| Power lunches don't just happen. If you leave | | | | The business lunch includes setting up your |
| them to chance you might end up at half-power. | | | | appointment, choosing the restaurant, ordering the |
| As in all business communications, power lunches | | | | meal, managing hard-to-handle foods, tipping and |
| start well before you sit down to talk . . . or eat. | | | | ending the meeting. Stewart is internationally |
| Here's what to do before your client arrives for | | | | known through her television appearances on |
| lunch: | | | | "Good Morning America" and "The Today Show." |
| If it is up to you to suggest the restaurant, have | | | | This video will help stop you from making the |
| one in mind that will be conducive to conversation. | | | | wrong moves and pave the way for an enjoyable |
| A sports bar just doesn't make it. | | | | business lunch that should make good friends and |
| Call and make reservations. If you are familiar | | | | good clients." |
| with the restaurant and the staff, ask for a table | | | | - Ad copy for The Art of Dining: The Business |
| that will suit your meeting. | | | | Lunch |
| Call your client to confirm. Inform the client that | | | | For less than hundred dollars this wonderful |
| reservations have been made under your name. | | | | training video will repay you many times over. |
| Arrive early so you can make sure everything is | | | | You can share the video with your fellow |
| in order. | | | | employees, or keep it to yourself. |
| Talk to your waitperson and give them your | | | | The next step involved in the business or power |
| credit card. Learn the waitperson's name. | | | | lunch begins when your client arrives. The |
| Look over the menu and decide on your order. | | | | waitperson will probably show your client to your |
| Order something non-alcoholic to drink while you | | | | table and then take drink orders. |
| wait. | | | | If your client orders an alcoholic drink you should |
| Be well aware of your client's interests so you | | | | consider ordering one, but no more. |
| can easily slide in and out of small talk. | | | | The time it takes for the waitperson to reappear |
| Keep your cell phone on vibrate in case your | | | | is time for small talk about the food, about the |
| client needs to cancel. This way you'll not be kept | | | | weather, about the client's interests. |
| waiting at the table through lunch. | | | | If the client asks what's tasty and well prepared |
| Before you even think about a power lunch you | | | | at the restaurant, you can offer your favorites. |
| should of course brush up on your table manners. | | | | While the client looks over the menu, turn your |
| If you are in doubt, and even if you are pretty | | | | cell phone completely off. |
| sure, it never hurts to review proper dining | | | | When the waitperson returns ask them to list the |
| etiquette. One of my favorite etiquette training | | | | specials, and place your order. |
| programs is called The Art of Dining: The Business | | | | After the order has been placed you may begin |
| Lunch. The video covers the basics and acts as a | | | | talking about business. |
| good reminder for the steps involved as well as | | | | Enjoy the meal, enjoy the conversation, and |
| table manners. | | | | enjoy your business dealings. You both should be |
| "Hosted by Marjabella Young Stewart, this | | | | in a good mood following a well thought-out |
| program dramatically increases your social | | | | business power lunch. |
| confidence when dining as a host or guest. | | | | |