny Flintoft, a leadership consultant based in the north of England.

It is perhaps best not to order food that is messy or difficult to eat

To drink or not?

You also need to bear in mind the ethical or religious food rules that the other person may follow.

For example, ordering the foie gras followed by the veal might not be a great idea, and booking a restaurant that specialises in suckling pig could cause offence.

Picking a restaurant that specialises in pork or ham may not be a good idea

When you have reserved a table in a hopefully appropriate restaurant, one of the biggest questions that lunchtime is - to drink, or not to drink?

Hitting the booze may not be particularly wise if it is agreed before hand.

'No sex or politics'

Even without alcohol, conversations over a business lunch can all too easily go awry.

It is usually best to avoid any political debate

Ms Nuttall says there should be a number of "no-fly" discussions. "There should be absolutely no talking about sex, politics, religion, bad talking other people or companies, or negatives about your own company or theirs."

Who pays?

Should you always split the bill?

Ms Nuttall adds that she often thinks that if one of the parties has travelled a long distance, they should be treated to lunch. But normally she suggests that the bill should generally be split equally.

If you want to truly live like a champion contact me directly on: [email protected]. I mentor & inspire individuals and business owners to 'Live Like a Champion by taking the appropriate action to succeed! I'm quoted in Forbes and mentioned in Think and Grow Rich for Women. Video on my YouTube Channel.  #LinkedIn #Expert  #Entrepreneur #SocialMedia  #Coach | - To speak with me: www.meetme.so/camilitanuttall